Way, way back in High School I set out to watch every single one of Judy Garland’s movies. Several I’ve rewatched many times since, others I had no desire to see again. Now, in honor of the centennial of her birth, I thought I’d do something with this knowledge and make a quick write up of my thoughts on all of them...
Title: Babes on Broadway
Release Year: 1941
Plot Summary: Another “Lets Put On A Show” musical, this time Mickey Rooney’s playing Tommy, a struggling song and dance man who resorts to some dubious fundraising methods in order to raise the money to stage his show on Broadway. Garland is Penny, the girl he falls for along the way, refreshingly she spends less time pining here than in previous installments and has more of an independent streak.
Thoughts: The plot to this movie is very convoluted, even by Rooney/Garland standards, but it might be the vehicle that best depicts their characters’ budding romance. The highlight of the film is their performance of "How About You?" staged in a simple setting with only the two of them, relying on their natural chemistry that grew out of a genuine off-screen friendship. Of all the numbers they did together over the years this is the one that best captures what made them such a popular duo.
That number, and a couple other showstoppers, might be enough to overcome the weak plot, if it wasn’t for the fact that the movie’s big finale is an extended minstrel show, with the main cast in blackface. On the bright side, this will be the last time we encounter a blackface number in this watch through (assuming I’m not forgetting anything).
Can Be Enjoyed By: Diehard Fans Only | Casual Fans/Fans of Musicals in General | Essential Viewing for Everyone