Summer Stock Reviews

• You just can't go wrong!

  
  By A3JKQ89YMZZA66 on 2004-10-17
  This is a wonderful film! Especially for people who live on farms (Like me). This wonderful film was directed by Charles Walters who two years before directed Easter Parade with Judy and Fred (Also a great film).
  
  28 year old Judy Garland stars as the hard working, determined, Jane Falbury. Who really just wants to run her farm. Or does she...
  Chaos ensues when Jane comes home one morning to find 24 (Though it looks more like 50 on screen) people loading props, lights, and costumes into her much loved barn. Angry, overwhelmed, and upset, Jane is dumbfounded when she finds out her beautiful, ambitious, sister (Gloria DeHaven), has invited her boyfriend's show, (Gene Kelly), to put on his show: 'Fall in Love,' in which her sister is to play the leading part. Jane angrily tells them to leave. But when Jane's sister, Abigail, tells Jane she is selfish, Jane changes her mind and says that the actors may stay - on one condition: they must help her with the farm chores!!!
  
  This movie contiues as Jane falls head over heels with Joe Ross (Gene Kelly), and show business.
  Other cast includes: Marjorie Main, Carleton Carpenter, Phil Silvers and Ray Collins.
  
  Other songs include: If you fell like singing sing, Howdy Neighbor, Memory Island, You Wonderful You, Get Happy, Dig, There's a star, and the HILARIOUS, routine with Gene Kelly and Phil Silvers: It's Heavenly Music To ME!!
  
  Overall, Summer Stock is a Wonderful movie the whole family can Love and Enjoy!!!!!
  
  
  
  
  

• Man, how they put on a show!

  
  By A2R6RA8FRBS608 on 2004-05-19
  This movie was a treat to watch and I am so excited about this movie I am starting to write this review even as the VCR is rewinding the tape! GRIN Garland, Kelly, Silvers, DeHaven and fantastic other cast members give a strong, convincing performance in the movie Summer Stock. The script is well written; yes, though the plot is not the deepest, and to an extent predictable, the lines are thoughtfully written. The musical numbers are fantastic and include superb scenes where Kelly dances as well as Judy's infamous "Get Happy" number. (One exception is the number at the end with Silvers and Kelly dancing and singing as farmhands--not too special a musical number in my opinion.) It seems that Judy's character owns and runs a farm--in debt--and Kelly playing Joe brings his acting troupe to try out a new show and stake a claim in show business. Of course, after some complications--and romantic partner swapping--the show goes on and is a tremendous success. Happy Ending! Judy's great performance in her final completed film at MGM is truly remarkable in light of her poor health at the time. (However I must say that although it could just be my imagination, Judy looks a bit skinnier in some scenes in the film than she does in other scenes. Could this reflect her possibly losing or gaining weight during the time this movie was filmed?) In short, this film is a very fine addition to any serious movie buff's collection, especially if part of the collection includes musicals. Get this film--Amazon lists it as out of stock for a GOOD reason! Tons of people bought this movie and you'll GET HAPPY when you see this!
  
  

• JUDY AND GENE; LUCKY TO HAVE EACH OTHER

  
  By A6GPIYLINIYI4 on 2006-07-03
  Other reviewers have mentioned how lucky Judy was to have Gene for a friend. I agree. Looking at the two of them you could see the trust and friendship in their eyes. Gene holding her gently with caring hands. Judy warbling beautifully with a hint of sadness, an almost knowing in her eyes. I feel they were lucky to have each other. It was Judy Garland who lobbied hard 10 years earlier for Gene to co-star in " For Me And My Gal".
  
  "Summer Stock" is that usual bit-o-MGM musical fluff. The same bit-o-fluff that Judy had spun into gold so many times before as in "Girl Crazy", "Easter Parade", and the like. It's every bit as good and wholesome family entertainment as Judy and MGM made before, but knowing it was to be her MGM swan song, and the cause of her ultimate rebirth, makes it that much more special and important.
  
  Previous readers mentioned how Kelly would move on to more prestigious endeavors. I would like to mention, so too, Judy. She would only make a handful more precious pictures, but in them were some gems. She would recieve her only adult Oscar nominations for a supporting actress role in "Judgement at Nuremburg," and of course for her ultimate star turn as Esther Blodgett in "A Star Is Born." Isn't it funny how she could get such roles and recieve such recognition only away from MGM.
  
