This is by far one of the best channels on youtube. Scholar-level research, perfect editing, always fascinating and informative. Your writing has style and voice, and your passion for film history is so apparent without overriding the professional tone of your analysis. I'm a huge, huge fan.
@@charlybrown5264 Exactly -- I think she must be a grad student or PhD...I've tried looking for any info about her online but can't find anything! Would love to know her background
She was so pretty when she was young, beautiful... her eyes, she had such pretty eyes, Soulful eyes... I don't know how anybody could call her ugly? she was natural, had an innocence.
Cat Whisperer She was pretty with an amazing voice, but sadly the company like majority if not all the companies at that time tried to make everybody look alike. A lot of actresses were compared to each other and were given pills for a lot of reasons and thru the years that effects them later on.
I’ve never understood how she wasn’t seen as “that kind of beautiful”. Since I was a child I’ve found her breathtakingly beautiful and mesmerising - and still do.
I think what is meant is exotic/mysterious and alluring but unattainable. Judy is more girl-next-door beautiful: approachable, friendly and vulnerable. Her image in the 40s breathed wholesomeness not vampiness.
Everyone says that "homosexuals loved Judy because they knew what it was like to suffer." I'm not a film scholar or a writer but I will try to explain... I am a homosexual and as a child (as young as 5!) I knew nothing of Judy's suffering. I watched The Wizard of Oz (and all her movies) repeatedly... only to listen to her incredible voice, singing or merely speaking. I was drawn to her expressive eyes, her beauty, and her ability to connect with me and touch my heart. I believe I am describing artistry, intensity, and TALENT. That is why I loved, and still love Judy Garland. I heard Liza voice this very idea in an interview. She was asked if she understood why gay men loved her mother so... she replied, "Because they recognize talent." Maybe younger generations of homosexuals love her because they know what it is like to suffer. Maybe you are drawn to her suffering as well. I love Judy Garland, and it has nothing to do with her tragic life. Please!
Glad to hear your remarks. I think what drew people more than anything was her magnitism. When she walked out on the stage, a type of electricity accompanied her. That kind of thing that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. She LOVED her audience. She did not see color or creed or sexual preferences. She just loved them all and she had a great appreciation for them.
Judy Garland was a wonderful person with a heart bigger than the world. She had an empathy for everyone and everything in it. She cared so much for people. Even in her movies she portrayed this. She was considered one of the greatest talents that ever existed because those beautiful scenes were really how she felt. Watch her sweetness with children in The Clock, In the Good Old Summertime, in her little touch or look of love and kindness toward them. The love she portrayed toward her leading man like in Star is Born and Little Nellie Kelly, and on her specials or talk shows with her own children. And let’s get this straight. Judy never considered her life tragic. She said she had lived a “rather lovely and extraordinarily happier life.” No she never was married to a man who truly loved her above himself, but she had her children who she loved more than life.
Yeah that was before the capacity to do high belt became the main criteria for a great vocalist... Voices like hers were beloved, today many folks would ridiculously regret that her range is not wide enough for her to be considered a top notch singer etc...
Judy had absolutely fabulous technique that allowed her voice to retain clarity while also giving it depth, projection, and volume. She could easily carry this into the fifth octave and down into the second. Sure, singers today hi higher, but those notes are little more than slightly-controlled yells that wouldn't be heard over the powerful, rich voice of Judy Garland.
I would love to see an analysis of Kathy Bates' win for Misery. She was an unknown who won for a horror film (and a Stephen King adaptation no less). It seems unprecedented in this category or the Oscars in general.
GracefulDanny Kathy Bates was a successful Broadway stage actress at the time with some credits in TV and film. She was definitely not a household name for sure. Actresses like Shirley Booth, Louise Fletcher, Vivien Leigh (in the States) and Marlee Marlin are similar examples (though not in the horror genre) who would predate Bates.
Yes! I’d love see one on Kathy Bates and also one on Louise Fletcher for Cuckoo’s Nest. I’m very interested in Best Actress wins for villainous characters.
Watching that clip at the end of the video brought tears to my eyes, knowing her life and how she carries so much weight behind the words in her rendition of that song.
It's like watching Edith Piaf "Non Je Regrette Rien" at the end of La Vie en Rose. So much emotion and power and damn did she deserve better than she got.
Be Kind Rewind Well, they (the filmmakers) were going to get absolutely no cooperation from the family, since both Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft openly condemned the play it was based on (END OF THE RAINBOW). I love Liza though, because she doesn’t want any of this negativity reflecting on Renee Zellweger, an actress she greatly admires.
The TV miniseries not only shows you her whole life story, but also some lines are taken directly from her private audio tapes. So I would say her life has always been public. This is a new trend to make biopics stand out (see: Jackie) it works for some films (again, see: Jackie) doesn’t for others.
uknow who her life itself would be fair game for them to use but they’d likely have more issues getting rights to the films she appeared in so they might not have been able to show her at certain stages in her life when she was filming certain roles-the characters she played and any onscreen hints of her films may have caused the filmmakers soon legal issues if they showed them without studio consent. Alternatively it could just be that they spent a lot of money trying to secure rights to use elements from the wizard of oz and therefore couldn’t afford her other roles
The filmmakers had only two hours of screen time for JUDY so they concentrated on the latter part of her life since they owned the rights to the play END OF THE RAINBOW. They added flashback sequences to highlight only the WIZARD OF OZ period and again their take is highly subjective. Just ask Liza or Lorna who hate it when only the negative or prurient is accentuated about their mother’s life.
i saw a doc about her where she was filming harvey girls..she was getting makeup for the atkinson train number and the whole time she was getting makeup the director was telling her what he wanted from her in the scene..she would say yes ...she got up and did the whole scene in one take. she had a photographic memory. one look at a sheet of music or script and she had it. this was said by the director by the way. i loved her.
There’s few things I love more than hearing a person talk about a subject that they are super passionate about. You made me love and appreciate Judy Garland more than I did before, so you succeeded in your endeavor. Tremendous video, thank you.
There never was, isn't, and never will be anything like Judy Garland in her prime. She held the *world* in the palm of her hand. Her voice was absolutely unbelievable. Her acting broke your heart or had you laughing til you cried. She could dance with the absolute best of them. She was, without question, the greatest American entertainer of all time. Thank you for this. Made me cry in all the right ways.
