NORMAN TAUROG
Bil’s rating (out of 5): BB.5. USA, 1940. Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Screenplay by Jack McGowan, based on the musical comedy by George M. Cohan. Cinematography by Ray June. Produced by Arthur Freed. Music by George Bassman, Roger Edens, George Stoll. Production Design by Cedric Gibbons. Costume Design by Gile Steele, Dolly Tree. Film Editing by Fredrick Y. Smith.
Ridiculously boring yarn has lovely lass Judy Garland give birth in Ireland and then play her grown-up daughter who has moved to America with relatives after her mother dies in childbirth. Suiting Garland’s phenomenal talents, the score is jam-packed with great songs, culminating in a St. Patrick’s Day parade where the young star sings “It’s A Great Day For The Irish”. Other than that, it’s a bunch of malarkey that is mired in false sentiment and non-existent plot motivation. Based on a play by George M. Cohan.
