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For Me and My Gal
The film features one of Judy Garland's richest performances, but the 1942 MGM musical For Me and My Gal is best known as the film debut of a charismatic young hoofer named Gene Kelly...and deservedly so.
It's the golden age of vaudeville and singer Jo Hayden (Garland) decides to leave her partner Jimmy Metcalfe (George Murphy) when she meets a cocky young performer named Harry Palmer (Kelly). Jo and Harry achieve a modicum of success and fall in love in the process, but they find their careers and their relationship disripted by the outbreak of WWI.
Hollywood was a big supporter of the war effort during the 1940's and a lot of films made during this period were in big support of the war and this musical was no exception, though Richard Sherman's screenplay takes its time getting from a backstage musical to a commercial for the war, but the transition is smooth and believable.
Director Busby Berkley does a superb job of showcasing his stars instead of cramming three hundred pretty girls on a stage and photographing them from the ceiling. He also gives his stars a chance to prove their versatility. Though she was always known for her incredible pipes. Garland really gets a chance to show off her dancing skills and Kelly's vocal abilities get a real showcase, doing lovely two-part harmony with Garland for several numbers.
Musical highlights include Kelly and Garland's "Ballin the Jack", Garland's powerhouse belting of "After You've Gone", and the title tune which also features a delightful soft shoe for the stars.
The musical seems to have been afforded a big budget despite the black and white filming and the cast is terrific. Garland and Kelly get strong support from Murphy, future director Richard Quine as Garland's brother, and a small role for Keenan Wynn as Kelly's agent. A solid effort from MGM and a stellar debut by Kelly.
The film features one of Judy Garland's richest performances, but the 1942 MGM musical For Me and My Gal is best known as the film debut of a charismatic young hoofer named Gene Kelly...and deservedly so.
It's the golden age of vaudeville and singer Jo Hayden (Garland) decides to leave her partner Jimmy Metcalfe (George Murphy) when she meets a cocky young performer named Harry Palmer (Kelly). Jo and Harry achieve a modicum of success and fall in love in the process, but they find their careers and their relationship disripted by the outbreak of WWI.
Hollywood was a big supporter of the war effort during the 1940's and a lot of films made during this period were in big support of the war and this musical was no exception, though Richard Sherman's screenplay takes its time getting from a backstage musical to a commercial for the war, but the transition is smooth and believable.
Director Busby Berkley does a superb job of showcasing his stars instead of cramming three hundred pretty girls on a stage and photographing them from the ceiling. He also gives his stars a chance to prove their versatility. Though she was always known for her incredible pipes. Garland really gets a chance to show off her dancing skills and Kelly's vocal abilities get a real showcase, doing lovely two-part harmony with Garland for several numbers.
Musical highlights include Kelly and Garland's "Ballin the Jack", Garland's powerhouse belting of "After You've Gone", and the title tune which also features a delightful soft shoe for the stars.
The musical seems to have been afforded a big budget despite the black and white filming and the cast is terrific. Garland and Kelly get strong support from Murphy, future director Richard Quine as Garland's brother, and a small role for Keenan Wynn as Kelly's agent. A solid effort from MGM and a stellar debut by Kelly.