1h 38min | Comedy, Family, Musical | 22 November 1940
Director: Norman Taurog
Stars: Judy Garland, George Murphy, Charles Winninger
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0032718/
With JG & GM in the cast, I was hoping for some good dancing. Unfortunately, this is a period piece covering 2 generations of Nellie, and the elder Nellie dies in childbirth long before the swing era. GM plays the husband of elder Nellie, father of younger, so by the time JG is old enough to dance with GM, he's too old to leap about the way he should. They do have a social dance together, very father/daughter.
JG sings some songs, including a swing update of Singin' in the Rain. There are couple of songs by George M. Cohan (the author of the original play), and one by Roger Edens (plus a traditional song adapted by him).
JG acts up a storm, and is well matched to her costars. The conflict driving the plot is resolved well. Her party gown for the finale is a great blend of glamour and youth; very pretty.
MGM, dir. Taurog; 6+
