My Top Ten Judy Garland Movies
Born Frances Ethel Gumm on the 10 June 1922 in Minnesota her stage career started aged two in a dance act with her older sisters Mary Jane and Virginia. Although already signed to MGM aged 13 and renamed Judy Garland her film career did not officially start until Louis B. Mayer heard her sing 'You Made Me Love You' at Clark Gable's Birthday party. Tragically her star burned too bright and Judy passed away on 22 June 1969 in Chelsea, London aged 47. Movies shown in Chronological Order, it's easier that way.
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- DirectorRoy Del RuthStarsRobert TaylorEleanor PowellGeorge MurphySteve Raleigh wants to produce a show on Broadway. He finds a backer, Herman Whipple and a leading lady, Sally Lee, however his wife Caroline Whipple forces Steve to use a known star, not a newcomer. Sally purchases a horse she used to train when her parents had a farm before the depression and with two ex-vaudevillians, Sonny Ledford and Peter Trott she trains it to win a race, providing the money Steve needs for his show.This was her second movie with MGM after initially being loaned to 20th Century Fox; Judy was never loaned out again. You've seen the plot a thousand times, but the songs, those lovely songs. "I'm just another fan of yours, and I thought I'd write and tell you so." 'You Made Me Love You I Didn't Want To Do It' - Betty Clayton.
- DirectorsVictor FlemingKing VidorStarsJudy GarlandFrank MorganRay BolgerYoung Dorothy Gale and her dog Toto are swept away by a tornado from their Kansas farm to the magical Land of Oz and embark on a quest with three new friends to see the Wizard, who can return her to her home and fulfill the others' wishes.At 16 Judy had to wear a corset to look younger for this popular film based on the children's books by L. Frank Baum. I have not met anyone yet who is not familiar with this movie; love it or loathe it 'Wizard' is one of Hollywood's Landmark productions. "Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas any more." 'Over The Rainbow' - Dorothy Gale.
- DirectorBusby BerkeleyStarsMickey RooneyJudy GarlandPaul WhitemanA high school boy wants to become a professional musician, and his gal pal wants to become his best girl. They work together staging big band shows with fellow classmates in the hopes of hitting it big.I like this Oscar winning film because of the involvement of Paul Whiteman and his Orchestra in the plot. One of nine films that Judy starred alongside Mickey Rooney, this is not a great musical but it is a charming film. Busby Berkley delivers delightful dances and you will need the tissues. "Take that boy on the street. Teach him to blow a horn and he'll never blow a safe." 'Nobody' - Mary Holden.
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsJudy GarlandMargaret O'BrienMary AstorYoung love and childish fears highlight a year in the life of a turn-of-the-century family.Directed by Vincente Minnelli, her future mentor and husband, this was Judy's first colour film since 'The Wizard of Oz'. Judy looked radiant and the songs were great, definitely a whole box of tissues required. "Oh, Tootie, don't cry. Don't cry, it's all right. You can build other snow people in New York." 'The Trolley Song' - Esther Smith.
- DirectorsVincente MinnelliFred ZinnemannStarsJudy GarlandRobert WalkerJames GleasonIn 1945, during a 48-hour leave, a soldier accidentally meets a girl at Pennsylvania Station and spends his leave with her, eventually falling in love with the lovely New Yorker.Vincent Minnelli directs Judy in a romantic drama, meeting Corporal Joe Allen (Robert Walker) on a two day furlough in New York and showing him the sights. You will never guess what happens, but Judy proves that she is not just a singing hoofer. "Joe, Joe, Joe, darling, Joe. I thought I'd lost you. I didn't know where to look." 'If I Had You' (Background only) - Alice Maybery.
- DirectorGeorge SidneyStarsJudy GarlandRay BolgerJohn HodiakOn a train trip West to become a mail-order bride, Susan Bradley meets a cheery crew of young women travelling out to open a "Harvey House" restaurant at a remote whistle-stop.It's back to singing and dancing in this tribute to the pioneering women of the fast food outlets. Judy is a mail order bride who ends up as a waitress and sings her heart out with a great cast. Alma to Susan "I sent my picture into one of those Lonely Hearts Clubs and they sent it back, saying "We're NOT that lonely!"" 'On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe' - Susan Bradley.
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsJudy GarlandGene KellyWalter SlezakA girl is engaged to the local rich man, but meanwhile she has dreams about the legendary pirate Macoco. A traveling singer falls in love with her and to impress her he poses as the pirate.Vincent Minnelli takes the helm in this period rom/ com/ musical starring Gene Kelly as Judy's leading man and dream boat. The lesson to be learned is to be careful what you wish for..... "Someday Macoco is going to swoop down upon me like a chicken hawk and carry me away." 'Be a Clown' - Manuela.
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsJudy GarlandFred AstairePeter LawfordA nightclub performer hires a naive chorus girl to become his new dance partner to make his former partner jealous and to prove he can make any partner a star.This time Fred Astaire takes the male lead in this colourful extravaganza about love and showbusiness and romance. Ann Miller takes a fair share of the limelight in this excellent musical which won an Oscar for the music. "What color are my eyes?" 'A Couple of Swells' - Hannah Brown.
- DirectorRobert Z. LeonardStarsJudy GarlandVan JohnsonS.Z. SakallIn turn-of-the century Chicago, Andrew and Veronica are co-workers in a music shop who dislike one another during business hours but unwittingly carry on an anonymous romance through the mail.Judy's penultimate movie with MGM and Liza Minnelli's screen debut has a familiar plot, about two work colleagues who cannot stand each other, but are unbeknown pen pals at the same time. Think Tom Hanks & Meg Ryan with music. Not a great film but fun to watch, look out for Buster Keaton. "Psychologically, I'm very confused, but personally I feel just wonderful." 'Put Your Arms Around Me' - Veronica Fisher.
- DirectorGeorge CukorStarsJudy GarlandJames MasonJack CarsonA fading matinee idol helps a young singer and actress find fame, even as age and alcoholism send his own career on a downward spiral.Director George Cukor's 37th film, first musical and his first full production in colour. An excellent tearjerker, this movie was nominated for six Academy Awards and is one of Warner Brothers finest productions. Leading man James Mason was magnificent as the failing star Norman Maine who discovers and sponsers Judy's character. "Hello, everybody. This is Mrs. Norman Maine." 'The Man That Got Away' - Vicki Lester/ Esther Blodgett.