  Post MGM Judy would continue to perform on radio including "The Bob Hope Show," and "The Bing Crosby Show." She would go on to record and sell millions of albums. Her guest starring on, and her own television specials were highly rated, and ultimately preluded her much revered and highly acclaimed "The Judy Garland Show." For you hipsters out there, she was an original member of the Holmby Hills "Rat Pack." But to me, it was her rebirth as a concert diva,artist/singer that showed she had the courage, talent and strength to leave her MGM years behind and forge new ground. She made over a thousand stage appearances. Here are some of her highlights:
  
  *1951 A 4 week engagement at the London Palladium followed by a 6 week extended tour of the British Isles.
  *1951 Her legendary record breaking 19 week 2-a-day engagement at New Yorks' famed Palace Theater.
  *1952 4 week engagement at the Philharmonic Auditorium in Los Angeles.
  *1961 Legendary Carnegie Hall performance remembered as the greatest single night in show business.(This concert was taped and later released as a double album. It was the first double album to sell a million copies. It stayed on the charts 94 weeks, 13 weeks at #1 and won 5 Grammy awards including best female vocalist and Album of the Year!)
  *1967 Boston Common Concert performed before an estimated audience of 100,000 people.
  
  In 1949, after being fired from "Annie Get Your Gun," top MGM management was ready to toss her to the wolves. Judy was broke, and LB Mayer took it upon himself to see Judy got proper medical treatment that ultimately MGM payed for. Hospitalized, Judy had to relearn how to eat and sleep properly without the use if pills and as a result she got well, but gained weight. Many viewers have harped on her appearance. I agree with a previous reviewer that @ a mere 105 pounds, on Judy, it looks healthy.
  
  Judy, emotionally and physically well again wanted to work, and after the success of "In the Good Old Summertime," MGM was only too eager to oblige. The studio ordered her to lose weight thus restarting that vicious cycle of crash dieting, pill-popping, and all those insecurities and professional problems of the past started to creep back in again.
  
  The MGM brass wasn't pleased with the final picture. Judy, vacationing in Carmel, was called back to bring in a show stopper. Judy agreed as long as it could be "Get Happy." It's obvious that the result was show business magic and that the "Get Happy" number a fitting swan song for Judy. Everyone thought that the "Get Happy" number was most likely filmed earlier on in her career. Wrong-o. On vacation, free from harassment from the studio and the press, the pounds had simply melted away on their own. Although Judy was actually terminated from MGM while filming "Royal Wedding," this was officially her last MGM picture. Goodbye MGM. Hello Mrs. Norman Maine?
  
  
  FOR ALL GARLAND FANS:
  
  The US Post Office has released the 12th stamp in their Legends of Hollywood series. The Judy Garland stamp is now on sale at your local Post Office. I think its beautifully done and that Judy Garland herself would be pleased. The stamps feature her head shot from an original "A Star Is Born" lobby card with her signature underneath. On the side is a large drawing of her from "The Wizard Of Oz." Its done in yellow and gold tones and will make lovely gifts for my nieces matted in a nice frame.
  
  
  

• Finally!! Summer Stock on DVD!!

  
  By A36ARSLMHMYPXB on 2006-01-27
  First of all I am so excitied that finally Summer Stock, (starring Judy Garland, and Gene Kelly) will now be appearing on DVD!! Now all us viewers have to do is wait. This was Judy Garland's last film at MGM under her contract before it was "canceled" her last big number was the unforgetable "Get Happy" in which she wore the top half of a tuxedo and a gorgeous black hat. Judy looks absolutely gorgeous and fit!!You might call this movie "let's put on a show theme" and it is!! One of my favorite Garland & Kelly films, believe me they are pure genius together in glorius technicolor; I give you Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Gloria De Haven, and Phil Silvers in Metro Goldwyn Mayer's Production of.........Summer Stock 1950
  
  

• A LOT OF FUN!

