In their third and final screen teaming, Judy Garland and Gene
Kelly starred together in the MGM musical Summer Stock. Despite its
riveting production history, charismatic lead actors, and classic
musical moments, the movie has not received the same attention as
other musicals from MGM’s storied dream factory. In C’mon, Get
Happy: The Making of "Summer Stock," authors David Fantle and Tom
Johnson present a comprehensive study of this 1950 motion picture,
from start to finish and after its release. The production
coincided at a critical point in the careers of Kelly and an
emotionally spent Garland. Kelly, who starred in An American in
Paris just one year later, was at the peak of his abilities. On the
other hand, Summer Stock was Garland’s final film at MGM, and she
gamely completed it despite her own personal struggles. Summer
Stock includes Kelly’s favorite solo dance routine and
Garland’s signature number "Get Happy." The authors discuss in
rich detail the contributions of the cast (which included Gloria
DeHaven, Eddie Bracken, Phil Silvers, and Marjorie Main); the
director (Charles Walters); the producer (Joe Pasternak); the
script writers (George Wells and Sy Gomberg); the songwriters
(which included Harry Warren and Mack Gordon); and top MGM
executives (Louis B. Mayer and Dore Schary). The volume features
extensive interviews, conducted by the authors, with Kelly,
Walters, Warren, and others, who shared their recollections of
making the movie. Deeply researched, C’mon, Get Happy reveals the
studio system at work during Hollywood’s Golden Era.
Additionally, the authors have written a special section called
"Taking Stock" that buttonholes numerous contemporary dancers,
singers, choreographers, musicians, and even Garland impersonators
for their take on Summer Stock, its stars, and any enduring legacy
they think the film might have. Artists from Mikhail Baryshnikov,
Ben Vereen, and Tommy Tune to Garland’s and Kelly’s daughters,
Lorna Luft and Kerry Kelly Novick, respectively, offer their unique
perspective on the film and its stars.
General
Imprint: |
University Press Of Mississippi
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Release date: |
October 2023 |
Authors: |
David Fantle
• Tom Johnson
• Savion Glover
|
Dimensions: |
229 x 152mm (L x W) |
Pages: |
277 |
ISBN-13: |
978-1-4968-3839-1 |
Categories: |
Books
|
LSN: |
1-4968-3839-4 |
Barcode: |
9781496838391 |
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