Lily Mars vedette

almost every review of this movie I'd seen was pretty bad. It's not pretty bad, it's actually pretty good, though not great. The Judy Garland character could have gotten annoying, but she didn't allow it to. Somewhere along the line, i've become a fan of brooding, overbearing, overacting Van Heflin, at least in the early 40's. Judy's singing is great, but the film missed a great chance by not showing more of their relationship. I gave it a 7.

This was one of the Judy films that I've been wanting to see for a long time, as it does not appear to be avalible on video in the UK, So I got it from the USA, and luckily my televideo can play NTSC tapes!

This is one of my fave Joots movies. She plays a stronger character then in any of her early MGM movies. -For once she isn't running after a man she cannot have, and is not feeling unattractive compared to a more glamourous star. (poor Judy who had a low self esteem was often put in these roles) She plays Lily Mars, a strong willed, ambitious and stubbon young lady who is determined to be noticed by a big Broadway producer, and will do it by any means. Judy really shows her comic talents in this movie, and looks lovely.

The film itself is a lopsided affair with some heart and decent performances. It also features the Bob Crosby and Tommy Dorsey orchestras in a couple of notable musical sequences. Although this is Judy Garland's show, MGM strangely showcases operatic star Martha Eggerth a little too much and her presence mostly drags the film into headache territory. Thank God Garland makes up for it with a couple of terrific numbers of her own that show off her flair for comedy as well as singing and dancing.

The story doesn't hit target centre overall but it's not terrible and things do move at a nice pace, and Van Heflin turns in his usual capable performance. Garland simply outshines the material and it's a shame the writers missed so many opportunities for a more balanced and meaningful story.

Not a great film, or maybe even one of Garland's best, but she's great in it and her fans won't be disappointed.

First of all, she never looked better... sort of the apotheosis of all that evil energy MGM spent in turning Frances Gumm into Judy Garland. Blondish (and not a wig), thin (but not too thin), energized and comic (working her mannerisms rather than the reverse), and she sounds great. Moreover, Hollywood and Tarkington were made for each other, and the payoff works here as well. Clever americana, with truly inspired set pieces surrounding Judy's attempts to get "discovered" by "local boy makes good" producer, Heflin.

The tacked-on, mega-production ending is a real clunker and can leave a bad aftertaste. Avoid the ending if you can pull yourself away. But for this grandiose, ill-fitting finale, an almost perfect Garland musical and as good as she gets (which is the best singing actress ever to grace the screen).

One more point in Garland's favor: she plays the perfect "straight man" in two comic scenes with her on screen younger sister. Given Garland's reputation, let alone the instincts of any actor not to be upstaged, one can't but admire her generosity. Her self-confidence and generosity in these scenes make the film that much funnier and stronger.

Presenting Lily Mars is one of a genre of film that sadly seems to have disappeared with the studio system. Ok now that you know my bias, here are some reasons I think this movie does stand out.

1. Although the basic plot - Lily Mars (Judy Garland) goes to New York, becomes a star, and wins the heart of her director (Van Heflin) is a pretty stock Hollywood story of the period, the writers do vary the theme her a bit more than usual. Although Lily gets her big break when the star quits, she isn't successful and has to swallow her pride and go back to playing a minor role in the show.

2. Judy Garland (enough said!)

3. The supporting cast includes some really great performances. Spring Byington as Lily's mother is truely wonderful, as is Fay Bainter (the mother of the director - John Thornway (Van Heflin)). The standout supporting performance though goes to character actress Connie Gilchrist as Frankie, a one time actress turned theater custodian.

Worth a watch for sure. One of those movies that are designed to make you feel better about the world and your dreams.