When Judy sings, its great. When she doesn't its average. This was originally intended as a straight dramatic vehicle for Lana Turner but when she proved unavailable it was retooled for Judy. Designed to move her forward towards adulthood and away from teen roles, a process started the year before with For Me and My Gal, every effort was made to glamorize her and she does look truly lovely in the film. However the story is silly and old hat and she shares no on screen chemistry with Van Heflin fine actor though he may be. It does have the added advantage of several great character actresses, Fay Bainter and Spring Byington among them, in supporting roles. There is one special scene where Judy and the terrific Connie Gilchrist perform Every Little Movement on a bare stage. Excepting that scene this is nothing special overall but Judy makes it worth checking out.
Review of Presenting Lily Mars