18:15 Seeing Judy's films as the best way to honor her legacy is exactly what her daughter, Lorna Luft, said about this new film. "...I feel that if you really want to know about my mom, go see her movies, go listen to her recordings, and go watch her television shows, and that's how you'll know about her."
That’s quite hypocritical of Lorna though. Although Judy is her mother, Lorna has spent her life giving exposé of Judy, writing ‘tell all’ books and she even made her own Judy biopic. It doesn’t really make sense that she would say that. It’s likely that she just didn’t like a movie being made about this time period, which is understandable, but still. She could have just said that. Liza’s (real, not tabloid) response to this film was a lot better.
Anne Hathaway fought for a damn long time to bring Judy Garland's life to the screen. As she, like you and me, stans Judy and has given amazing vocal performances and has Oscar calibre acting chops I wish this would happen.
eh after les mis, I am now unconvinced of Anne Hathaway's vocal abilities. She was decent but not exceptional at all and the movie really compromised vocal performance I think. I wouldn't want tobsee her in any involvement in any role telling the story of someone else life who had strong vocals. Which in and of itself, for me, can make or break the performance. Just my opinion.
@@elleofhearts8471 Anne has quite a good voice but that movie did NO ONE any favors recording all the vocals on set. Whether she could do Judy is another matter but that director made some weird choices that lessened everyone's performances overall, I don't know that I would use it as your only judge.
well Renée did an amazing job, I don’t know what this girl is talking about... her singing was impressive, the directing was spot on, her portrayal was spectacular, she deserves that oscar... that’s all.
I agree. Great voices can't be emulated. Actors channeling these legends' voice is just showing off the actors' versatility while being anticlimatic for the viewers. Haven't seen "Judy" yet, but I felt this letdown while watching Rocketman about Elton John when the actor did his own singing.
I saw the movie a few days ago and I walked out saying "I feel like the directors wanted to do a full biopic but were either told no by the studio or they didn't want to be compared to the Judy Davis TV Movie."
I’ve loved Judy my whole life, and was very underwhelmed by the movie. Judy’s story is so tragic, it breaks my heart to know that someone so beautiful and talented was made to feel so unworthy all the time. With today’s focus on body positivity it would have been a great opportunity to show what happens when someone is told their whole life that they need to be someone other then themselves. Thank you for this video ❤️
It’s not authorized by her estate, and in my opinion, no biopic should be. The family of the biopic person or band will of course not want the character painted in bad light and will change events around in an inauthentic way to suit their narrative. Look at the Queen biopic. I’ve only done basic research on the band and I can tell you even from that that Freddie Mercury’s bandmates did him no favors and conveniently left out some of their faults. And then glided over key parts of his life and identity.
I think they chose to highlight the wizard of oz years because not only is it her most iconic role, but perhaps they thought it would be too confusing to flashback to other time periods and felt this was more cleaner.
Seeing footage of Judy when she was younger is absolutely haunting. She looks so fresh-faced and hopeful, like any teenager dreaming of (and in her case, achieving) stardom, and above all else, she had genuine talent. The fact that her raw power STILL wasn't enough for Hollywood shows how unimaginative and sexist the industry was back then and continues to be: "Hey, here's this uniquely-talented girl with a distinctive singing voice and style. What should we do with her?" "Let's shape her to be like all the other broads. That'll bring in the dough!" She deserved so much better, and we know of her fate because she eventually got her "big break". Imagine all the hopeful starlets who went through similar tragedies of being chewed up by the studios but we don't know their stories because their names and faces have been lost to time.
If you loved Ol’ Man River, be sure to see Judy perform The Battle Hymn of the Republic on her television show as a tribute to JFK. It’s unbelievably powerful and brings the audience to their feet.
I love Judy so much, I was concerned this commentary wouldn’t do her justice..... But your passion as a “Judy fan” warmed my heart. It was wonderful hearing her story aired with such love and care. THANK YOU for this.
Be sure to see Judy perform The Battle Hymn of the Republic on her television show as a tribute to JFK. It’s powerful and brings the audience to their feet.
She could transcend ages, genres, herself and others. If you add the years she performed from 2 years old, she really put in 70 years of work. There are people who need to work that way. Even today, it wouldn't be possible without chemical support. Justin Bieber, Ananda Bines, Miley Cyrus... and they don't have that one in a century Talent.
I don't know what to say. This review is just superb and shows the value and professionalism of this channel beautifully. As a subscriber with a Film Studies Masters, I would give this review a strong A grade. I do think everyone's heart is in the right place in the film, they just didn't fully flesh out the dearth of material at hand. A tall order in any case. But as to this review, it is by FAR the best I have read.
I really wish this movie did what “In My Shadows” did and dubbed Renee with audio of Judy’s voice, Judy’s voice was so one of a kind and it would’ve made the movie feel more authentic
Even mixing the actors voice with the original as I think they did in the Queen movie for Freddie Mercury would be nice. That way the songs sound more authentic but also still as if they belong to the actor.
No. Thats cringe as hell. I watch shadown and Judy Davis I loved, but singing was lip sync to the voice that did not belong to her and it was very obvious.
@Jay Jay I totally agree if using Judy's own voice and Renee lip-syncing would have made of a better and stronger movie even more emotional and heartbreaking. The audiences who aren't familiar 52 tees overpowering and overwhelming singing don't realize just how great this woman actually was! Instead we have to listen to Renee singing which is a major disappointment in a movie and I like Renee no disrespect to her please!
The decision to end on a literal bravado, with showing her, in my opinion, greatest taped performance was brilliant! Also for anyone interested in the nuance her voice could acquire talked of in this video, please refer to her Carnegie Hall live performance of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love".
Having Renee Zellweger sing as Judy Garland kind of reminds me of when they had Reese Witherspoon singing as June Carter in the film Walk the Line. I mean, yes, that's a tough, virtually impossible act to follow! But it doesn't make it any less disappointing to know how hard it must have been to try. In June Carter's case, they did a lot better replicating her sound in the made-for-Lifetime movie Ring of Fire, I guess because they hired a singer (Jewel) and had her act rather than hiring an actor and asking her to sing. I mean, both Witherspoon and Zellweger have sung in musical films, but for June Carter or for Judy Garland, you really need to hire someone who can belt it out. These are LOUD women with BIG, lived-in voices!