  
  By A2SX6VNPSJPGP7 on 2000-04-29
  This is a perfect movie to have around the house when nothing else seems watchable. This MGM diamond packed with and brimming over with fun is always a treat! And if you love Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, it's all the more so. Judy plays a country girl whose only interest is in running her debt-ridden farm.She returns home one day to find her barn full of cows, pigs, chickens...and actors, sets, and props. She learns that her sister has permitted a troupe of theater actors, headed by Gene and Phil Silvers, to perform a show in their barn. Judy complies on one condition: these theater folk also support themselves by doing chores around the farm. But picking eggs and milking cows aren't every man's fantasy, as Gene and Phil learn. But in spite of a madcap hullaballoo on the farm, a love story manages to intertwine itself between Judy and Gene... except for Judy being engaged... and her sister in love with Gene... This is a marvelous movie for anyone, young or old. Judy sings and struts the stuff that made her a legend, particularly shining in a memorable number called, "Get Happy". She croons "You Wonderful You" with Gene, who dances at the top of his form... on newspapers. Gene and Phil do a hilarious number called "Heavenly Music" in hillbilly attire, and the finale "Happy Harvest" will have you smiling long after the picture's over. With Judy Garland singing and Gene Kelly dancing, how can you go wrong with this priceless piece of MGM treasure? Buy it today and get happy with "Summer Stock"!
  
  
• Get Happy!
  By ALPVMB5P07GPM on 2006-01-29
  Judy Garland stars in this movie as her last film for MGM. Gene Kelly also stars. Basically the movie is about Gene Kelly's theatre troup taking over Judy's barn for a show. Well Judy eventually gets the urge to sing and dance as well. The other cast members are great which include, Gloria DeHaven, Eddie Bracken, Marjorie Main, and Phil Silvers. As for the numbers,
  
  If You Feel Like Singing, Sing- Judy sings this right at the beginning of the movie.
  
  Happy Harvest- Judy sings this number also.
  
  Dig-Dig-Dig-Dig for Your Dinner- This is sung by Gene Kelly and Phil Silvers and the chorus.
  
  Mem'ry Island- Gloria DeHaven sings this song with a guy as part of the show.
  
  Country Barn Dance- Judy and Gene dance to this country barn dance music and then it heats up!
  
  You Wonderful You- Gene sings this to Judy and then Judy joins him. Later on Gene dances to this song.
  
  Friendly Star- Judy sings this song.
  
  All for You- Gene and Judy sing this as song as part of their show with a chorus.
  
  Heavenly Music- Gene and Phil sing and dance to this song. I heard Judy Garland was actually supposed to do this number also but she wasn't well at the time. A fun number.
  
  Get Happy- The best number in the whole movie! One of Judy's signiture songs and looks. She looks so sexy in that man's fedora, suit jacket and black tights. See the movie just for this number!
  
  As for DVD extras,
  
  New featurette Summer Stock: Get Happy!
  Classic MGM cartoon The Cuckoo Clock
  Vintage Pete Smith Specialty Short Did'ja Know?
  Audio-only bonus: outtake song Fall in Love
  Theatrical trailer
  Languages: English & Français
  Subtitles: English, Français & Español (feature film only)
  
  
  Summer Stock is an enjoyable movie and I recommend it if you love Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. The movie's plot is much like the movies Judy did with Mickey Rooney. Go see this movie!
  
  
• LOVE IT!!
  By A2FL0EKQ2EQ9E6 on 2006-07-11
  Judy Garland was THEE entertainer of the 20th Century! Watching this fun-filled, tune-fest one can't believe that it was her last MGM picture (she was fired after this due to consitent tardiness and personal problems). Its amazing to watch Judy here as by this time her life was riddled with severe emotional problems. It seems impossible to be true when you see the energy, joy and love she puts into everything she does on screen. She's just marvelous!! The "Get Happy" number is a show-stopper as is her wonderful "tractor number Howdy Neighbor"! No less sensational is Gene Kelly who does some of the best dancing of his career! There's a marvelous dance with bits of newspaper that is unbelievable! The supporting cast can't be bettered with talents like Marjorie Main, Phil Silvers, Carleton Carpenter, Eddie Bracken and Gloria DeHaven. This is first rate MGM entertainment filmed at the time of the beginning of the demise of the studio system. Pure escapism at its finest, "Summer Stock" is one for the ages. Shine on Judy and Gene! I love it!
  
