Year: 1944
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Country: US
Language: English
Famed actress Judy Garland originally wanted nothing to do with Meet Me in St. Louis. She fought hard to avoid the assignment, even getting her mother to meet with Lois B. Mayer. Garland was finally getting some hard-earned adult roles (such as For Me and My Gal and Presenting Lily Mars) and she was concerned about being typecast as a child. Despite her hesitance, Mayer insisted she play the part, and she began to fall head over heels for the role.
In the year leading up to the 1904 St. Louis World's Fair, the four Smith daughters learn lessons of life and love, even as they prepare for a reluctant move to New York.
Throughout production Judy Garland became romantically involved with the Director Vincente Minnelli. They would marry in 1945 and produce one of the world's finest talents; Liza Minnelli (Cabaret) The film itself was a commercial and critical hit, many film critics at the time citing it as a rather charming film. It would become nominated for four Academy Awards (Screenplay, Cinematography, Score and Song) and boost the career of Margaret O' Brien.
Indeed Meet Me in St.Louis deserves great acclaim. Any event in which we are able to hear the wonderful voice of Judy Garland is a memorable one. The wonderful music, such as "the trolley song", are only icing on the cake in a picture filled with good acting, exquisite cinematography and astonishing use of colour and set design. Every scene breathes new life and exhumes tremendous amounts of joy.
Perhaps knowing some of Judy Garland's real personal struggles takes away from some enjoyment of Meet Me in St.Louis, but for the most part you'll feel entranced and glued to the screen. It's a warm picture that is very hard to negatively critique.
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