Judy Garland stars as the titular Nelly in this lackluster shell of a film. In fact, she plays two roles-mother and daughter. As such, she portrays both wife and daughter to her costar, George Murphy, which makes for a rather awkward transition.
The real problem is the plot, which has a one-note conceit-the stubbornness of her father (and grandfather). One reviewer called him a "lovable loafer", but I found him tiresome and annoying. I doubt anyone could tolerate such a boor in real life. Besides controlling his daughter/granddaughter in the name of love, his one goal in life is inebriation.
I have to mention the ending, which is unrealistic and contrary to the essence of the entire film, effectively undermining all that has gone before. When people criticize Hollywood endings, they are talking about endings like the one that was tacked on to this failure.
Fortunately, Judy Garland followed this film with many notable successes.
The real problem is the plot, which has a one-note conceit-the stubbornness of her father (and grandfather). One reviewer called him a "lovable loafer", but I found him tiresome and annoying. I doubt anyone could tolerate such a boor in real life. Besides controlling his daughter/granddaughter in the name of love, his one goal in life is inebriation.
I have to mention the ending, which is unrealistic and contrary to the essence of the entire film, effectively undermining all that has gone before. When people criticize Hollywood endings, they are talking about endings like the one that was tacked on to this failure.
Fortunately, Judy Garland followed this film with many notable successes.