For Me and My Gal (1942)

Wow! This musical has it all!!!

I'm ashamed to admit I had not seen many of Judy Garland's movies. After watching this beautiful film, I've now added quite a few to my collection. I never realized Judy could REALLY act as well as sing and dance. "One of the greatest performers", as my mom used to say. I'm a believer now! She & Gene Kelly have a chemistry that looks easy & Gene was also a very underrated actor. I loved everything about this movie--the music, settings, history of performing at the start of the 20th century. It's one of the few mvoies about WWI that shows a little of how it was "behind the front lines". I also like George Murphy. A great movie that's more than a musical--it shows the twist and turns of life and how we all need to be held responsible for our actions. GREAT FILM!!! March 29, 2008

Obviously I'm a Gene Kelly fan.

Quality of the product was very good. The case and DVD are both very acceptable.

I bought 2 of this DVD and had one shipped to my Grandmother after she had told me it was her favorite Gene Kelly movie. My favorite is still Singin In the Rain. I thought the movie was still very good, and Judy Garland is a great actress as well. Definitely worth the money.

Hope this helps. January 25, 2008

Garland has got "IT"!!!

Judy Garland is the complete package singer, dancer, actress & all around entertainer. Me & My Gal in a fine DVD transfer showcases the excitement that was Garland The plot is set during the World War I period, but the film has 1940's feel to it. Who cares its great. Gene Kelly shows definite future star potential in his debut film. When it comes to the "IT" factor Judy Garland has it in spades! June 16, 2007

The Bells Are Ringing...

Vaudeville! It's like a talent show with true variety and plenty of enthusiasm. That is what this film commemorates, a forgotten piece of Americana. Jo Hayden (Judy Garland) is a singer in a performing group with plenty of talent. She meets Harry Palmer (Gene Kelly), a selfish and egotistical performer. He tricks her into auditioning with him and the two decide to form a duo. Jo slowly falls in love with Harry, although he hardly notices. Suddenly, World War I breaks out and Jo's brother (Richard Quine) enlists. Harry is drafted, but he doesn't want to go because service will interfere with his chances at the big time. However, it turns out that although the military can break friends apart, it can also bring them together again.

This film utilizes newsreel footage flawlessly and the songs rejuvinate an era long gone. Garland's vocal power and Kelly's charisma make for a truly wonderful film. Aside from the title song, tunes like the By the Sea medley and After You've Gone are standout. With those songs and Busby Berkeley directing, it is no wonder the film was nominated for an Oscar for best scoring.

The movie poster cover reveals that Kelly was billed under George Murphy who plays Jo's former performing partner. His smile is catching, but his role is less important than Kelly's. Originally, however, Murphey was to play Harry Palmer.

Also included in this DVD are a few treats. Two short subjects including Every Sunday, the film Garland made as a test with Deanna Durbin, is here. The radio version can be heard as an audio-only with Garland and Kelly reprising their roles and Dick Powell in Murphy's. May 22, 2007

A Slam Dunk

The "Ballin the Jack" number by itself is worth the price of purchase. Some reviewer here stated that Garland would not turn in a truly Oscar worthy performance until A Star is Born. That person did not see this film. Garland in For Me and My Gal turns in a performance that is better than the combined performances of every actress who has won best actress in the past ten years. As for the reviewers who decry the over the top patriotism in this film, I say get a life. When this movie came out, people didn't know how things were going to end. And a lot of them didn't survive to see it turn out so well. Thank goodness Judy and company were there to make life a little cherrier for them. May 12, 2007

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