The main merit of this film is that it has two of the best all around stars, that MGM ever produced. It has them completely in their element. Gene Kelly shows his singing and dancing, that worked so well for him in movies, and Judy Garland goes toe to toe with him. Charles Walters has done well with all the numbers in the film.
Judy Garland plays Jane Falbury, a farmer who has fallen on hard times. She happens to be engaged to Orville Wingait, (Eddie Bracken), whose father’s bank holds the mortgage on the farm. Enter Joe D. Ross, (Gene Kelly), who’s invited to the farm; along with his group of actors, by Jane’s sister, Abigail Falbury (Gloria DeHaven). Abigail is starring in the show. Jane reluctantly agrees to use the barn for the show, in exchange for chores. While rehearsing the show, Abigail becomes a diva, when Joe doesn’t like her performance. They argue, and Abigail leaves the show. It appears that the show will close before it opens, but Kelly convinces Garland, to take her place. Orville, comes to the show’s rehearsal, and is horrified that his fiancée is performing with those theater people. This leads to a heated argument, between them, resulting in Orville leaving. He later comes back, at the request of his father, (Jasper G. Wingait, (Ray Collins). Collins was a talented actor, having appeared in nearly 100 films, as well as television and radio. This being a romance, the stars fall in love. Orville is shocked, but Abigail has returned, and finds love with Orville. The show is a success and the farm is saved.
Charles Walters has done very well with the singing and dancing in this movie. Gene Kelly manages to do a dance number, using sections of the floorboards, to make different sounds, as well as a section of newspaper. It’s unique and very effective. Judy Garland’s closing number, Get Happy, is terrific and shows her dynamic vocal style.
This was Judy Garland’s last film for MGM, and she doesn’t disappoint. She only did a few films after this, and spent most of her time touring. This was only the beginning of an enormously successful career for Gene Kelly. Judy Garland and Gene Kelly are great together on screen, and when MGM musicals are discussed, they should be the first names in the conversation.