Year: 1950
Director: Charles Walters
Country: US
Language: English
Summer Stock (1950) represented the end of Judy Garland's career with MGM. She had frequent meltdowns on set, frequently arrived late or not at all, and relapsed on her long-term pill addiction to lose weight. Made 11 years after Wizard of Oz, Garland looked like she was in her 50's despite being not even 30. Gene Kelly, whose star was about to hit an all-time high, trusted her and believed that she could still be a great star.
A small-town farmer (Judy Garland), down on her luck, finds her homestead invaded by a theatrical troupe (run by Gene Kelly) invited to stay by her ne'er-do-well sister (Gloria DeHaven)
"You gotta dig dig dig, dig for your dinner" Summer Stock is a real throwback to the "lets put on a show" musicals. Though hammy, as one can note by Phil Silvers' performance, it has a timeless charm that is bound to bring a smile to its audiences' Kelly's choreography, particularly a tap-dancing number in the middle of the film, pulls the picture out of "corny" territory and makes each viewing a real treat.
Garland's famous "Get Happy" musical number is a sight to behold. Its an electrifying movie moment that fuses jazz and pop music into pure magic. Even at her worst Garland proves she is one of the greatest entertainers of all time. She could belt out a musical number like anybody else, bringing enourmous sexual energy out of a film that has some painfully flacid moments (such as Phil Silvers trying to figure out how to milk a cow)
Judy Garland & Gene Kelly are a remarkable duo. I wish they had made more films together. While Summer Stock isn't the perfect film. some of the "comedy" is too dated and comes off as cringey, I must admit I had a really good time. Afterwards I re-watched the "Get Happy" sequence at least a dozen times.
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