  
• classic musical fun!
  By on 1999-08-07
  Without much of a storyline to support them, Gene Kelly and Judy Garland do wonders to an otherwise weak show. Being their last on-screen partnership, and Garland's last MGM film, this musical holds a special place in our hearts. Garland's spectacular number "Get Happy" blows the mind and reminds us that this is how we want to remember her and her career, and not her heartaches. Knowing that 1950 is a difficult point in Garland's life and career, watching Kelly handle her with loving care in this film is a delight to watch. His dance numbers are fantastic, as usual; and as always, he has his Kelly charm. Kelly's incomparable dancing and Garland's incomparable singing are what hold this film together. If you're a Garland and/or Kelly fan, this is a must watch!
  
  
• very enjoyable
  By A2PRDN6P0QJVNB on 2006-06-25
  i loved this movie even though judy is obviously a little chubbier than her usual self she still sparkles in this 5 star movie. gene kelly's dancing and judy's beautifull voice will capture your heart as it did mine. i give this film a 10/10
  i highly reccomend it to any judy or gene fan.
  
  
• Forget your troubles! It's Judy and Gene
  By A2QTWKGJKZAU2Y on 2006-04-27
  Just received my DVD copy. Warners have done it again. The Picture quality is magnificant and the sound superb. "Get Happy" looks as though it were filmed yesterday. Just glorious
  
  
• I Love This Movie!
  By A3V4F9CWY7F6MV on 2005-08-15
  Although most critics would not put this at the top of Judy Garland or Gene Kelly's list of best movies it still holds a very special place in my heart.
  
  I won't outline the plot, since others have done that so well. The emotional connect I feel in this movie is what keeps me coming back. Gene Kelly and Judy Garland had been friends for a long time. She fought for him to remain the lead in his first film "For Me and My Gal" and taught him how to perform for film. She was just released from the hospital and this was to be her last film for MGM after a series of performance problems due to her substance abuse/psychiatric illness. The pressure was on and her friend Gene agreed to the film to support her.
  
  You can see the tenderness in their interactions and it is the small moments that are great. Gene Kelly has never been described as a "generous" performer, but I think his not being as invested as a star brought out a warmer side of him.
  
  I also think it is just an enjoyable movie to watch and makes me want to sing along. I love "Howdy Neighbor" and the barn dance scene.
  
  When Joe Ross is explaining to Jane why he loves the theatre so much and they have their romantic moment, followed by "Friendly Star" sung by Judy and ending with the sexiest close up of Gene Kelly I've ever seen you can just feel the chemistry.
  
  I've watched my tape of this many times and I'm waiting for the day it comes out on DVD.
  
  
• One of the Greats!
  By A1QQ5ZLWFD6X0O on 2006-05-06
  This is a fabulous movie. Corny? You bet! Fun? Absolutely. Although I don't believe in letting small children watch TV, every once in a while we will throw in a DVD for them when they are sick. This movie, along with Take Me Out To the Ball Game and Yankee Doodle Dandy, is the perfect film for youngsters 2 and older. It's heartwarming and funny. Marjorie Main is terrific; Judy and Gene are even better. The film has wonderful songs (especially "I'm Glad I Met You"), exciting energy, and lots of laughs. Treat yourself. Treat your kids.
  
  
• A Viewing Treat For Everyone!
  By A1GQSNR91KQLDJ on 2005-05-28
  'Summer Stock' is one of Judy and Gene's best films! I won't waste your time telling you what this film is about since you can read the description for yourself, but Judy is cute as can be and sings like a bird, and Gene is dreamy, drool-all-over-myself gorgeous, so this film is a treat for anyone. My favorite scene is when they are in the barn and he dances with her and sings 'You Wonderful You' in his velvety voice. (Drool, drool!) Surprisingly enough Judy does a great job keeping up with Gene in their dance scenes together, and Gene's solos are amazing. Also, Judy's famed solo, 'Get Ready' is in this movie as well. My husband's favorite scene has to be mentioned, too- Gene and his friend do a 'hillbilly' number where they both wear ginormous feet and black teeth and do this idiot laugh- it is a hoot! Over all, you will love this movie as much as I did, and I can't wait until MGM has sense enough to release it on DVD!
  
