Little Known Facts - "Singing in the Rain"

I'm happy again...

Best estimates measure the amount of rainwater contacting Gene Kelly during the filming of his famous scene at: 15 gallons per "take", or 60 cups, @4 liters.  Remember that he held an umbrella "up" for much of the performance and that some of the rainwater was from his splashing all over the place.  The scene required all or part of 21 takes to have enough material to be edited into a seamless product.  In order to have a dry pair of taps to use, the studio hired a cobbler to keep all 74 pairs in top condition. That cobbler tested the taps personally and it was coincidence that he was observed putting the shoes through their paces by the chief choreographer and was offered a part in Brigadoon.  Do you know which dancing star got their big break that way?  Originally the rain bit was a duet with Donald O'Connor but while Gene had an athletic build and  wore a 9C shoe, Don followed after the Buddy Ebsen School of Mud Whackers,  and  wore an 11 1/2 D.  He repeatedly hydroplaned during filming, even sliding right off the set.  His shots were eventually edited out of the scene.