The Harvey Girls

Directed by George Sidney and released in 1946, The Harvey Girls is an engaging musical film featuring Judy Garland best known as the star of The Wizard of Oz, and a talented supporting cast including Ray Bolger and John Hodiak. Hailed as one of MGM's most famous musicals, the film is steeped in the charm of the old West and beautifully coupled with the vibrant energy of a stage musical. Based on the novel of the same name by Samuel Hopkins Adams, the movie tells the story of a group of pioneering women who worked at the Harvey House restaurant chain, which sprouted up along the transcontinental railroad's path in the late 19th century.

Judy Garland, wearing her signature charm and vocal prowess, leads the cast as Susan Bradley, a young woman from Ohio. On a train journey west to marry a rancher she has never met, she befriends a group of women, known as the Harvey Girls, who are headed for the frontier town of Sandrock, Arizona to set up a Harvey Restaurant and hotel. These women, brought in by businessman Fred Harvey, are charged with bringing a touch of refinement and civility to the wild frontier, using a wholesome feminine influence to combat the rowdy, male-dominated environment.

The Harvey Girls are an assorted bunch played by the notable actresses of the time, including Virginia O'Brien, Marjorie Main, and Cyd Charisse, while Ray Bolger dances his way into audiences' hearts as the charming and agile hoofer, Chris Maule. John Hodiak is Ned Trent, the handsome but somewhat morally lax proprietor of the local saloon, serving a stark contrast to the Harvey Girls' mission of civilizing the frontier.

The film shines brightly with its colorful and extravagant musical numbers, choreographed with precision and flair. The captivating music is by Johnny Mercer and Harry Warren, including the Oscar-winning song, "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe." This signature tune is performed in a thrillingly staged spectacle by Garland and the company, transforming it into one of the movie's most captivating moments.

Throughout their journey, the Harvey Girls face opposition from the local saloon employees and patrons, unwilling to accept this transformation of their town. This forms the central conflict, with the Harvey Girls being the spearheads of progress and the embodiment of the civilizing influence against the untamed wildness of the frontier town. However, amidst this backdrop of the clash of civilizations, the film focuses also on Garland's character Susan Bradley's personal journey, as she navigates the complexities of love and duty, providing a romantic subplot that adds to the film's emotional depth.

Judy Garland's stellar performance, her youthful charm, and exceptional singing talent make her the emotional heart of the film. Her radiance, along with the rest of the cast’s seemingly effortless performance, underpins this enduring 1946 classic that remains a joy to watch.

The Harvey Girls frames the narrative around a significant phase of American history. It portrays the role of women in taming the wild west, bringing with them culture, and a sense of sophistication and order to the rugged frontier town. It offers a mixture of comedy, romance, musical spectacle, and adventure, with its picturesque backdrop magnificently captured in Technicolor.

The burst of catchy songs, the love story at its core, and the old west charm infused with the strong and determined characters make The Harvey Girls an engaging watch and a classic example of the MGM Golden Age of Musicals. This enchanting film bristles with charm, humor, and an unyielding optimism, capturing the spirit of pioneers, the challenges they faced, and the endurance of the human spirit.

The Harvey Girls is an all-around entertaining film with a story deeper than most typical musicals. It’s not only a sweet tribute to the real-life Harvey Girls and their role in western expansion but also a testament to the timeless allure of the mid-20th century American musical cinema. The film’s charm lies not only in its brilliant performances, compelling narrative, and infectious music but also in its peek into a part of history that is often overlooked. With its vibrant spectacle, lighthearted humor, and heartwarming romance, the film remains a delightful classic.