Watching “Old Man River” at the end, I’m head-to-toe goosebumps. She was extraordinary. I had the good fortune to see the then newly restored, ‘54 version of, “A Star is Born” in all its 3 hour glory. Your take on “Judy” reflects my feelings as well. Excellent video.
I was ... and still am ... obsessed with Judy's performance of "Old Man River" from her TV show. I've watched it over and over, and it just gets me every time. Transcendent performance.
Loved this - thanks for doing it! And thanks especially for that little tidbit about watching her duet with Streisand from the TV show on the regular!! That number is one of my favorite female duets ever. Streisand the up and coming mega talent blasting away, and Judy, the savy older master, giving an absolute clinic on how to compete with that by underscoring and going for the emotional essence. I think I read somewhere that the duet using those to songs was Garland's idea, and that she even helped arrange it?? So many show business chops in that. Truly a mega talent - right through to the end.
This is a wonderful video. It's a great summation of everything that the film left to be desired. And I'm so happy you recommended "The Harvey Girls." I feel that's a very underrated film of hers. I actually worked at a Railroad Museum (in Carson City, NV) that houses the very train used in the film, and I have stood on the very same coach she had in the "Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe" number.
When the camera goes from shooting Judy from above to filming from below during her performance of "Ol Man River," I can't think of any other performance where the change to the angle of lighting was so perfectly timed
Great analysis. I saw the film today and I was quite devastated by it. I thought Renne Zellwegger really embodied Judy as much as was possible. The fact that she did her own singing was incredible to me and although I agree that her voice wasn't able to match Judy's power, I still think she nailed the emotional nuances of the stage performances. I agree that having more substance from the middle years of her career would have helped, but I found the emotive power of her performance more than enough to carry the film and convey the heartbreak of her situation.
Thank you for this commentary on “Judy” as well as details about the great Judy G. I’d seen her in The Wizard of Oz on TV throughout my childhood, but it was thru a cassette tape of a collection of her hits that my wife kept in the car when we were newlyweds that gave me time to thoroughly be exposed to her other wonderful songs. I became a fan (and I’m not gay). I made sure to catch a showing of her A Star is Born recently when shown as a Fathom Event in the theatre, and it was moving & powerful. I devoured two biographies about her not too long ago. What a talent...! Sadly, like many people, I’m sure, I can’t help but attach to her glorious legacy the weight of tragedy. I hate it, but the melancholy comes attached. (I experience the same with Whitney Houston.) I wish she’d been better rewarded in life for the joy she brought to so many of us.
Thanks for this wonderful video! I was always a huge Oz fan, never really new any other Judy stuff. I went down a rabbit hole the other night and saw a lot of her early stuff. The Every Sunday performance really made me realize what an amazing performer she was! Loved getting this history lesson on her.
I have 3 things to say: 1. The video was AMAZING as usual. Especially this considering it was about the greatest entertainer that ever lived!!! 2. Ol’ Man River is probably her greatest performance because the way she interprets the lyrics toward the end is just jaw dropping. Like give her every award type of performance!!!!! God I love that song!!!! 3. I haven’t seen the movie, but from the trailers I’ve seen, there is one moment where I do think Renee did very well on. It’s where she’s frightened about going on stage. When she speaks in that small scene, all I hear is Judy. The right inflections and border line raspiness in the voice was perfect!! Over all from what I heard, if the script was better and if Renee really went there with her singing voice, this probably would be a much more comprehensive movie.
At the beginning of Judy's final great phase - the concert career - the incredible Kay Thompson a master cabaret performer worked with Judy to develop a whole language of movements (the hair pull, the 'reach', the head nod yes etc. etc. combined with a sophisticated retooling of Judy's entire vocal performance to hone every nuance of emotion. Judy at Carnegie and Judy back in the forties are two very different (great) singers. Kay was Liza's godmother and for good reason.
I noticed your list of suggested movies didn't include Easter Parade - my favorite Judy movie. She's hilarious, touching and she dances with Fred Astaire. It's great.
Judy Garland was a unique and great singer. Even the late Aretha Franklin was a admirer and fan of Judy Garland. I love how her voice also had a new level of power as she got older at Carnegie Hall!
I agree Easter Parade is one of the best. I love the montage of hits from the early 20th century that they did in the movie, my favorite scenes from any of her movies. I also absolutely love Girl Crazy, she is so sassy and the score is amazing!
Katwil89, Easter Parade was a great movie, but, Fred was to old for the part. Fred was 23 years older than Judy, would they ever make a film like this if the ages were reversed. Answer: ABSOLUTELY NOT. I know that Gene broke his ankle, and that's why Fred came out of retirement, but, I wish they would have waited. Nothing personal, but, I just thought the romantic teaming of Fred and Judy Wasn't believable. This too would never be done in reverse.
Beautiful video. One of the best channels on TH-cam, You deserve 10 times more subs. I personally liked that they did not used Judy's voice, it always look like dubsmash even in Davis Judy portray. Angela Basset did a great Tina but singing parts were cringe. Jessica Lange for Pasty Cline, great performance, singing parts were cringer. I never liked when people complain that actor does not like person they portray or sing. Its a portray of a person like Lange said for Crawford not a copy. Renee did an amazing job, frail emotional, funny she really like You said she did a homework and a home run.
After watching this video (thanks to which I've came across your channel) all I can say is thank you. Thank you so much. It's been wonderful. The thorough depth and level of analysis is both amazing and earnest. It does convey your love for Judy's figure and the fact that all you want for her is to get a fair and all-encompassing portrayal of her person. I've just finished watching the movie and, though I liked it, I now feel (after diving into your video) I can definitely understand way more, and I now do want to explore her filmography more than ever. Thanks a lot, again. Videos like this one make the Internet so worth it.
This is exactly how I felt. The vocals, though impressive, didn’t carry enough punch and how can you feel for a life you don’t really see? Thank you for such an eloquent, beautiful assembled video! Happy that this film is out there but I hope in the next 10 years someone tries again, with a La Vie En Rose level biopic.
The only time I saw Judy Garland in person was in 1968 on Hollywood Blvd. She was with her then husband Mark Herron. They were obviously coming from some event as she was in a full length sheath dress. What struck me most was that she was either so drunk or high that she could barely walk without support and her facial features looked almost blurred. I was living on Hollywood Blvd at that time.
