Summer Stock (1950)

Sorry, this movie sucks

a film so unique, intoxicating and bizarre that it not only demands another viewing, but is also forgivable as a satirical comedy where the jokes eventually take the back seat.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

Excellent and certainly provocative... If nothing else, the film is a real conversation starter.

Summer Stock has one of my favorite Judy Garland songs in it, one that became a staple on her television show and during her concerts: "Get Happy". I never get tired of watching this number. Judy, clad in a black extra-long, low-cut blazer, black pumps, and a black fedora over one eye, captivates the men in the chorus, and the audience, as she sings and dances to the jazzy tune. It's pretty much impossible not to follow her instructions.The rest of the movie isn't that great. She reunites with Gene Kelly, and while they're both experts at hamming it up for the camera in a silly musical comedy, they don't really save the tired "Let's put on a show!" plot. Gene starts the film engaged to Judy's sister, Gloria DeHaven, but when they decide to put on a show, he and Judy spend a lot of time together and fall in love. There are a few songs interspersed in the movie, both as parts of the show and parts of the regular plot, but the best and most memorable one is "Get Happy". If you love both leads, you can rent this one, but if you'd rather watch them in good movies, you can rent Meet Me in St. Louis and Anchors Aweigh.

Judy and Mickey were always trying to put a show on in a barn, and basically this musical with Gene Kelly is the same thing. Guess what? It's just as good.Ironcially, after this beautiful picture, Judy Garland parted company with MGM. In retrospect, it may have been a great thing that happened to her. She first would go on to win Oscar nominations for "A Star is Born," 3 years later and 7 years after that, turn a sensational performance in the supporting role of Irene Hoffman, in the memorable "Judgment At Nuremberg." To say that she was robbed of 2 Oscars for her efforts is to put it mildly.Judy is in top form as a singer and dancer and Kelly, as always, made dancing look so easy.Eddie Bracken is reduced to being the guy who can never land the girl, or if he does, there are complications. The former case is true with him in this film. Phil Silvers and Marjorie Main are along for the ride with their usual zany comedy talents.I just love Garland singing "Get Happy." While I still prefer Jane Froman doing that song, Garland brings life to it.

I'll be surprised if this gets read very often, coming as far down the line as it does. Enough others have praised this film, and given sufficient summaries of its gossamer plot, that I am gratefully relieved of the duty.My only comment is that, if you are interested at all in cinema choreography, you watch at least through the "Portland Fancy" number. You don't have to sit through to "Get Happy"; watch whichever "That's Entertainment" anthology that features it. But if you ever want to understand what drives movie dancing, and why Kelly and Garland are equated by many with Astaire and Rogers, "Portland Fancy" should provide your education. a traditional square/contradance that segues into a jitterbug session and then to a challenge tap between the two stars, it is in this viewer's opinion one of the finest dance moments in any movie. To enjoy dance but ignore this moment does the soul a disservice.

In contrast to her role as Dorothy in "THE WIZARD OF OZ", Here's a movie in which Judy has you happy and singing great songs like "If You Feel Like Singing, Sing" and "Howdy, Neighbor, Happy Harvest". The only song that brings tears to my eyes occasionally is "Mem'ry Island": Such a beautiful song. All in all, this is what we as viewers want---happy songs from Judy Garland, hilarious moments of misadventure (such as Phil Silvers totaling the tractor) and a show that displays Judy Garland's talents. To criticize this movie is nit-picking. It has all one wants---humor, uplifting songs and a happy ending. What more could one want in a movie?I must mention, it certainly is uplifting when someone whose farm is in trouble can be so carefree. Great movie!