Interesting how varied our reviewers look at this film. I liked many things in it, but overall, the way it was set up in the early going, I don't think it works.
What I mean by that is that in the early parts of the film, Judy Garland seems like a young kid with the typical dreams of Broadway. Okay. Along comes Broadway director Van Heflin to visit his mother in the same town. Judy has a way to get to Broadway now...albeit not a smooth ride. Okay. The suddenly she and Heflin are falling in love. He seems way too old for Judy who seemed like a kid just a few scenes back. It really bothered me. Not morally, since she was of age. But it just doesn't quite work. And, Heflin dislikes Judy way too much in the beginning of the film to then fall in love with her. In fact, I don't think this film really works for Heflin, particularly early on.
Nevertheless there are some things I liked very much. Judy has several great musical numbers here. A scene with Judy and Connie Gilchrist is quite touching. The plot after reaching New York City improves, despite the off-kilter beginning.
Judy Garland is very good here as the young hopeful Lily Mars. Her singing is impressive. Van Heflin (as the director) doesn't seem right for the part, but could have been; I blame poor direction and scripting in the early part of the film. Fay Bainter, a favorite character actor of mine, has a small but good part and Heflin's mother. Similarly, Spring Byington has a decent but small part as Garland's mother. Richard Carlson is Heflin's best friend and associate, and is fine. Connie Gilchrist was great in terms of singing, but I disliked her character...but I guess I was supposed to.
Take away the first quarter of the film, and it's quite good. Certainly worth watching.
What I mean by that is that in the early parts of the film, Judy Garland seems like a young kid with the typical dreams of Broadway. Okay. Along comes Broadway director Van Heflin to visit his mother in the same town. Judy has a way to get to Broadway now...albeit not a smooth ride. Okay. The suddenly she and Heflin are falling in love. He seems way too old for Judy who seemed like a kid just a few scenes back. It really bothered me. Not morally, since she was of age. But it just doesn't quite work. And, Heflin dislikes Judy way too much in the beginning of the film to then fall in love with her. In fact, I don't think this film really works for Heflin, particularly early on.
Nevertheless there are some things I liked very much. Judy has several great musical numbers here. A scene with Judy and Connie Gilchrist is quite touching. The plot after reaching New York City improves, despite the off-kilter beginning.
Judy Garland is very good here as the young hopeful Lily Mars. Her singing is impressive. Van Heflin (as the director) doesn't seem right for the part, but could have been; I blame poor direction and scripting in the early part of the film. Fay Bainter, a favorite character actor of mine, has a small but good part and Heflin's mother. Similarly, Spring Byington has a decent but small part as Garland's mother. Richard Carlson is Heflin's best friend and associate, and is fine. Connie Gilchrist was great in terms of singing, but I disliked her character...but I guess I was supposed to.
Take away the first quarter of the film, and it's quite good. Certainly worth watching.