If you enjoyed Ol’ Man River, be sure to watch Judy sing The Battle Hymn of the Republic on her television show as a tribute to JFK. It’s incredibly powerful.
7:50 - 7:55 = Same here. No apologies necessary. Judy and Barbra created magic on television. Iconic. We'll simply never see the like again. Barbra spoke so lovingly of Judy at her magnificent concert this past August at MSG in New York, and the crowd applauded wildly after seeing Judy and her on the big projector screens. Beautiful.
It's touching to find out that Judy became a kind of friend and mentor to Barbra, and to think she had that friendship - it's lonely at the top, as they say. And touching as well to see how obviously Judy and Barbra have established a real rapport, and how Judy is in awe of Barbra's gift but still not taking a back seat. Someone, as it were, she could "play tennis" with and play without holding back; a fun kind of competition.
That was amazing! Thank you. Usually your videos are well presented (thought out, narrated and with a clear point of view), but wow! Not only you maintained your level of excellence, but you really did manage to make me rethink Judy. We all know she was an idol, but sometimes you need someone to grab your face and look into your eyes and say: This is why she was a powerhouse despite them...
My God, you restore my faith in the future. Your intelligence and your approach and passion for the material is such a special thing in this age of the superficial sound bite. You brought up things here that I thought only I saw or felt. I’ve been such a fan of your videos for a long time, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. Don’t stop!
This was great. Thank you for bringing your passion for Judy to this video, and I think framing it as mostly an educated supplement with some informed opinion was a fantastic choice. I don’t always agree with you, but I do feel you always come from a genuine place, and that this is perhaps the best entry from you I have seen thus far.
I was leaving for work then got the notification for this and called my boss to say I’d be running late so I could stay home and watch this ! Your work is impeccable 👌🏽
Judy wasn't drop-dead gorgeous in the classic glamour way, but she was extremely attractive, Her truest beauty came from within. She had a chemistry that took her beyond all of that fakery. When she walked in a room, no matter if Marilyn Monroe, LanaTurner, Eliabeth Taylor etc were there it was Judy who ended up getting the most attention. After all there is only so long that you can look at an oil painting!
OMG I thought the same thing! I love the wizard of Oz, but a lot of shit went down between then and London! I specially wanted to see the time in which summer stock happened. Even when I was a kid I was shocked but how different she looked by the end of the movie. I wanted context for that. And how great she still performed even though something was clearly going on during the filming of that. (Also a Gene Kelly cameo would have been nice tbh)
Thank you for this beautiful "companion" to the film. Your editing and research are excellent! And thank you for ending your piece with Old Man River, showing what an incomparable performer Judy was. It's like she's clinging to the edge of emotion and the best way to let it out is through song. Exquisite.
This video essay was everything I hoped it would be and more. A little hesitant about seeing the new film, but from what I've seen in clips and interviews with Reneé, it seems like it was a true labor of love for Judy.
I was dubious but go. It's worth it. Zellwegger does some real "next-level" acting in it that I didn't even know she was capable of. There are inherent problems but, if you know your "Judy," I suspect you'll appreciate it for what it is. It's a very well-crafted film that has a tremendous amount of empathy for its subject.
I'm absolutely in love with your channel! I was wondering if you could do a video on the actress Faye Dunaway. Especially her infamous portrayal of Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest and the resulting blowback she got from Hollywood/the media. I think it would make for an interesting video discussion. Great work as always
I feel like I'm standing in front of an AA meeting and admitting for the first time I love Mommie Dearest and was completely under Dunaway's spell. I have watched it at least once per month since I was a child. In my world, that type of "overacting" is awesome af.
@@percypape I absolutely agree! I thought Faye gave an amazing performance. I felt that her performance was appropriate for the subject matter at hand. She stole all of the scenes that she was in. It's arguably one of the most iconic film portrayals in cinematic history, even if it is campy. I adore watching the film.
Judy's Old Man River gave me full body goosebumps at the same point you added to the end!! Of course the entire performance is top notch. Old Man River isn't really my jam, but her rendition and emotion really makes it something. My Nan introduced me to musicals from an early age, and I fell in love with Judy Garland, Julie Andrews and Shirley Jones to name a few. When I was older and learned more about Judy I was beyond sad and even angry by the things she endured.
@@GirlWithThePlumbobTattoo I'm not saying this in a mean way, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were sent to the same plastic surgeon. We think of plastic surgery as a recent phenomenon but older movie stars were really put through the ringer if they didn't show up to Hollywood with the right look.
12:30 - I still get floored with the fact that Judy's only 46/47 in this picture. She looks like she's 73!! It's crazy to me, she was such a beautiful young lady. She was so aged in 1969, and she wasn't even 50 yet. Mind boggling. Drugs are terrible. Hollywood killed her. She deserved so much better 😔
I remember hearing Judy sing Over the Rainbow when I was very young and I have a soft spot for her. I totally hate what the studio did to her and how different her life would be if she was treated differently or had more people fighting in her corner. If there is truly a Judgment Day, I wonder how those studio heads would be judged for what they did to children.
For many of the reasons you expressed, I think this is why I preferred the miniseries they did about 20 years ago. It's by no means perfect but it gives you a much fuller picture of her rise, her heart, and her tragic fall. She was beset on all sides by so many people who didn't have her best interest at heart and only wanted her for what they could get from her.
1. i’m dying to see what the narrator looks like. i have a picture of her in my head. LOL 2. i hope the narrator is making a shit ton of money for her work on this channel and passion for all things movie-related. good for you!
I get exactly what you mean by this entire breakdown and I didn’t even see the movie! You’re great at your thesis about why and what, when talking about anything on your channel. Judy was a beautiful one inside and out. 🙌🏾
Just want to say how much I appreciate the neutral and sympathetic way you talk about addiction (and in the Vivian Leigh ep, mental illness) on this channel. It's a theme that runs through your vids: you aren't interested in turning anyone into a villain (okay, maybe Jack Warner...but he was just insane), but you are very interested in nuanced portrayals of actresses with complicated histories. And I am so there for it. And yes I am waiting for 1951. A lot. Alot a lot.
Talk about a triple threat, it was stated on TCM that In the big production number "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe", she was walked through one of the longest song and dance routines in film, shown her marks and choreography from her entrance until the tempo change only once, and she sang and danced her way through it in one take and was dead-on both times.
