DVD 93 IMDB 6.5

In Collection
#477

Musical

Judy Garland	Patsy Barton
Mickey Rooney	Mickey Moran
Charles Winninger	Joe Moran
Guy Kibbee	Judge John Black
June Preisser	Rosalie Essex
Grace Hayes	Florrie Moran
Betty Jaynes	Molly Moran
Douglas McPhail	Don Brice
Rand Brooks	Jeff Steele
Leni Lynn	Dody Martin

Director	Busby Berkeley
Producer	Arthur Freed
Writer	Jack McGowan; Kay Van Riper

The only purpose of "Babes in Arms" is to prove with the unlikely gathered support of the whole neighbourhood which happens to be manifested by budding vaudevillians, the war battle cry not to be upheld is 'Come on, let's put on a show!'

Yet what an interestingly talented field of teenage talent, not to mention an interesting case study of youth rebellion, pre "Rebel Without a Cause" period. It proves how easily Hollywood could provide ample entertainment in the Golden Era, and with all its simplicity, all the reasons in the world as to why Hollywood simply cannot do this today.

Although the predominance of Mickey Rooney is obvious throughout over Judy, he was nonetheless a delight to watch, comic, charming, musical and repressed talents and all, receiving a well deserved Oscar Nomination up against some of the biggest names of Hollywood in its greatest year. Judy, with little mention required, was once again brilliant in one of her earliest starring vehicles.

The supporting cast seems to be in need of a desperate stretch in order to keep up with a gold mine of talent. Usage of expensive looking dresses amongst the backyard setting doesn't assist, and neither do seventeen year old operatic divas. The older members of the cast, however, seem to be doing alright, despite the fact their competition is superseding them in real life as well. Otherwise, the rest of the supporting actors in unconvincing scenery settings, seem to be able to only follow Busby Berkley's direction with certain lines on repeat.

Music dominates within the Rodgers and Hart play, although much of the original score disappeared, leaving two songs contributed by the duo, including the title song. The highlight of the program is "Good Morning", which is probably also remembered for being reused with different lyrical arrangements in the MGM musical masterpiece "Singin' in the Rain". This, and most of the other songs remains the high point of the musical.

It is obvious that the intent of the movie, is not, plot. I can now pride myself on being successfully able to predict every occurrence ahead of time for the first time in my life, a fact I am usually oblivious to even in the most screamingly awakening of circumstances. What puzzled me was the reason as to why they didn't attempt "Broadway Melody of 1939". Or was there such a thing?

However, this continued to pave the way with gold for two of the best Hollywood stars. All in all, this is a great pleasure to watch. And for an evening in, it is great fun for the young at heart.