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Auction PR Publicity Announcements News and Information

Gene Kelly Singin In The Rain Suit Sold At Heritage Auctions In Dallas

The grey wool suit that Gene Kelly wore in 1952 in the centerpiece number of the beloved MGM Hollywood musical “Singin’ in the Rain” — arguably one of the most famous musical numbers in all film history — realized more than $106,250 as part of Heritage Auctions Entertainment & Music event on Thursday, more than five times the pre-auction estimate.

Gene Kelly Singin In The RainThe suit was purchased by Planet Hollywood International, which plans to display the suit at one of its properties, though it has not yet decided which one.

“Planet Hollywood has the world’s largest assemblage of memorabilia and we’re thrilled and excited to add this iconic piece to our collection,” said Robert Earl, chairman and founder of Planet Hollywood International. “Gene Kelly’s suit from ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ is one of the most important costumes from American cinematic history and we are very proud to have purchased it today.”

The suit recently surfaced in Northern California after retired Postal Service worker and memorabilia collector, Gerald Sola, brought the suit into Heritage Auctions’ San Francisco offices. Sola purchased the suit off the rack at the famous MGM lot sale in 1970 and kept it lovingly for more than four decades, in his closet, in Northern California.

“I took it off the rack and looked at it,” said Sola. “I noticed right away that there were water stains in the jacket. I knew right away what it was from so I bought it.” The price? $10.