Judy and Van in one of MGM's sunniest musicals
Added 5/21/2009
A charming turn-of-the-century musical with a strong performance from Judy Garland, IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME is actually a remake of an earlier MGM property ("The Shop Around the Corner") which starred James Stewart and Margaret Sullavan as feuding workmates who are unknowlingly each other's lonely hearts pen-pal.
Veronica Fisher (Judy Garland) is the latest employee at the music shop run by Mr Oberkugen (the adorable S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall), and right from the outset she ruffles the feathers of senior sales assistant Andrew Larkin (Van Johnson). Believing she's out to usurp his position in the store, Andrew decides to give her the cold shoulder. But unbeknowst to Andrew, Veronica is in fact his secret pen-pal. When he discovers her true identity, all manner of complications get in the way before Veronica learns the truth as well...
IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME was filmed during one of the most wretched periods in Judy Garland's personal life, yet miraculously there's not a single hint of her private pain on the screen. She turns in one of her most good-humoured performances as Veronica (her first scene with Van Johnson is hilarious); and sings up a storm with period-perfect numbers like "I Don't Care", "Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey", and "Meet Me Tonight in Dreamland".
Sadly this movie also features the last complete on-screen role for Buster Keaton, playing Oberkugen's accident-prone nephew. Whilst he'd later appear in a cameo role in Billy Wilder's "Sunset Boulevard" and earned a new set of fans as Chief Rotten Eagle in the "Beach Party" movie franchise; his screen career was starting to wind down in 1949.
Filled with lush costumes and sets in the best tradition of MGM's musicals, IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTIME is perfect viewing for any season of the year.
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In The Good Old Summertime
Added 2/19/2009
One of my favorite movies and now I can see it as much as I want. The actors in this movie were great and some of my favorites also.The movie was a newer twist on the older movie Shop Around The Corner which I loved.
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In The Good Ole Summertime
Added 12/1/2008
I was disappointed that it was in a generic clear cover and not in the orignal cover otherwise in good condition.
1 out of 4 people found this helpful.
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My first time ordering from Amazon.com. Very satisfy with the speed and timely manner it was done. I will use them again.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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In The Good Old Summertime
Added 9/18/2008
This movie is full of hope. Comfortable old town shop with lovable characters. Great songs and a happy ending. A feel good movie.
1 out of 2 people found this helpful.
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great classic musical
Added 10/26/2009
Anyone who enjoys old musicals and Judy Garland and Gene Kelly will enjoy this musical, especially the Get Happy number which thank God was written and filmed several months after official production was over to pep up the movie. It did that and more!
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Definitely Worth Watching!
Added 10/17/2009
Although not one of Gene Kelly or Judy Garland's best picture, this delightful musical has several great moments of comedy and dance routines. The movie is worth buying if only for Gene Kelly's dance number with a piece of newspaper - truly amazing - and Judy's number, "Get Happy" is one of her best songs and dance routines (she looks great too). If you just watch the film, you'll be drawn into the story. Predictable? Yes, but what isn't in most Hollywood films? It's in the telling that makes the predictable story entertaining.
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One of the Last - One of the Best
Added 9/18/2009
Summer Stock was Judy Garland's last film at MGM. She had troubles getting to the set everyday, and MGM finally reached it's breaking point. The film also starred Gene Kelly, and the two of them created on-screen magic. This is a high energy, slightly cock-eyed idea of, 'Hey kids! Why don't we find ourselves a barn and put on a show!' But just when you think that MGM can't come up with abother variation on that theme they do, and it's a fun and entertaining show for the whole family. One note: In Judy Garland's final song, "Get Happy", MGM was accused of using an old clip of her. It does seem plausible, because she seems quite a bit heavier in the film as compared to how she appears to look in that song. The truth is, that song was made for Summer Stock, but there was a 4 month gap in the filming. In those 4 months, she lost nearly 40 pounds. This will always be one of my favorites, because of the interaction of all of the lesser actors as well as the major. Gene Kelly is at the top of his mark in this one, proving that even a piece of paper can be a great prop. 5 stars, overwhelming approval!
1 out of 1 people found this helpful.
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