1h 44min | Comedy, Musical, Romance | 29 April 1943
Director: Norman Taurog
Stars: Judy Garland, Van Heflin, Fay Bainter
Ernst Matray ... dance director
Charles Walters ... choreographer: finale (uncredited)
Probably should be in the Tap! Appendix for the finale, which includes some tapping. By far the best part of this film is Charles Walters, JG's dance partner in the finale, starting in sc28 through sc29. He's handsome, agile, and moves in a more modern way than most white dancers, with his neck and hips, not just his legs and arms. JG moves with him, but in a more traditional way. I remembered this film for their number. Although what I remembered wasn't there, its elements were: lots of hopping and lots of avoiding the too-tall hat she wears. The way he makes his entrance is cute. The set is scary: when they dance under the suspended bandstand, I'm distracted. The fact that they're dancing to Broadway Rhythm is disappointing; some Freed/Brown songs were over-used.
The rest of the film is 6, 6-. JG wants to be a dramatic actress, not a musical star. Other than the 3 songs of the finale, JG sings 4 others, but other people sing 4 other songs too. Despite those stats, somehow it seems musical numbers are not the emphasis of performing, at least not with JG.
The + is for the finale.
MGM, dir. Taurog; 6+
