1954
Directed by George Cukor
Judy Garland is such a weird actress. Something about her has always unsettled me. Maybe it is because The Wizard of Oz and Meet Me In St. Louis were so creepy or maybe the blackface she wore in Babes In Arms is still rather fresh in my memory. Still, this is probably the best movie I have seen her in; it's almost like she was made for the role.
This movie is about a drunk actor who makes Judy Garland into a star. He changes her, she thinks she can change him. These things rarely end well.
So this was an interesting film albeit way too long, clocking in at three hours. That is just way too long for a musical, especially when virtually every song sounds the same. This is one of the first musicals I have seen on the list that has an actual deep plot. You can see what is happening, but there is no stopping it. It is especially poignant if you know Judy Garland's real life story.
Like I said, the songs aren't very original. I have never been a huge fan of Garland's singing either; just way too low for me. Still, worth a watch.
RATING: ***--
Interesting Facts:
Judy Garland was hit so hard in the film when James Mason's character slapped her, that the whole side of her face was bruised.
Groucho Marx reportedly said that Judy Garland not winning an Oscar for her performance was the "biggest robbery since Brink's."
