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Summer Stock
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by MGM (Warner)
Sales Rank: 1878
Price: $19.98
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Judy Garland managed to subdue her ongoing medical problems long enough to make <I>Summer Stock</I> in 1950, her last film with MGM and longtime collaborator Gene Kelly. In a throwback to Garland's "let's put on a show" films with Mickey Rooney, Kelly plays a theater director who sets up in Garland's barn to prepare his musical, but Garland has other ideas. Romantic entanglements ensue, of course, and Eddie Bracken, Phil Silvers, and Marjorie Main are on hand to lend comedic support. Following his mostly forgettable score in 1949's <I>The Barkleys of Broadway</I>, Harry Warren contributes another mostly forgettable score, though it's complemented with a few ringers from other songwriters. There are many enjoyable moments, however, including a lot of tap from Kelly. He and Garland share a tap duel at a square dance turned lindy hop, and Garland performs her classic "Get Happy" routine in a black jacket and fedora. Kelly also performs a solo number to "You Wonderful You" with no gimmicks--just a darkened stage, a squeaky floorboard, and a sheet of newspaper. <I>--David Horiuchi</I>
Viewer Reviews
"Summer Stock" has always been one of my favorite movies. Because it's the type of old movie that everyone can enjoy. There's singing and dancing and lots of laughs and drama and theatrics. In this picture Miss Judy Garland (may she rest in peace) stars as Jane Falbury, a farmer who reluctantly allows a theater company to stay on at her farm to rehearse for their big performance. I know the story is a little hockey, but does that matter, really?
This is the very first time I ever saw a picture with Mr. Gene Kelly (playing the male lead, Joe Ross) and he was absolutely perfect. Anyone could tell that there was a lot of magic and chemistry between him and Miss Garland because when they were on the screen together it was always amazing to watch.
My favorite part in the movie is at the end when Jane does her big "Get Happy" number. I couldn't believe how different Miss Garland appeared because it wasn't just different makeup and lightening, she managed to change her entire appearance and she looked beautiful (as, always).
To me, this movie has always been a reminder to be kind and compassionate to others. To love my fellow (wo)man and not to judge others in haste. To remember that we're all entitled to the same dignity and respect. And perhaps most important "Summer Stock" taught me that sometimes in life things don't always turn out the way we envisioned and you know what, that's OK, too.
Like the star Miss Garland herself, absolutely everyone will fall in love with this film. If you haven't seen "Summer Stock" what are you waiting for? Go out and get the DVD, or if your pinching a few pennies these days (and who isn't?) just wait for it to come on TCM (it usually comes on at least once every other month).
There has never been another entertainer, performer, singer, dancer, actress, comedienne and shero than the one and only Miss Judy Garland. This is her movie.
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Last Modified : 1-9-2009
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