Complete credited cast: | |||
Judy Garland | ... | Jane Falbury | |
Gene Kelly | ... | Joe D. Ross | |
Eddie Bracken | ... | Orville Wingait | |
Gloria DeHaven | ... | Abigail Falbury (as Gloria De Haven) | |
Marjorie Main | ... | Esme | |
Phil Silvers | ... | Herb Blake | |
Ray Collins | ... | Jasper G. Wingait | |
Nita Bieber | ... | Sarah Higgins | |
Carleton Carpenter | ... | Artie | |
Hans Conried | ... | Harrison I. Keath |
As a favor to her actress sister Abigail, New England farmer Jane Falbury allows a group of actors use her barn as a theater for their play. In return, the cast and crew have to help her with the farm chores. During rehearsals, Jane finds herself falling for the show's director, Joe Ross, who also happens to be engaged to the show's leading lady-- Abigail. Written by Daniel Bubbeo <dbubbeo@cmp.com>
One reviewer claimed Judy Garland looked overweight and uncomfortable, and to some extent, I agree. She was poorly costumed in ridiculous looking overalls for much of the film. In the black/white show number, while most of the girls wore sleek showgirl outfits, Ms. Garland's dress looked like someone got it stuck in a sewing machine.
That said, I adored this movie because of the performances. Gene Kelly is absolutely stunning...a gorgeous man with a gorgeous voice and dance ability that would make the best Broadway "hoofer" jealous. His scenes and songs with Judy were top-notch.
I had never seen this film until recently, and I was delighted to see "Get Happy" was a part of this film. It's one of the highlights of the movie, along with a special tap dance routine Gene Kelly has with a creaky floorboard and a piece of newspaper (wow, is all I can say about that one).
See this movie because of the stars...they carried it. A truly fun and enjoyable film, despite its flaws.