Babes in Arms (1939) Review- By Michael J. Carlisle

Title: Babes in Arms
Year: 1939
Director: Busby Berkely
Country: US
Language: English

Based on a successful Broadway show by Rodgers and Hart, Babes in Arms' music features several compositions by Nacio Herb Brown and Arthur Freed, including “Broadway Melody,” and “Good Morning,”  more famously known for their inclusion in another film about the segue from one form of entertainment to another –Singin in the Rain (1952). While that film is better known among modern audiences, and Debbie Reynolds' performance is fantastic, I can't help but feel blown away everytime Garland sings onscreen.

This film is about the struggle of two talented young artists, both of whom wish to make their own way in the show business.

 The Rooney/Garland formula is evident, regardless if you’ve watched any of their features. Garland is the pie-eyed girl who could do WAY better but, for some reason only known to her, she thinks there’s something special in Mickey Rooney. There's also a female protagonist trying to ruin their relationship. he examination of vaudeville kids and their lifestyle eerily mimics Garland and Rooney’s own lives, more outright thievery than imitation. Rooney, afterall, was literally BORN in a theatre.

Is this film supposed to be empowering children or being condescending towards them? I sense it's a little of both. Things take a turn for the worse as the kids...refuse to attend school. Ok that's a bit tame but..wait, what, THEY HAVE TORCHES!? The finale is a Les Miserables style musical number that seems very silly at first, but actually is quite impressive. I'm quite impressed by the staging, cinematography and set pieces.

The Simpsons would have you asking "What's the matter with kids today?" Well, Babes in Arms pulls no punches as the kids go full guerilla on their prude parents. Sheesh, and you thought those teenagers of the 50's were nuts. What can I say? It's a fun film that deserves the praise it gets.