Summer Stock has one of my favorite Judy Garland songs in it, one that became a staple on her television show and during her concerts: "Get Happy". I never get tired of watching this number. Judy, clad in a black extra-long, low-cut blazer, black pumps, and a black fedora over one eye, captivates the men in the chorus, and the audience, as she sings and dances to the jazzy tune. It's pretty much impossible not to follow her instructions.
The rest of the movie isn't that great. She reunites with Gene Kelly, and while they're both experts at hamming it up for the camera in a silly musical comedy, they don't really save the tired "Let's put on a show!" plot. Gene starts the film engaged to Judy's sister, Gloria DeHaven, but when they decide to put on a show, he and Judy spend a lot of time together and fall in love. There are a few songs interspersed in the movie, both as parts of the show and parts of the regular plot, but the best and most memorable one is "Get Happy". If you love both leads, you can rent this one, but if you'd rather watch them in good movies, you can rent Meet Me in St. Louis and Anchors Aweigh.
The rest of the movie isn't that great. She reunites with Gene Kelly, and while they're both experts at hamming it up for the camera in a silly musical comedy, they don't really save the tired "Let's put on a show!" plot. Gene starts the film engaged to Judy's sister, Gloria DeHaven, but when they decide to put on a show, he and Judy spend a lot of time together and fall in love. There are a few songs interspersed in the movie, both as parts of the show and parts of the regular plot, but the best and most memorable one is "Get Happy". If you love both leads, you can rent this one, but if you'd rather watch them in good movies, you can rent Meet Me in St. Louis and Anchors Aweigh.