Meet Me In St. Louis
3.5/4
Starring: Judy Garland, Lucille Bremer, Tom Drake, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor, Joan Caroll, Leon Ames, Henry H. Daniels Jr
Not Rated
Next to "The Wizard of Oz," Vincente Minelli's "Meet Me in St. Louis" is Judy Garland's most famous film. It's not hard to see why. It's fun, the songs are catchy (especially the Oscar-nominated Trolley Song) and the characters are people we can relate to. Despite being nearly 70 years old, "Meet Me in St. Louis" has lost none of its power to entertain.
The film details six months in the lives of the Smith family in 1903. Father Alonzo (Ames) is a successful lawyer. Mother Anna (Astor) dotes on the family. Eldest son Lon (Daniels Jr) is in college. Eldest daughter Rose (Bremer) is awaiting a marriage proposal from her suitor. Her younger sister Esther (Garland) has her eye on John Truett (Drake), the handsome new neighbor next door. And the little girls Tootie (O'Brien) and Agnes (Carroll) delight in causing mischief. All are very close, and a number of little dramas interrupted by song, play out as they eagerly await the opening of the World's Fair.
Realistically speaking, there's nothing truly groundbreaking that happens in this movie. It's a light little movie filled with levity and a little bit of pathos. But it works because the performances are strong across the board.
Leading the pack is Garland, who ironically didn't particularly want the role. She originally wanted to play the role tongue in cheek, but was convinced otherwise by director Manelli (whom she ended up marrying shortly after the movie was released). Esther is earnest and independent and she loves her family. Her courtship with John Truett, which is saddled with insecurity and mixed messages, rings true. Also very good is Bremer, who is anxiously awaiting a proposal from Warren Sheffield (Robert Sully). She and Esther gossip and plan on how to attract Truett's attention; we all wish we could be as close to our siblings as these two are. For his part, Drake is good as Truett, although he's always overshadowed by Garland. The two have chemistry, which helps since they don't share as many scenes together as one would like. The supporting cast is also strong, although Ames is miscast. He's too gruff and doesn't fit in with this family.
This was Vincente Minelli's first color film, and he takes full advantage of it. This is a colorful and lively movie, and it complements the story well. Minelli is a skilled director, and this was the film that made him a star. He went on to direct movies in a number of genres. "Father of the Bride" and its sequel, "An American in Paris," and "The Bold and the Beautiful" are all his movies.
Charming, high spirited and fun, "Meet Me in St. Louis" deserves its place in the high echelon of movie musicals.
Starring: Judy Garland, Lucille Bremer, Tom Drake, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor, Joan Caroll, Leon Ames, Henry H. Daniels Jr
Not Rated
Next to "The Wizard of Oz," Vincente Minelli's "Meet Me in St. Louis" is Judy Garland's most famous film. It's not hard to see why. It's fun, the songs are catchy (especially the Oscar-nominated Trolley Song) and the characters are people we can relate to. Despite being nearly 70 years old, "Meet Me in St. Louis" has lost none of its power to entertain.
The film details six months in the lives of the Smith family in 1903. Father Alonzo (Ames) is a successful lawyer. Mother Anna (Astor) dotes on the family. Eldest son Lon (Daniels Jr) is in college. Eldest daughter Rose (Bremer) is awaiting a marriage proposal from her suitor. Her younger sister Esther (Garland) has her eye on John Truett (Drake), the handsome new neighbor next door. And the little girls Tootie (O'Brien) and Agnes (Carroll) delight in causing mischief. All are very close, and a number of little dramas interrupted by song, play out as they eagerly await the opening of the World's Fair.
Realistically speaking, there's nothing truly groundbreaking that happens in this movie. It's a light little movie filled with levity and a little bit of pathos. But it works because the performances are strong across the board.
Leading the pack is Garland, who ironically didn't particularly want the role. She originally wanted to play the role tongue in cheek, but was convinced otherwise by director Manelli (whom she ended up marrying shortly after the movie was released). Esther is earnest and independent and she loves her family. Her courtship with John Truett, which is saddled with insecurity and mixed messages, rings true. Also very good is Bremer, who is anxiously awaiting a proposal from Warren Sheffield (Robert Sully). She and Esther gossip and plan on how to attract Truett's attention; we all wish we could be as close to our siblings as these two are. For his part, Drake is good as Truett, although he's always overshadowed by Garland. The two have chemistry, which helps since they don't share as many scenes together as one would like. The supporting cast is also strong, although Ames is miscast. He's too gruff and doesn't fit in with this family.
This was Vincente Minelli's first color film, and he takes full advantage of it. This is a colorful and lively movie, and it complements the story well. Minelli is a skilled director, and this was the film that made him a star. He went on to direct movies in a number of genres. "Father of the Bride" and its sequel, "An American in Paris," and "The Bold and the Beautiful" are all his movies.
Charming, high spirited and fun, "Meet Me in St. Louis" deserves its place in the high echelon of movie musicals.
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