Search Results for: blog in the good old summertime 1949

In The Good Old Summertime (1949)

“You’ve Got Mail” (1998) is a remake of an old Jimmy Stewart movie by the name of “The Shop Around the Corner,” made in 1940. What I did not know is that “In the Good Old Summertime” is also a remake of “Shop,” filmed in 1949 and starring Van Johnson and Judy Garland. Set around the turn of the century, “Summertime” is the story of a young man named Andrew Larkin (Van Johnson), head clerk at a music store. In his eagerness to get to the post office one morning, he runs down a young woman named Veronica Fisher (Judy … Continue reading →

Strike Up the Band (1940)

I would be a neglectful movie reviewer indeed if I thought I could discuss classic movies without giving a nod to the team of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Arguably the most famous teenaged duo of Hollywood history, these two teamed up for several films that were loved by the younger set and the older set as well. “Strike Up the Band” stars Rooney as Jimmy Connors, a young man who plays the drums in his high school band. He wants to have his own orchestra someday and play for dances at clubs, but his mother has her heart set … Continue reading →

The Clock (1945)

Imagine for a minute that a world-class chef comes and knocks on your door, volunteering to make you a nice meal, whatever you want. Do you ask him to make you a peanut butter sandwich? Of course not. Anyone can make a sandwich – it would be demeaning to his talents to ask him for something that anyone could make. This is exactly the case with “The Clock,” starring Judy Garland and Robert Walker. Anyone could have been in this movie. Judy’s talents were not showcased at all – it was demeaning to her. She stars as Alice Mayberry, a … Continue reading →

Miracle in the Rain (1956)

“Miracle in the Rain” is a romantic melodrama starring Jane Wyman as Ruth Wood, a shy secretary whose life is devoted to the care of her ailing mother. Years before, Ruth’s father left them, and her mother tried to kill herself. Now she’s in a deep depression and Ruth only leaves her to go to work and to do the shopping. The rest of Ruth’s time is spent in the care of her mother, who uses her depression as a tool to keep Ruth close. She spends her time poisoning Ruth’s mind against men, telling her that men will bring … Continue reading →

Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939)

I stayed up late last night watching “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” and was once again awe-struck at what a good actor Jimmy Stewart was. This film is a masterpiece of acting. Mr. Jim Taylor has been pulling the strings in his state’s senate for years. He bought the Governor his seat and has been arranging the senators for longer than that. When his appointed patsy unexpectedly passes away, he needs a new one, and fast. He tells the Governor who to appoint, but the public reaction is such that the Governor doesn’t dare proceed. Instead, he appoints the man … Continue reading →

The Harvey Girls (1946)

Way back when the west was young and the Santa Fe Railroad was being built, entrepreneur Fred Harvey set up a chain of restaurants along the railway for the hungry, weary passengers to get a good meal and rest up. Each location boasted good food, efficient waitresses, and thick, juicy steaks. In this 1946 Judy Garland film, we see her as Susan Bradley, a mail order bride, come to New Mexico to marry a man she’s only met through letters. When she arrives in town, she finds that the man she’s supposed to marry is not the man who wrote … Continue reading →

Summer Stock (1950)

Gene Kelly and Judy Garland team up again to bring us “Summer Stock.” I have to warn you; yes, it is a movie about a show producer who needs a place to put on a show and he finds a barn to do it in. Yes, it is a movie about the shy young girl who ends up starring in the show, bringing the house down, ending up with the handsome lead actor and saving the farm. But you know what – I liked it anyway. Jane (Judy Garland) is the responsible older sister. Left the family farm by her … Continue reading →

For Me and My Gal

“For Me and My Gal” stars Gene Kelly in his first movie after a successful run on stage with “Pal Joey.” His costar is Judy Garland, about which Kelly was very grateful. She was an old hand in Hollywood by this time and Kelly was heard to express gratitude to her for the way she showed him the ropes. Kelly plays Harry Palmer, a song and dance man with amazing confidence in himself. Garland is Jo Hayden, also a fixture on the Vaudeville circuit, traveling with a small group of comedians and singers. When they are all booked to play … Continue reading →