Classic musical of the “let’s put on a show” variety. This was the first of several Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musicals that would follow this formula, all hugely successful at the box office. In fact, Mickey Rooney was the top box office star of 1939 and would hold that title for the next 3 consecutive years.

Mickey and Judy display such talent here that it’s literally bursting out of them. Their rendition of the classic song “Good Morning” is almost as good as the more well-known version from Singin’ in the Rain. Judy’s amazing way with a song is in full force here and she was only 16 years old. This film can definitely get a little corny at times but it’s still worth checking out to see Mickey and Judy giving it their all.

One word of warning: there is a minstrel number in black face that modern audiences will most likely find offensive. I just tried to see it as a product of its time and attempted to concentrate on the top-notch skills of the singers & dancers instead. But it did make me feel grateful that we have progressed to the point where something like that wouldn’t fly today.

All in all, I enjoyed this and would especially recommend it to fans of Judy Garland and/or Mickey Rooney.