With Count Bassie and his band on a plain sound stage and Judy Garland singing, who could ask for anything more? Especially when Judy makes her entrance singing Richard Rodgers' newest hit, music AND lyrics, and the weak, forced comedy of Jerry Van Dyke can't lessen that impact when he tries to reprise it on his off key banjo. How do you make a banjo sound off key? But Judy playfully puts him in his place. Once again, comedy outside of Judy threatens to weaken a practically perfect show, so viewers may want to fast forward through the exchange between Jerry and Mel Torme to get back to Judy, the count, and the music.
Giving credit to Mel, his rendition of "Fascinating Rhythm" is quite upbeat, highlighted by his drum playing with the instruments scattered all over the soundstage. The simple set also helps. The banter between Judy and Count Bassie is quite touching, very sincere in her admiration for him, and vice versa. If Judy was having issues during the filming of this episode, it certainly doesn't show.
There's another Judy on this episode, someone named Judy Henske who sings "God Bless the Child", another really big voice, and quite stunning to hear. She's also quite funny in her line delivery. Too bad "Funny Girl" on Broadway had its lead already. Van Dyke, having already tried to get laughs with an electric banjo, does add minor amusement in his trio number with her and Mel. It's easy to see why Garland insisted on changes, and Jerry's attempts to emulate his more famous brother are irritating. But as long as Judy sings, you do indeed get the sweetest sounds you ever heard.
Giving credit to Mel, his rendition of "Fascinating Rhythm" is quite upbeat, highlighted by his drum playing with the instruments scattered all over the soundstage. The simple set also helps. The banter between Judy and Count Bassie is quite touching, very sincere in her admiration for him, and vice versa. If Judy was having issues during the filming of this episode, it certainly doesn't show.
There's another Judy on this episode, someone named Judy Henske who sings "God Bless the Child", another really big voice, and quite stunning to hear. She's also quite funny in her line delivery. Too bad "Funny Girl" on Broadway had its lead already. Van Dyke, having already tried to get laughs with an electric banjo, does add minor amusement in his trio number with her and Mel. It's easy to see why Garland insisted on changes, and Jerry's attempts to emulate his more famous brother are irritating. But as long as Judy sings, you do indeed get the sweetest sounds you ever heard.