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Rating:  - it's all so peaceful on the other side
"Summer Stock" has always been one of my favorite movies. Because it's the type of old movie that everyone can enjoy. There's singing and dancing and lots of laughs and drama and theatrics. In this picture Miss Judy Garland (may she rest in peace) stars as Jane Falbury, a farmer who reluctantly allows a theater company to stay on at her farm to rehearse for their big performance. I know the story is a little hockey, but does that matter, really?
This is the very first time I ever saw a picture with Mr. Gene Kelly (playing the male lead, Joe Ross) and he was absolutely perfect. Anyone could tell that there was a lot of magic and chemistry between him and Miss Garland because when they were on the screen together it was always amazing to watch.
My favorite part in the movie is at the end when Jane does her big "Get Happy" number. I couldn't believe how different Miss Garland appeared because it wasn't just different makeup and lightening, she managed to change her entire appearance and she looked beautiful (as, always).
To me, this movie has always been a reminder to be kind and compassionate to others. To love my fellow (wo)man and not to judge others in haste. To remember that we're all entitled to the same dignity and respect. And perhaps most important "Summer Stock" taught me that sometimes in life things don't always turn out the way we envisioned and you know what, that's OK, too.
Like the star Miss Garland herself, absolutely everyone will fall in love with this film. If you haven't seen "Summer Stock" what are you waiting for? Go out and get the DVD, or if your pinching a few pennies these days (and who isn't?) just wait for it to come on TCM (it usually comes on at least once every other month).
There has never been another entertainer, performer, singer, dancer, actress, comedienne and shero than the one and only Miss Judy Garland. This is her movie.
Rating: - brookes review
I am a HUGE FAN of Judy Garland.Summer stock is such a great movie, you can say no to THIS ONE THIS IS A MUST SEE MOVE.I love all her movies.
Rating: - We Love Judy! And after this we Love Gene, too!
My 4 yr old son is in love with Judy Garland. She is immortal & ageless in films. He also Loves Elvis. We rented this film from our library soo many times that I decided it was time to purchase it! I love encouraging my children to see old films like this one. They don't make movie stars like they used to!
Rating: - "Forget your troubles come on, GET HAPPY!"
In her last musical for MGM and her final film with Gene Kelly, Judy Garland plays Jane Falbury, a struggling farmer. Originally intended as a vehicle to re-team Judy Garland with Mickey Rooney, the studio decided, instead, to use Gene Kelly in the role of Joe Ross, as Mickey Rooney was no longer the box-office draw he had been. Of course, Gene was the perfect choice to replace Mickey Rooney, as he and Judy had been good friends since their first movie together in 1942's "For Me and My Gal."
When Jane Falbury's (Judy Garland) younger sister Abigail (Gloria DeHaven) invites her boyfriend Joe Ross (Gene Kelly) to rehearse the Broadway show he is producing in their barn, Jane isn't thrilled! Especially after one of the cast members crashes her brand new tractor (oops)! However, she soon changes her mind and lets them use the barn if they help out with the farm chores. Well, Abigail ends up running away with an actor, Jane and Joe end up falling in love and she takes Abigail's place as the show's lead and turns it into a smash!
So watch "Summer Stock," listen to some "Heavenly Music" and "Get Happy"!
Rating:  - "And then they dance."
Judy Garland and Gene Kelly star in this extravagantly entertaining backstage musical. Jane Falbury (Garland) is a simple farmer whose major worry is how she is going to make enough money to keep her family farm. Her younger sister Abigail (Gloria deHaven) isn't like the rest of her family; she's taken with show business, so much so, in fact, that she brings her acting troupe back home to perform in the barn. Jane isn't too happy about the decision, but is soon charmed by the ambitious bunch and agrees to let them stay on the condition that they earn their keep. Abigail's boyfriend Joe Ross (Kelly) leads the group and does his best to win Jane over, with extreme results.
Garland's appearance is a bit jarring here. For a girl who was given only chicken broth to eat for years, her physique is quite healthy here, but she is no less beautiful than in her early days. In fact there are times when she is even more beautiful because she looks happy and comfortable in this film. Some of that comes from her vulnerability, which indeed was real. She was suffering from severe drug addiction during the making of Summer Stock. The most memorable song is the famous "Get Happy" that she skillfully puts over; her weight is different here because it was filmed later than the rest of the movie. Garland's chemistry with Kelly is intense, and he looks more attractive here than in any other film I have seen him in. His easy smile and magnetic charm makes show business seem wonderfully worthwhile, and with this music and these characters, it is hard not to want to perform right along with the stars on the screen.
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