I cried at the end your editing skills are amazing. I love your videos and how you can remain so respectful even while voicing your opinions. It’s a great skill.
I'm gonna put this out there. If you can find it, watch a movie called Gay Purr-ee. It was Judy's only animated voice role but it still is a masterpiece for many reasons of its own. After Wizard of Oz, it's my favorite movie that she did.
I really loved this video. If we can get a whole Judy series I’d be all for it. I really enjoyed how you really went into judy’s start really made me understand her culture impact better.
Heartbreaking. Thanks for such a great post. She had a soft, open face .. a vulnerable mouth .. mischievous (then later) hurt eyes .. and a spirited voice from the heavens. Wherever the “other side” is, I hope she is getting the love, care and veneration she so deserves.
VERY late to the party commenting but another Judy movie that is great to look at is 1963's 'I Could Go On Singing', she gives a complete powerhouse performance in her final film. Thank you for this video, I honestly love Judy Garland with my whole heart! Her singing Old Man River chokes me up every time!
Thank you for suggesting the Old Man River performance. How have I made it to be a sad old queen and never ever seen that. God it was amazing. And you feel how exhausted she is.
So glad you included Strike Up the Band in the movies to see for Judy homework. What an absolutely bonkers good time of a movie that is. She and Mickey were delightful.
Also, Be Kind Rewind, you are really kind of a genius. Every one of your TH-cams is so masterful, researched to the hilt, and magnificently edited. I wish they would give you a show on a major TV network, especially PBS. You have some of the quality of Robert Osborne, who also had a tenderness and respect towards the actors and stars that was much appreciated in a movie historian. You are that good my dear.
I am so touched by this video, and I am now doubly-proud to support your work on Patreon. Of course, I have also been in love with Judy Garland my whole life. When my parents let me stay up late, I would sometimes see her on the Jack Paar Tonight Show, and try to reconcile the slightly tipsy, world-weary but hilarious raconteur I saw there in black and white with the Dorothy of the annual Oz broadcasts. Your analysis of the new film Judy is so thoughtful. So much material online is quick knee-jerk praising or trashing. You capture the nuances and grey areas here, and thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to do that. Best Wishes as always.
Thank you for this. Concise, perfect and exactly what people need to watch if they ask "who was Judy Garland". I 100% agree with everything you said in this video. If i could have made one this is exactly the sentiment I would strive to get across......plus leaving her clips voiceless until Old Man River was a touch of brilliance and made me cry. Thank you again. Well done.
I commented on this video when it first came out and here I go again. I LOVE YOU and LOVE the way you try to put into words, the Judy Garland legacy. Thank YOU.
Such a great video. So well researched & truly shows how much you love her. Can you please do a video on romy schneider’s life? She lived such an interesting life & I wish a video like this of hers existed. Much love!
This is by far one of the best channels on youtube. Scholar-level research, perfect editing, always fascinating and informative. Your writing has style and voice, and your passion for film history is so apparent without overriding the professional tone of your analysis. I'm a huge, huge fan.
I think she really works in this field, thats why it's so on point.
@@charlybrown5264 She's just a voice over. It isn't her.
@@charlybrown5264 Exactly -- I think she must be a grad student or PhD...I've tried looking for any info about her online but can't find anything! Would love to know her background
@@crawfordiano It's her -- you can hear her screaming in reaction to the Olivia Colman win in the 2019 Oscar video, for one. Lol
@@crawfordiano why do you think that?
She was so pretty when she was young, beautiful... her eyes, she had such pretty eyes, Soulful eyes... I don't know how anybody could call her ugly? she was natural, had an innocence.
Cat Whisperer She was pretty with an amazing voice, but sadly the company like majority if not all the companies at that time tried to make everybody look alike. A lot of actresses were compared to each other and were given pills for a lot of reasons and thru the years that effects them later on.
Compared to Lana Turner or Elizabeth Taylor at the time, she was just cute.
She is not good looking
I thought it was because they had wanted Shirley Temple to play Dorothy. Shirley was their standard of beauty at the time.
I’ve never understood how she wasn’t seen as “that kind of beautiful”. Since I was a child I’ve found her breathtakingly beautiful and mesmerising - and still do.
I think what is meant is exotic/mysterious and alluring but unattainable. Judy is more girl-next-door beautiful: approachable, friendly and vulnerable. Her image in the 40s breathed wholesomeness not vampiness.
Maybe, but she is so much more prettier
Thats exactly how I feel about Barbara Streisand!
When you look at her judy she has an approachable kind of beauty a la Jenn Aniston, while her peers had an intimidating kind of beauty.
@@AndreiGromit ^^ yes! good clarification!
Everyone says that "homosexuals loved Judy because they knew what it was like to suffer." I'm not a film scholar or a writer but I will try to explain... I am a homosexual and as a child (as young as 5!) I knew nothing of Judy's suffering. I watched The Wizard of Oz (and all her movies) repeatedly... only to listen to her incredible voice, singing or merely speaking. I was drawn to her expressive eyes, her beauty, and her ability to connect with me and touch my heart. I believe I am describing artistry, intensity, and TALENT. That is why I loved, and still love Judy Garland. I heard Liza voice this very idea in an interview. She was asked if she understood why gay men loved her mother so... she replied, "Because they recognize talent." Maybe younger generations of homosexuals love her because they know what it is like to suffer. Maybe you are drawn to her suffering as well. I love Judy Garland, and it has nothing to do with her tragic life. Please!
Exactly
Yes!! Thank you for articulating this. You hit the nail on the head.
Glad to hear your remarks. I think what drew people more than anything was her magnitism. When she walked out on the stage, a type of electricity accompanied her. That kind of thing that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up. She LOVED her audience. She did not see color or creed or sexual preferences. She just loved them all and she had a great appreciation for them.
Judy Garland was a wonderful person with a heart bigger than the world. She had an empathy for everyone and everything in it. She cared so much for people. Even in her movies she portrayed this. She was considered one of the greatest talents that ever existed because those beautiful scenes were really how she felt. Watch her sweetness with children in The Clock, In the Good Old Summertime, in her little touch or look of love and kindness toward them. The love she portrayed toward her leading man like in Star is Born and Little Nellie Kelly, and on her specials or talk shows with her own children. And let’s get this straight. Judy never considered her life tragic. She said she had lived a “rather lovely and extraordinarily happier life.” No she never was married to a man who truly loved her above himself, but she had her children who she loved more than life.
