"We ought to be able to lick a hand full of girls with our hands tied behind our backs!". This amazing quote, surely the thing of double-entendres, actually sums up the plot quite well. A train filled with waitresses come to a western town to work for one of many restaurants run by the Harvey chain--and some powerful folks in the town will do practically anything to get them to leave as this restaurant is competition to the bar/whorehouse. However, despite this dangerous story, it's not all seriousness as this is a Judy Garland musical--filled with many bright and peppy production numbers. In fact, this is THE problem with the movie. Even for an MGM musical, there are too many song and dance numbers and this made it seem as if dialog and plot were, at best, secondary. It's a shame, as the film looks dynamite---with its intense 1940s color, wonderful costumes and HUGE song and dance numbers that you just have to see to believe.
For lovers of musicals, I'd rate this one an 8. For folks like me that love classic films but don't love every musical, a 6. And, for folks who aren't familiar with or don't like older films (they must be crazy), I'd say it's better just to avoid this one. I really wanted to love the film--as I do love Judy Garland in "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "In the Good Old Summertime". Plus, Garland is wonderful in the film--and she gives it her all. However, this one, clearly, is not in the same league as these great films.
For lovers of musicals, I'd rate this one an 8. For folks like me that love classic films but don't love every musical, a 6. And, for folks who aren't familiar with or don't like older films (they must be crazy), I'd say it's better just to avoid this one. I really wanted to love the film--as I do love Judy Garland in "Meet Me in St. Louis" and "In the Good Old Summertime". Plus, Garland is wonderful in the film--and she gives it her all. However, this one, clearly, is not in the same league as these great films.