"What? Show business? There's nothing else in the world."
Jane Falbury (Garland) is barely able to keep her farm going: she owes money to the local hardware store and her only help are two old men that worked for her father and grandfather. When the hired hands leave, Jane convinces Mr. Wingait (Ray Collins), the owner of the hardware store and the father of her fiance Orville (Bracken), to loan her a new tractor. She plans to run the farm and make a profit on her own.
Meanwhile, back on the farm sister Abigail (DeHaven) and her musical troupe have taken over. Abigail's boyfriend, Joe (Kelly), is trying to produce a show and needs a place for the cast to rehearse. Despite reservations, Jane allows the troupe to stay and use the barn, but they have to help with the chores. But this decision does not sit well with the Wingait family or the rest of the town.
After the disaster that was On the Town I was beginning to rethink my crush / admiration on the awesome-ness of Gene Kelly... and this film does not really help. Yes, he is awesome (the best part of the film), and the plot flows better, but I am disappointed again (Gene Kelly why would you do this to me?)
Judy Garland sings and matches Kelly step-for-step on the dance floor. Check out the "Portland Fancy" square dance turned competition between Kelly and Garland. She also delivers an iconic performance on "Get Happy." Kelly gets several song and dance numbers, and has a memorable dance with a newspaper. The supporting cast tackles the comedy aspects of the script. Comedian Phil Silvers does his usual schtick as Herb, and Eddie Bracken embodies the neurotic Orville. When they come together, over lost glasses, it is comedy gold. Marjorie Main (Garland's co-star in Meet Me in St. Louis) is sassy the housekeeper Esme, and Gloria DeHaven is spoiled "princess" Abigail.
The cast is not the problem... that would be the script / songs. The script falls apart... and some of the songs fall flat ("Dig-Dig-Dig Dig For Your Dinner" doesn't work, and "Heavenly Music" gets obnoxious fast). It is a testament to the performers that the remaining songs work.
Better than On the Town, but nowhere near the best for Gene Kelly or Judy Garland. It survives because of "Get Happy"
Check out the funny and irrelevant review by Tom and Lorenzo, in their Musical Monday category.
Summer Stock (1950) 108 minutes
Director: Charles Walters
Starring: Judy Garland as Jane Falbury
Gene Kelly as Joe Ross
Eddie Bracken as Orville Wingait
Gloria DeHaven as Abigail Falbury
Marjorie Main as Esme
Phil Silvers as Herb
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