I love Judy cause in Greece we say “the good is easy to see”.
it’s crazy how judy doesn’t have to hit the highest notes or anything like that her voice is just pure power and beauty
Yeah that was before the capacity to do high belt became the main criteria for a great vocalist...
Voices like hers were beloved, today many folks would ridiculously regret that her range is not wide enough for her to be considered a top notch singer etc...
Its called, "SOUL."
Judy had absolutely fabulous technique that allowed her voice to retain clarity while also giving it depth, projection, and volume. She could easily carry this into the fifth octave and down into the second. Sure, singers today hi higher, but those notes are little more than slightly-controlled yells that wouldn't be heard over the powerful, rich voice of Judy Garland.
I think it’s called TRUTH & VULNERABILITY.
Judy was the best
She always makes me cry
I would love to see an analysis of Kathy Bates' win for Misery. She was an unknown who won for a horror film (and a Stephen King adaptation no less). It seems unprecedented in this category or the Oscars in general.
GracefulDanny Kathy Bates was a successful Broadway stage actress at the time with some credits in TV and film. She was definitely not a household name for sure. Actresses like Shirley Booth, Louise Fletcher, Vivien Leigh (in the States) and Marlee Marlin are similar examples (though not in the horror genre) who would predate Bates.
Oh yes I would love this
Yes! I’d love see one on Kathy Bates and also one on Louise Fletcher for Cuckoo’s Nest. I’m very interested in Best Actress wins for villainous characters.
I think kathys politics may not line up with this channels
@@blkplaguelmc Isn't she a leftist?
Omg, that video of Judy singing the hell out of Old Man River is one of the best things I've ever seen.
I broke down in a wave of tears and just stood up and applause..and I was doing all of this in my friend's dorm rooms. That's how good she still is
Watching that clip at the end of the video brought tears to my eyes, knowing her life and how she carries so much weight behind the words in her rendition of that song.
@@eroupopper I could feel the tears welling up throughout the video, but that song just broke me and had me sobbing into my oatmeal.
Agreed. Here it is th-cam.com/video/5g4wnWILwSI/w-d-xo.html
It's like watching Edith Piaf "Non Je Regrette Rien" at the end of La Vie en Rose. So much emotion and power and damn did she deserve better than she got.
I thought I was the only one obsessed with her performance of old man river!!! When she sang "I'm tired of living but scared of dying" I FELT THAT!
we all do my friend. That's the power of Judy!
From how you’ve described the structure of the biopic, it sounds like they couldn’t get the rights to 90% of her life story.
I thought about that too. Definitely possible, but I think there could be a million ways to work around it with context clues if that were the case
Be Kind Rewind Well, they (the filmmakers) were going to get absolutely no cooperation from the family, since both Liza Minnelli and Lorna Luft openly condemned the play it was based on (END OF THE RAINBOW). I love Liza though, because she doesn’t want any of this negativity reflecting on Renee Zellweger, an actress she greatly admires.
The TV miniseries not only shows you her whole life story, but also some lines are taken directly from her private audio tapes. So I would say her life has always been public. This is a new trend to make biopics stand out (see: Jackie) it works for some films (again, see: Jackie) doesn’t for others.
uknow who her life itself would be fair game for them to use but they’d likely have more issues getting rights to the films she appeared in so they might not have been able to show her at certain stages in her life when she was filming certain roles-the characters she played and any onscreen hints of her films may have caused the filmmakers soon legal issues if they showed them without studio consent. Alternatively it could just be that they spent a lot of money trying to secure rights to use elements from the wizard of oz and therefore couldn’t afford her other roles
The filmmakers had only two hours of screen time for JUDY so they concentrated on the latter part of her life since they owned the rights to the play END OF THE RAINBOW. They added flashback sequences to highlight only the WIZARD OF OZ period and again their take is highly subjective. Just ask Liza or Lorna who hate it when only the negative or prurient is accentuated about their mother’s life.
i saw a doc about her where she was filming harvey girls..she was getting makeup for the atkinson train number and the whole time she was getting makeup the director was telling her what he wanted from her in the scene..she would say yes ...she got up and did the whole scene in one take. she had a photographic memory. one look at a sheet of music or script and she had it. this was said by the director by the way. i loved her.
I think that comment was actually made by Vincente Minnelli, her second husband, who also directed her in three films.
There’s few things I love more than hearing a person talk about a subject that they are super passionate about. You made me love and appreciate Judy Garland more than I did before, so you succeeded in your endeavor. Tremendous video, thank you.
She is so brilliant.
Can we get a Gene Kelly or Fred Astair biopic? (I really miss watching that type of dancing at the movies!)
There never was, isn't, and never will be anything like Judy Garland in her prime. She held the *world* in the palm of her hand. Her voice was absolutely unbelievable. Her acting broke your heart or had you laughing til you cried. She could dance with the absolute best of them. She was, without question, the greatest American entertainer of all time. Thank you for this. Made me cry in all the right ways.
Me too
18:15 Seeing Judy's films as the best way to honor her legacy is exactly what her daughter, Lorna Luft, said about this new film. "...I feel that if you really want to know about my mom, go see her movies, go listen to her recordings, and go watch her television shows, and that's how you'll know about her."
That’s quite hypocritical of Lorna though. Although Judy is her mother, Lorna has spent her life giving exposé of Judy, writing ‘tell all’ books and she even made her own Judy biopic. It doesn’t really make sense that she would say that.
It’s likely that she just didn’t like a movie being made about this time period, which is understandable, but still. She could have just said that. Liza’s (real, not tabloid) response to this film was a lot better.
Anne Hathaway fought for a damn long time to bring Judy Garland's life to the screen. As she, like you and me, stans Judy and has given amazing vocal performances and has Oscar calibre acting chops I wish this would happen.
she can play a diffrent period of judys life
eh after les mis, I am now unconvinced of Anne Hathaway's vocal abilities. She was decent but not exceptional at all and the movie really compromised vocal performance I think. I wouldn't want tobsee her in any involvement in any role telling the story of someone else life who had strong vocals. Which in and of itself, for me, can make or break the performance. Just my opinion.
