When Singin' in the Rain begins, we see a Don Lockwood/Lina Lamont premiere while celebrities arrive. Lockwood and Lamont arrive, and the crowds go crazy; they are the most popular pair in Hollywood. Don gives credit to his friend, Cosmo Brown, who helped him start his career.

Don tells the crowd that his motto is "Dignity, always dignity." While he tells the story of his and Cosmo's career that makes them sound well-bred and loved, we see the true story on screen: two kids who worked their way up throw terrible vaudeville acts. After getting stranded in California, they finally get a job at Monumental Pictures. Don actually gets his big break as stunt man before being picked by R.F. Simpson, the head of the studio, to star in a picture with Lina Lamont. Don and Lina's relationship has always been rocky...