Top 10 Movie Sidekicks

Naturally, Gene Kelly sings the title song in Singin’ in the Rain. But as the dashing lead’s best friend, Cosmo Brown, Donald O’Connor sings what could be the theme for sidekicks everywhere — “Make ‘Em Laugh.” Instead of twirling umbrellas and splashing in puddles, he walks into walls, does backflips off others and gets hit by wood planks (repeatedly). It’s a remarkable sequence, but not Cosmo’s only number. He’s central to “Fit as a Fiddle,” “Moses Supposes” and “Good Morning.” As befitting a sidekick, Cosmo works behind the scenes — as a pianist for the movie studio — while his former vaudeville partner, Don Lockwood, is the bona fide star. Cosmo, though, has the better sense of humor.

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