@@elleofhearts8471 Anne has quite a good voice but that movie did NO ONE any favors recording all the vocals on set. Whether she could do Judy is another matter but that director made some weird choices that lessened everyone's performances overall, I don't know that I would use it as your only judge.
Marion Cotillard as Edith Piaf - great performance without singing. Some voices just cannot be replaced
She so deserved winning the Oscar for that film/performance.
She was brilliant & Renee is brilliant at what she does in the film.
well Renée did an amazing job, I don’t know what this girl is talking about... her singing was impressive, the directing was spot on, her portrayal was spectacular, she deserves that oscar... that’s all.
Cotillard was Piaf. I believed every moment. She deeply deserved the Oscar.
I agree. Great voices can't be emulated. Actors channeling these legends' voice is just showing off the actors' versatility while being anticlimatic for the viewers. Haven't seen "Judy" yet, but I felt this letdown while watching Rocketman about Elton John when the actor did his own singing.
This is an intelligent angle for a review: less a critique, but an assist to understand a movie further.
I saw the movie a few days ago and I walked out saying "I feel like the directors wanted to do a full biopic but were either told no by the studio or they didn't want to be compared to the Judy Davis TV Movie."
MoPhan256 Judy Davis?
@@DannyCoombs709 Judy Davis played Judy Garland in a 2001 TV Movie called Life with Judy Garland: Me and My Shadows.
MoPhan256 thanks! For a minute I thought you misspelled Judy’s last name lol
MoPhan256 I instantly compared it to the Judy Davis performance anyway, so they should have done a full biopic anyway, but used Judy’s actual voice.
Timothy Mathews
We already have that movie.
I’ve loved Judy my whole life, and was very underwhelmed by the movie. Judy’s story is so tragic, it breaks my heart to know that someone so beautiful and talented was made to feel so unworthy all the time. With today’s focus on body positivity it would have been a great opportunity to show what happens when someone is told their whole life that they need to be someone other then themselves. Thank you for this video ❤️
It’s possible that Judy’s estate didn’t want the worst of her years (or her true fall from grace) portrayed honestly.
uknow who and that too might have been the reason; truth might have lead to a defamation of character case...
Sandy g. It's only a problem if it isn't true though
It’s not authorized by her estate, and in my opinion, no biopic should be. The family of the biopic person or band will of course not want the character painted in bad light and will change events around in an inauthentic way to suit their narrative. Look at the Queen biopic. I’ve only done basic research on the band and I can tell you even from that that Freddie Mercury’s bandmates did him no favors and conveniently left out some of their faults. And then glided over key parts of his life and identity.
I think they chose to highlight the wizard of oz years because not only is it her most iconic role, but perhaps they thought it would be too confusing to flashback to other time periods and felt this was more cleaner.
@@sandyg.8318 From a legal standpoint you can't defame the dead.
Seeing footage of Judy when she was younger is absolutely haunting. She looks so fresh-faced and hopeful, like any teenager dreaming of (and in her case, achieving) stardom, and above all else, she had genuine talent. The fact that her raw power STILL wasn't enough for Hollywood shows how unimaginative and sexist the industry was back then and continues to be:
"Hey, here's this uniquely-talented girl with a distinctive singing voice and style. What should we do with her?"
"Let's shape her to be like all the other broads. That'll bring in the dough!"
She deserved so much better, and we know of her fate because she eventually got her "big break". Imagine all the hopeful starlets who went through similar tragedies of being chewed up by the studios but we don't know their stories because their names and faces have been lost to time.
women at that time really suffered: ava gardner, rita hayworth, etc. They were treated like trash
@@melisagalvalizi6982 It really is a tragedy.
I love how you didn't descend into harsh negativity or bashing of the recent film. Your refreshing insight is much appreciated!
I strongly agree with your insight....JUDY GARLAND'S VOICE IS UNREMARKABLE!
@@micheleladd5898 UNremarkable?!
Tired of living and scared of dying...
That song, those words are so haunting.
That last clip had me in tears. I hadnt seen that til now. How thoroughly heartbreaking and thoroughly beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing that.
It's one of my very favorite performances of hers- it shows how much emotion she puts into everything she sings!
That performance is everything.
If you loved Ol’ Man River, be sure to see Judy perform The Battle Hymn of the Republic on her television show as a tribute to JFK. It’s unbelievably powerful and brings the audience to their feet.
I love Judy so much, I was concerned this commentary wouldn’t do her justice..... But your passion as a “Judy fan” warmed my heart. It was wonderful hearing her story aired with such love and care. THANK YOU for this.
God, the clip at the end of her singing old man river gave me chills. Incredible
Be sure to see Judy perform The Battle Hymn of the Republic on her television show as a tribute to JFK. It’s powerful and brings the audience to their feet.
Watch Judy’s performance of “By Myself” from her last film “I Could Go On Singing.” It’s here on YT. Goosebumps on goosebumps!
Damn that ending gave me chills. She was one of the real ones.
She could transcend ages, genres, herself and others. If you add the years she performed from 2 years old, she really put in 70 years of work.
There are people who need to work that way. Even today, it wouldn't be possible without chemical support. Justin Bieber,
Ananda Bines, Miley Cyrus...
and they don't have that one in a century Talent.
I don't know what to say. This review is just superb and shows the value and professionalism of this channel beautifully. As a subscriber with a Film Studies Masters, I would give this review a strong A grade. I do think everyone's heart is in the right place in the film, they just didn't fully flesh out the dearth of material at hand. A tall order in any case. But as to this review, it is by FAR the best I have read.
That ending of Judy singing Old Man River knocked me right out of my seat.
I really wish this movie did what “In My Shadows” did and dubbed Renee with audio of Judy’s voice, Judy’s voice was so one of a kind and it would’ve made the movie feel more authentic
It would have helped if they found someone who was even REMOTELY like Garland.
Even mixing the actors voice with the original as I think they did in the Queen movie for Freddie Mercury would be nice. That way the songs sound more authentic but also still as if they belong to the actor.
@@kellybrown685 They should have cast Winona Ryder as Judy.
No. Thats cringe as hell. I watch shadown and Judy Davis I loved, but singing was lip sync to the voice that did not belong to her and it was very obvious.
