Summer Stock

Summer Stock is a classic film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1950, directed by Charles Walters, and stars Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, and Eddie Bracken.

Summer Stock follows Jane Falbury (portrayed by Judy Garland), a sturdy and hardworking farmer who must bear the responsibility of managing her family’s financially struggling farm after the demise of her father. Her tranquility is disrupted by her starry-eyed younger sister Abigail (played by Gloria DeHaven), who forsakes the farm life to follow her dreams of becoming an actress. Abigail returns home with an entire theater troupe in tow, intending to convert the barn into a stage for their summer stock production.

Gene Kelly shines in the role of Joe D. Ross, the charismatic director of the theatre group. When he convinces the formidable Jane to let them use her barn as their venue in exchange for some much-needed repairs around the farm, an interesting dynamic between the two forms. Jane's steadfast, rural sensibilities couple interestingly with Joe's more artistic city-slicker mentality.

Meanwhile, Jane wrestles with her romantic involvement with Eddie Bracken’s character Orville Wingait, a sensible and good-hearted son of a local wealthy family. Orville is the direct opposite of Joe, offering a life of stability and peace on the one hand, while on the other lurks the exciting world of entertainment and passionate romance. These relationships and the contrasting lifestyles provide a platform for humorous, romantic, and at times, dramatic encounters between city and country.

Predominantly, the film is a loving showcase for its two stars. Judy Garland is radiant in her final MGM musical, engaging audiences with her heart-rending performance and pitch-perfect melodies, while Gene Kelly’s energetic charisma and challenging choreography add a vibrant pulse to the otherwise subtle temperament of the film. Garland and Kelly illustrate their gifts for comedy, drama, and romance. Kelly's mesmerizing tap routines and his famous dance with a squeaky floorboard and newspaper are alone worth the price of admission.

Mesmerizing musical numbers are scattered throughout the film. Judy Garland serves one of her most remembered performances in the "Get Happy" number, while other musical highlights include the startlingly agile "Newspaper Dance" by Kelly and Garland's nostalgic rendition of "Friendly Star." Trajectories of storyline and song meet and merge to form a colorful, music-driven melodrama that is enjoyable from start to finish.

Garland's character Jane easily becomes a symbol of endurance, determination, and real-life struggles, making the audience root for her from the very beginning. In contrast, Kelly's Joe represents the passionate artiste, consumed by his craft and his urge to create and tell stories.

Character actor Eddie Bracken also delivers a notable performance as Orville, providing the perfect amount of comedy relief. His unease around Garland hints at the contrasting worlds they each come from, further emphasizing the allure of the theater world brought by Kelly's character.

The rustic setting and colorful group of performers give the film a certain charm, enriching the narrative with a sense of authenticity and heart. The bustling farm life and its contrast with the theatrical milieu create a compelling backdrop that allows the characters to shine.

Summer Stock, at its core, is a love letter to the golden age of classic Hollywood musicals, blending humor, heartbreak, and musical grandeur with ease. It is a charming and delightful spectacle that showcases perhaps two of the greatest talents of MGM musicals: Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. Their boundless energy, emotional depth, and ceaseless talent radiate throughout the film.

Moreover, the film stands as a testament to the spirit of the theater, demonstrating how a dedicated group of artists can transform even the humblest of barns into a dazzling stage, providing a nostalgic account of the creation and staging of a musical production.

With its captivating performances, endearing romance, and unforgettable musical numbers, Summer Stock is a charmingly delightful cinematic experience that celebrates not only the magic of theater but also the resilience of the human spirit. Despite the trials and tribulations, it encapsulates the enduring theme that the show, indeed, must go on.