The Harvey Girls (1946)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

George Sidney

Writers:

Samuel Hopkins Adams (novel) and
Eleanore Griffin (story) ...

Release Date:

18 January 1946 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Music | Western

Tagline:

It's Blazing, Blistering Romance . . . in the wide open spaces !

Plot:

On a train trip West to become a mail order bride Susan Bradley meets a cheery crew of young women traveling...

Plot Keywords:

Mail Order Bride | Restaurant | Train | Saloon | Saloon Girl

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 1 nomination

Cast

Judy Garland	...	Susan Bradley
John Hodiak	...	Ned Trent
Ray Bolger	...	Chris Maule
Angela Lansbury	...	Em
Preston Foster	...	Judge Sam Purvis
Virginia O'Brien	...	Alma from Ohio
Kenny Baker	...	Terry O'Halloran
Marjorie Main	...	Sonora Cassidy
Chill Wills	...	H.H. Hartsey
Selena Royle	...	Miss Bliss
Cyd Charisse	...	Deborah Andrews
Ruth Brady	...	Ethel
Jack Lambert	...	Marty Peters
Edward Earle	...	Jed Adams
Morris Ankrum	...	Rev. Claggett

Runtime:

102 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Westrex Recording System)

Certification:

Australia:G | Finland:S | Sweden:15 | USA:Approved (PCA #10927)

Filming Locations:

Iverson Ranch, Chatsworth, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

In the big production number "on the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe", from Judy Garland's entrance until the tempo change is one take. Rumor has it they only shot it twice and she was dead on both times.

Goofs:

Continuity: During the fire at the Harvey House while fighting the bad guys, Ned Trent has a tablecloth wrapped around his neck. Seconds later it's draped over his left shoulder.

Quotes:

Alma: [talking to Susan Bradley] I sent my picture into one of those Lonely Hearts Clubs and they sent it back, saying "We're NOT that lonely!"

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Biography: Andy Williams" (2003)

Soundtrack:

It's a Great Big World

They just don't make 'em like this anymore

Ah...The Harvey Girls!

What can I say? In the mood for a little escapism? Do you enjoy classic Hollywood musicals? This MGM extravaganza is not to be missed!

Garland at her winsome best in material specifically tailored to her considerable talents - this is just before everything really started to sour in her professional life, and she never looked better. The material she's given to work with not only gives her the classic "Atchison, Topeka & the Santa Fe" to perform, but some wonderful comedic bits as well.

In the ensemble numbers, you can actually see her, as well as the rest of the cast, enjoying the moment as they filmed.

Beautifully photographed - a superb supporting cast who all get a moment to shine including Ray Bolger, Virginia O'brien, Marjorie Main, a very young Cyd Charisse and a stunning young Angela Lansbury.

MGM at the peak of it's creative and artistic powers - must see viewing for any fan of "The Golden Age" of Hollywood - check it out!