"Summer Stock" is not up to par with other MGM musicals, yet, this take on a group of thespians invading a farm to do summer theater will delight anyone looking for a movie that doesn't demand much from its viewers, yet it delivers some unexpected pleasures. As directed by Charles Walters, "Summer Stock" is a rarity, in that it still has a fresh look about how summer theater started. The music, especially Harold Arlen's songs, are tuneful and stay with the viewer.
This was another pairing of Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, two of the most admired musical performers at the golden era of MGM. Both performers do well together as they project an ease and charm that filters down to the rest of the movie. Judy Garland is perfect as the girl trying to make ends meet working at the family farm. Gene Kelly is the city slicker who comes unannounced to take over everything to try out his musical play.
There are some familiar faces in supporting roles. Eddie Bracken, Phil Silvers, Marjorie Main, Ray Collins, Hans Conreid, and the beautiful Gloria DeHaven.
By the magic of the movies we are shown how the rustic barn is transformed into a place that no one would have been able to predict could be made into a stage where the musical takes place. Stay tuned and get happy with this summer film that is as refreshing as an ice cream cone on a hot day.
This was another pairing of Judy Garland and Gene Kelly, two of the most admired musical performers at the golden era of MGM. Both performers do well together as they project an ease and charm that filters down to the rest of the movie. Judy Garland is perfect as the girl trying to make ends meet working at the family farm. Gene Kelly is the city slicker who comes unannounced to take over everything to try out his musical play.
There are some familiar faces in supporting roles. Eddie Bracken, Phil Silvers, Marjorie Main, Ray Collins, Hans Conreid, and the beautiful Gloria DeHaven.
By the magic of the movies we are shown how the rustic barn is transformed into a place that no one would have been able to predict could be made into a stage where the musical takes place. Stay tuned and get happy with this summer film that is as refreshing as an ice cream cone on a hot day.