  
• Outstanding!!!!!!!
  By on 2004-09-25
  This a great movie everyone will love. Gene and Judy star in one of my favorite movies Summer Stock. This movie has a wonderful story line, great dancing and wonderful songs and voices. Gloria DeHaven sings very well in this movie and Phil Silvers if funny too. This is a great movie for Judy Garland and Gene Kelly fans. Perhaps my favorite songs are: 'If you feel like singin sing,' and 'Howdy neighbor!' This is a wonderful movie and believe me, IT'S HEAVENLY MUSIC TO ME!
  
  
• BEST MOVIE
  By A2YCEQNO0VLFDW on 2005-07-14
  This is one of my favorite movies! I purchased this movie around 3 years ago and I think I am going to need another VHS because I watch mine so much I think mine is wearing out! I wish they would release it on DVD soon!!!
  
  We should all write email MGM and tell them they should release it! I absolutely love every Judy Garland and Gene Kelly movie. When they are together it is magic! They had chemistry! love it and I know you will too!!!
  
  These kinds of movies make me wish I lived back in the days of these wonderful musicals! I think Judy and Gene is the best couple ever!! So cute! There will never be anyone like them again! One of a kind. I wish more people would come to love these timeless films!
  
  
  
• Summer Stock
  By A168ULU8NG04US on 2006-11-06
  Fun and Delighful! Judy and Gene shine as entertainers. This one has some GREAT dance moves. Also filled with some wonderful character actors including Phil Silvers and Marjorie Main. Lots of comedy!
  
  
• Gene Kelly and Judy Garland at their best!
  By A3HIZOHEKTZVX1 on 2000-01-12
  This is wonderful movie that the whole family can enjoy together. The movie starts off with Jane (Judy Garland) needing help on her farm. Her hired hands just quit, and the only thing that she is looking forward to is her sister Abigail's visit. However, her sister, acting troupe needs a place to rehearse their play, and Abby suggests to them the family barn. She just forgot to tell Jane. But, Jane is going to make the acting clan help with the chores before they can set up for their play. This is a movie worth watching, even if you only watch it just for the dance numbers.
  
  
• Summerstock-A must to see!
  By A23BLJ01WM0JVG on 2007-02-01
  It is a real to life movie. You see how Judy was at the end of the MGM years but you still see her incredible acting and singing abilities at their best.
  
  
• Kelly's most tender moments.....
  By A2UMBQ1ZTH0IAJ on 2007-01-11
  Although this has been described as one of the most difficult musical productions due to Judy Garland's mental and emotional difficulties, the chemistry between her and Kelly is simply magical. Gene's obvious respect and concern for Judy is so obvious throughout. One of the most tender moments ever occurs during "You, Wonderful You". And what words could adequately describe Gene's performance on the squeeky board number? This is one of my favorites and a must have in any Gene Kelly collection.
  
  
• An American Classic
  By A2XEM29M5VAJE7 on 2007-01-03
  This is one of my favorite musicals. Judy Garland and Gene Kelly light up the screen and with supporting characters as Marjorie Main, Eddie Bracken and Gloria DeHaven you couldn't ask for better. This musical may never have received the recognition it deserved, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. Judy Garland's dance number of "Get Happy" is a classic. Definitely underrated.
  
  
• Summer Stock
  By A13OCHC0QGWNKI on 2006-06-10
  One of the best! "Andy Hardy grows up" BUT no one can make dance magic like Gene Kelly with just a piece of newspaper and a squeaky floorboard. If you want a great, fun time, this is for you and the whole family!!!! (Very rare these days!!)
  fmiddle
  
  
• DVD... WHEN?????
  By AS1IAWYJ7BTE4 on 2005-06-11
  Why oh WHY hasn't this classic been remastered and released on DVD yet??? -- Roy
  
  
• A Masterpiece of song and dance
  By A2BHSRN0EOEZNR on 2005-05-07
  I have the VCR tape and have worn it out. Can't wait for it to come out on CD. It is trully a wonderful show. Judy Garland and Gene Kelley are so wonderful together. Judy can sing cute songs and she can sing serious songs. Gene can do wonders with any kind of prop when he is dancing. I have just about all of his movies and also Judy Garlands. I am a music nut who likes the good old musicals I used to see years ago.
  
