ONE of the most entertaining films to come from Hollywood's MGM studios is being well rehearsed in readiness for performing at Blackpool's Grand Theatre.

Blackpool Operatic Players are putting the polish on their production of the toe-tappin' musical Singin' in the Rain which you can see live from 8 to 12 April.

With energetically choreographed dance routines, fine vocal singing and a highly talented cast, this is sure to be another hit for the award-winning society.

The story of the show centres on Movieland in the late 1920s, when the introduction of talking pictures is striking terror to the heart of every silent film star.

For those such as glamorous queen of the silver screen, Lina Lamont, for whom words of two syllables represent a major challenge, the mysteries of the microphone are unfathomable. The solution, devised by her matinee idol co-star Don Lockwood, and his partner Cosmo Brown, is to dub Lina's voice, have her mouth the words while they are actually spoken or sung by a young extra, Kathy Selden.

It works and the popularity of Lina and Don soars as their relieved fans find that their idols can actually talk. But as the trio works its off-screen magic to save bitchy Lina's career, Don finds himself falling in love with Kathy and is appalled to realise that he and his scheme have permanently ruined her career. His subsequent public unmasking of Lina -- and the real talent of the voice behind her -- resolves everything, sends Kathy to stardom and open the possibility of marriage to Don.

Singin' in the Rain is an undoubted masterpiece and remains the finest, most durable musical to come out of Hollywood. Just mention the name and the film -- and scenes such as Gene Kelly dancing in and out of puddles and wonderful songs as Good Morning and Moses Supposes automatically spring to mind.

The Players are very mindful of this and have not overlooked a detail the audience would expect -- there will be rain on stage and Stephen Hagan, playing the Gene Kelly role, will be getting a soaking!

Tickets for the show are now available from the Grand Theatre box office, telephone number 290190.