'Singin' in the Rain' — For David

Overview

For 73 years now, since the film first danced into cinemas in June 1952, there's never been a bad time to see the musical delight that is Singin' in the Rain on the big screen. Head to the Randwick Ritz's session at 2pm on Sunday, September 7, 2025, however, and you'll be doing more than revelling in movie magic and playing tribute to an all-time classic.

The Gene Kelly-, Debbie Reynolds- and Donald O'Connor-starring Singin' in the Rain was David Stratton's favourite film. Accordingly, at a session presented by Sydney Film Festival — where Stratton was the Director between 1966–83 — the iconic flick is getting a spin to honour one of its biggest fans, as well as a glorious figure in Australian film culture, after his death in August 2025.

Heading along means being a part of this ode to Stratton, and also trying not to tap your toes to the movie's musical numbers such as 'Good Morning', 'Make 'Em Laugh', 'Gotta Dance' and, of course, the titular 'Singin' in the Rain'.

If you've somehow missed the 1920s-set film so far, Singin' in the Rain charts a story of romance and stardom, as silent film star Don Lockwood (Kelly) tries to adjust to the age of talking pictures, and aspiring actress Kathy Selden (Reynolds) tries to make her big break. It was actually crafted around a heap of existing songs, such the eponymous track, 'Make 'Em Laugh' and 'Good Morning'.

Outside of the cinema, you can also check out Stratton and Margaret Pomeranz's star on the Australian Film Walk of Fame.