Judy Garland managed to subdue her ongoing medical problems long enough to make Summer Stock in 1950, her last film with MGM and longtime collaborator Gene Kelly. In a throwback to Garland's "let's put on a show" films with Mickey Rooney, Kelly plays a theater director who sets up in Garland's barn to prepare his musical, but Garland has other ideas. Romantic entanglements ensue, of course, and Eddie Bracken, Phil Silvers, and Marjorie Main are on hand to lend comedic support. Following his mostly forgettable score in 1949's The Barkleys of Broadway, Harry Warren contributes another mostly forgettable score, though it's complemented with a few ringers from other songwriters. There are many enjoyable moments, however, including a lot of tap from Kelly. He and Garland share a tap duel at a square dance turned lindy hop, and Garland performs her classic "Get Happy" routine in a black jacket and fedora. Kelly also performs a solo number to "You Wonderful You" with no gimmicks--just a darkened stage, a squeaky floorboard, and a sheet of newspaper. --David HoriuchiMore...
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