“Now you got to have friends. You know the feeling’s oh so strong. You got to have friends. To make that day last long!” (Buzzy Linhart, Mark Kingman, 1973).
This month as we continue our Focus on Friendship, we find Cosmo Brown and Don Lockwood. Best friends in the Silent Movie Era.
Welcome to the August 2021 Edition ~ Singin’ in the Rain~ Lifelong Friends.
Cosmo is the epitome of the best friend. According to Don, “Any story of my career would have to include my lifelong friend, Cosmo Brown. We were kids together, grew up together, worked together.”
They worked together as musicians in “the finest symphonic halls and learned dance at the conservatory of fine arts.” As their friendship grows, so do their careers. Together they became background musicians for Monumental Pictures and were in the right place at the right time when a Lina Lamont picture needed a stuntman. Don steps up and is noticed by studio head RF Simpson and is elevated to leading man and becomes one half of the screen duo, Lamont and Lockwood.
As Don’s star rises, Cosmo becomes Don’s reality check. After being insulted by Kathy Seldon (“The personalities on the screen just don’t impress me. They don’t talk; they don’t act; they just make a lot of dumb show.”), Don seeks reassurance from his friend:
Don: “Listen, Cos, tell me the truth, am I a good actor? You’re my pal. You can tell me the truth.”
Cosmo: “What’s the matter with you? Of course, you’re good.”
Don: “Maybe you better keep telling me from time to time. I feel a little shaken.”
Don and Kathy meet again when she jumps out of a cake and races out of his life.
As the story continues, Kathy and her words remain on Don’s mind. When Cosmo, again the voice of reality, suggests, “she’s the first girl who hasn’t fallen for your line since you were four.” Don laments, “she’s on my conscience. I have to find her.” Cosmo counters with encouragement (“you been trying to, haven’t you? Short of sending out bloodhounds and a posse?”), and a song and dance to “Make’em Laugh” and lift his spirits.
Spirits on the rise, RF Simpson announces sound, and the movie musical is coming to Monumental Pictures. To Don’s delight and Cosmo’s relief (“we been looking for you in every cake in town.”), Kathy is in the chorus of one of these musicals.
As Kathy transitions from harsh critic to love interest, we as an audience might expect Cosmo to transform as well. After all, the guidebooks musicals are filled with them. The best friend turns into the second fiddle (Jeff Douglas, Brigadoon). The best friend, or third wheel (Johnny Harrow, Easter Parade). The seemingly best friend allows jealousy to change friendship to rivalry (Ted Hanover, Holiday Inn).
However, Cosmo Brown is first, last, and always a best friend. He seeks only to support Don and Kathy in their relationship and careers. As their romance grows, he cautions them not to be seen outside the theatre at the preview of The Dueling Cavalier. When the film flops during the same preview, Cosmo brainstorms to save Lockwood and Lamont. ( “The new Don Lockwood. He yodels. He jumps about to music. Why don’t you turn The Dueling Cavalier into a musical?”) However, this newfound enthusiasm is short-lived when Cosmo, Don, and Kathy realize Lina is an obstacle to the film’s success. (“She can’t sing, she can’t act, and she can’t dance!”) Until Cosmo’s brilliant idea. Use Kathy’s voice as a substitute for Lena’s, change the story to a young broadway hoofer, and title it The Dancing Cavalier. The scheme rescues a ruined film and salvages four careers!
As The Dancing Cavalier premieres, Lina schemes to keep Kathy in the background. (“Seldon, you’re sunk! You have a five-year contract. You’ll do what R.F. says!”), Kathy is forced to dub Lina’s voice at a live performance and vows never to see Don again “on or off the screen.”
However, in the film’s final moments, best friend Cosmo saves his friend’s relationship when he dubs the last verse of Singing in the Rain. Thus, outing Kathy as the star of the show. He then assumes the role of the orchestra conductor as Don and Kathy embrace and sing You Are My Lucky Star.
Cosmo Brown teaches us some valuable lessons about friendship. A valued friend sees you for the person you are, applauds your success, lifts you in troubled times, and supports you as your life and loves move you forward. I see many friends when I look at Cosmo. I hope you see at least one.
~~Lori