  
• Garland's MGM Swan Song
  By A399AMPPK2WXN3 on 1999-09-12
  Though the plot is predictable, Judy and Gene rise to the occasion in Judy's swan song at MGM. This enjoyable, if somewhat hokey, film offers one of the best musical moments Garland ever committed to film--"Get Happy." In one of her trademark looks (a black coat and hat), Garland stops the show with this number in the film's final moments. Garland also shines in an "Over the Rainbow"-type ballad, "Friendly Star." Gene has a fine solo dance and partners with Garland in a great barn dance sequence. Character actress Marjorie Main and comedian Phil Silver offer fine support. Not just for the Garland fan, "Summer Stock" is a fun film for fans of the MGM musicals of the 40s and 50s.
  
  
• the good and the not as good
  By A2JR5MYW7Q4XGN on 2009-02-25
  SUMMER STOCK was Judy's final film for MGM. She made it for the Pasternak unit, as the folks in the Freed unit had all but given up on her after she couldn't re-team with Fred Astaire for BARKELEYS OF BROADWAY and was forced out of ANNIE GET YOUR GUN. Her last two complete films for the studio (GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME and this one) were for producer Pasternak who made decidedly lower budget, less high brow fare. This is not the material Judy should have been forced into, but her last years at MGM were tough and she was locked in a dizzying downward spiral due to health woes, a deteriorating marriage, the addiction and a studio that was less than generous or understanding with one of their greatest talents.
  
  As a film, it's merely OK. It's not worthy of Judy's talents and Gene Kelly did it as a favor because he never forgot how good Judy had been to him on his film debut in FOR ME AND MY GAL, 9 years earlier. The plot is quite similar to the old Mickey/Judy barn musicals (yes, there's literally a barn here, too) and the whole affair is a bit tired. The sequence of Judy on the tractor singing "Happy Harvest" is telling enough...I've read stories about Judy up on the tractor, exhausted and unsteady, and asking them to summon "Vincente so he could take her home." In watching that sequence, she looks fine and all, but the coverage doesn't match up between shots and I think they simply got what they got and moved on.
  
  All of that said, the film does overcome its story, script and plot points and succeed because of the talents of Judy & Gene. They shine. They're consummate professionals and they can take the tired material and raise it up 20 notches. Judy's solos are all good. Gene's work is its usual terrific. And together, in "You Wonderful, You" or the dance they do, they once again elevate the whole affair.
  
  The finale, of course, contains the now legendary "Get Happy." Shot after production had wrapped weeks earlier, Judy had taken a long-needed vacation, she'd shed some pounds (at 4'11", even losing 5 pounds showed up on her) and she came back fit and relaxed. They decided they needed one more solo for Judy (she had opted out of the Hillbilly number that Gene and Phil Silvers ended up doing) and someone suggested Harold Arlen's "Get Happy" and the rest is history. It goes through four key changes and Judy learned the song and the dance routine in short order and it was shot. She was sexy and very grown up and sophisticated (not in keeping with the plot because, honestly, her character couldn't have done ALL THAT...but who cares...it's an MGM musical after all!).
  
  In the voiceover during "That's Entertainment," Liza herself said, "Summer Stock was mama's final film for MGM and her last days of shooting here were devoted to this number, which a lot of people, including myself, feel was one of her very best." She's right. Everyone who loves this number is right.
  
  Judy went out with a bang and her 15-year stint at MGM was over. It would four years before she made another movie and in the months after leaving MGM, her reputation was such that she found it difficult to find work. She had no recording contract, no movie contract and hadn't yet returned to the concert stage. Bing Crosby had her on his radio show numerous times in those months (those songs are terrific) and she worked to re-build her image and her career, culminating with the huge successes in London and at the Palace in New York, before returning to Hollywood to make "A Star is Born" over at Warner Bros.
  
