Year: 1944
Director: Vincente Minnelli
Country: US
Language: English
Vincente Minnelli's greatest musical, Meet Me in St.Louis, represents the pinnacle of MGM's Movie Musical Golden Age. Made during the height of World War Two and during the musical revue era of pictures, this film is a cavalcade of nostalgia and warmth. This era, the early 1900's, is a time that is both relatable yet distant. Its a period of time that can now only be experienced in Cinema and history books.
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.
A slice of wholesome Americana; the horse-drawn carriages, old fashioned clothing, roaring fireplaces all give the picture a whimsical feel. Not so much plot driven as season driven, Meet Me in St.Louis strolls at a leisurely pace while also hitting the right musical, comedic and dramatic beats throughout its fairly breezy run-time.
Though sweet, the film is dramatic enough to entice those who aren't just satisfied with nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. The sweet, such as Esther and John's romance, is often mixed in with the sour (Tootie causing trouble with a (implied) jewish gentleman). The joyful Trolley Song is met with the tearful Have Yourself a Merry Christmas near the end of the picture.
The cinematography of Meet Me in St.Louis is wonderful; the many interior wide shots through a window give the picture a diorama feel. Also, I love how the "musical" aspect of the picture isn't out of the blue. Every number feels natural and does a great job of heightening the emotion of the scene. This film might be one of the greatest ever made.
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