  
• If You Feel Like Singing, Sing!
  By A38HRY4OBZ43U5 on 2006-05-28
  ...and sing and dance as much as possible when the artists are of the caliber of Garland and Kelly. Never considered one of the great musicals in the league of Meet Me In St. Louis, Singing In the Rain, A Star Is Born, or The Bandwagon, Summer Stock is still a ton of fun to experience and contains some of the finest musical (and comedic) moments of both Garland and Kelly. Garland is excellent as farmer Falbury and looks the part to perfection with her added weight and frumpy hair style. It's hard to remember another musical film that gets off to such a joyous start as this one, with Garland's infectious "If You Feel Like Singing, Sing" number setting the tone for the entire film to follow. Garland is in total command in this film and it's difficult to believe from viewing the finished work that she was actually quite ill during the making of it. One highpoint is the exuberant "Howdy Neighbor (Happy Harvest)" number where, riding a tractor and singing her guts out, she holds a long note at the end of the song, popping her eyes out and making a face directly to us! Scenes like this, her interplay with greats Marjorie Main and Eddie Bracken, demonstrate Garland's superb comedic timing and flawless ways of reacting to other performers in a scene. Garland and Kelly were a dynamite screen team and it's a pity they only made three films together. Their dance in the barn to the "Portland Fancy" is a super exciting number, and their first rendition of "You Wonderful You", also in the barn, is so filled with tenderness and joy - both of them beautiful to look at. As for the "Get Happy" number, simply one of the finest musical numbers ever filmed: Judy & her bevy of chorus boys all decked-out in their black tuxedos with her justly famous long and shapely legs moving about the stage to that great Arlen melody. Summer Stock ~ Forget Your Troubles and Buy this DVD!
  
  Luigi ~ NYC
  
  
  
• One of the Last - One of the Best
  By A2POFUU2U3X96U on 2009-09-18
  Summer Stock was Judy Garland's last film at MGM. She had troubles getting to the set everyday, and MGM finally reached it's breaking point. The film also starred Gene Kelly, and the two of them created on-screen magic. This is a high energy, slightly cock-eyed idea of, 'Hey kids! Why don't we find ourselves a barn and put on a show!' But just when you think that MGM can't come up with abother variation on that theme they do, and it's a fun and entertaining show for the whole family. One note: In Judy Garland's final song, "Get Happy", MGM was accused of using an old clip of her. It does seem plausible, because she seems quite a bit heavier in the film as compared to how she appears to look in that song. The truth is, that song was made for Summer Stock, but there was a 4 month gap in the filming. In those 4 months, she lost nearly 40 pounds. This will always be one of my favorites, because of the interaction of all of the lesser actors as well as the major. Gene Kelly is at the top of his mark in this one, proving that even a piece of paper can be a great prop. 5 stars, overwhelming approval!
  
  
• Summer Stock 1950
  By A3GN9I0UYV08LC on 2006-05-24
  Theres unusual harvest at falbury farm: beans , hay...show tunes . Its a bumper crop , too with Judy Garland (1922-1969) and Gene Kelly (1912-1996) leading all hoofing , singin and sparking . In her Final MGM musical , Garland plays Jane Falbury , a farmer owner more than a bit riled when her aspiring-actress sister (Gloria De Haven 1925 - ) showns up with a theatrical troup that wants to stage a musical in the familys barn . Any guess who becomes the shows sudden star after its lead runs off with broadway actor ! Highlights include Kellys shuffle-and-squeak "you ,Wonderful you" dance solo making use of loose boards and newspaper on the floor , Tuxedo-topped Garlands leggy "Get Happy" and a Kelly/Phil Silvers (1911-1985) country-bumkin bit of "Heavenly Music" backed by woofing canines . After a show like this , howre gonna keep these kids down on the farm . High Quality transfer . Features not remastred . Recommended
  
  
• The end...
  By A3AR9PVPYUC9PA on 2004-06-24
  With Judy Garland struggling in her life during this time this movie holds a special place in my heart. A large fan of Judy Garland and Gene Kelly I decided to watch this one day on TCM...well lets just say from the number with Judy on the tractor to her closing Get Happy number I was hooked. I fell in love with the performances given by the two along with the rest of the cast...with some great songs...and a few not so great...it still ends up being a great movie. It's Judy's last MGM movie and her last pairing with Gene Kelly and I think it was a great ending.
  
  
• "Get Happy" and Get Summer Stock
  By on 2004-05-09
  Summer Stock is a typical MGM movie. That's what makes it so good! This is the third and final teaming of Judy and Gene. I think they should have done movie movies because they were so great together in this one. Gene Kelly and Judy Garland do wonderful dances togther in this movie, and I have to say the best song is "Get Happy". The story about this song is MGM thought there wasn't enough songs in this movie so they added this one at the last minute! It turned out to be one of the best remembered songs from the film. And I promise you'll remember it too! I don't own this movie, but everytime it comes on tv, I have to watch it! That's how wonderful it is!
  
  

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