@Jay Jay I totally agree if using Judy's own voice and Renee lip-syncing would have made of a better and stronger movie even more emotional and heartbreaking. The audiences who aren't familiar 52 tees overpowering and overwhelming singing don't realize just how great this woman actually was! Instead we have to listen to Renee singing which is a major disappointment in a movie and I like Renee no disrespect to her please!
The decision to end on a literal bravado, with showing her, in my opinion, greatest taped performance was brilliant!
Also for anyone interested in the nuance her voice could acquire talked of in this video, please refer to her Carnegie Hall live performance of "I Can't Give You Anything But Love".
Oh my god i thought i was the only one obsessed with Judy and Barbra’s duet 😭
@Jarred Knox lmao so? and they could also, you know, just have good taste
Having Renee Zellweger sing as Judy Garland kind of reminds me of when they had Reese Witherspoon singing as June Carter in the film Walk the Line. I mean, yes, that's a tough, virtually impossible act to follow! But it doesn't make it any less disappointing to know how hard it must have been to try.
In June Carter's case, they did a lot better replicating her sound in the made-for-Lifetime movie Ring of Fire, I guess because they hired a singer (Jewel) and had her act rather than hiring an actor and asking her to sing. I mean, both Witherspoon and Zellweger have sung in musical films, but for June Carter or for Judy Garland, you really need to hire someone who can belt it out. These are LOUD women with BIG, lived-in voices!
Watching “Old Man River” at the end, I’m head-to-toe goosebumps. She was extraordinary. I had the good fortune to see the then newly restored, ‘54 version of, “A Star is Born” in all its 3 hour glory. Your take on “Judy” reflects my feelings as well. Excellent video.
Heù segerona Judy Garland cà feròcnavara. Mį diew namo simorsi eyn.
Judy was a once in a lifetime talent. She was terrific in every aspect of entertainment, and was the greatest singer of the 20th century.
I don't know about the movie, but this video definitely made me want to know more about Judy Garland.
I was ... and still am ... obsessed with Judy's performance of "Old Man River" from her TV show. I've watched it over and over, and it just gets me every time. Transcendent performance.
Same here. It’s a great vocal performance with her hand gestures being part of that performance too. And I love the camera angles too.
For me, it's 'When the Sun Comes Out'. Wow! Just beautiful, her voice is deep and beautiful!
She really was an amazing talent. Her sound is unique.
Loved this - thanks for doing it! And thanks especially for that little tidbit about watching her duet with Streisand from the TV show on the regular!!
That number is one of my favorite female duets ever. Streisand the up and coming mega talent blasting away, and Judy, the savy older master, giving an absolute clinic on how to compete with that by underscoring and going for the emotional essence.
I think I read somewhere that the duet using those to songs was Garland's idea, and that she even helped arrange it?? So many show business chops in that. Truly a mega talent - right through to the end.
wow okay didn’t know i was going to cry at the end
Said many people who watched Judy Garland perform.
Make that bawl and I'm with you.
@@TheEntilza I'm one of those people. Saw her five nights in a row in 1967. I was pretty much crying from the overture right through the encores.
This is a wonderful video. It's a great summation of everything that the film left to be desired.
And I'm so happy you recommended "The Harvey Girls." I feel that's a very underrated film of hers.
I actually worked at a Railroad Museum (in Carson City, NV) that houses the very train used in the film, and I have stood on the very same coach she had in the "Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe" number.
When the camera goes from shooting Judy from above to filming from below during her performance of "Ol Man River," I can't think of any other performance where the change to the angle of lighting was so perfectly timed
The most impressive thing about Judy was her wonderful voice. You CANNOT HAVE A MEDIOCRE ACTRESS SING JUDY GARLAND SONGS. Nobody can sing like Judy.
Great analysis. I saw the film today and I was quite devastated by it. I thought Renne Zellwegger really embodied Judy as much as was possible. The fact that she did her own singing was incredible to me and although I agree that her voice wasn't able to match Judy's power, I still think she nailed the emotional nuances of the stage performances. I agree that having more substance from the middle years of her career would have helped, but I found the emotive power of her performance more than enough to carry the film and convey the heartbreak of her situation.
Thank you for this commentary on “Judy” as well as details about the great Judy G.
I’d seen her in The Wizard of Oz on TV throughout my childhood, but it was thru a cassette tape of a collection of her hits that my wife kept in the car when we were newlyweds that gave me time to thoroughly be exposed to her other wonderful songs. I became a fan (and I’m not gay). I made sure to catch a showing of her A Star is Born recently when shown as a Fathom Event in the theatre, and it was moving & powerful. I devoured two biographies about her not too long ago. What a talent...!
Sadly, like many people, I’m sure, I can’t help but attach to her glorious legacy the weight of tragedy. I hate it, but the melancholy comes attached. (I experience the same with Whitney Houston.) I wish she’d been better rewarded in life for the joy she brought to so many of us.
thank you for this, we needed a judyologist's view 🙏
Thanks for this wonderful video! I was always a huge Oz fan, never really new any other Judy stuff. I went down a rabbit hole the other night and saw a lot of her early stuff. The Every Sunday performance really made me realize what an amazing performer she was! Loved getting this history lesson on her.
I have 3 things to say:
1. The video was AMAZING as usual. Especially this considering it was about the greatest entertainer that ever lived!!!
2. Ol’ Man River is probably her greatest performance because the way she interprets the lyrics toward the end is just jaw dropping. Like give her every award type of performance!!!!! God I love that song!!!!
3. I haven’t seen the movie, but from the trailers I’ve seen, there is one moment where I do think Renee did very well on. It’s where she’s frightened about going on stage. When she speaks in that small scene, all I hear is Judy. The right inflections and border line raspiness in the voice was perfect!!
Over all from what I heard, if the script was better and if Renee really went there with her singing voice, this probably would be a much more comprehensive movie.
At the beginning of Judy's final great phase - the concert career - the incredible Kay Thompson a master cabaret performer worked with Judy to develop a whole language of movements (the hair pull, the 'reach', the head nod yes etc. etc. combined with a sophisticated retooling of Judy's entire vocal performance to hone every nuance of emotion. Judy at Carnegie and Judy back in the forties are two very different (great) singers. Kay was Liza's godmother and for good reason.
I noticed your list of suggested movies didn't include Easter Parade - my favorite Judy movie. She's hilarious, touching and she dances with Fred Astaire. It's great.
Yes! "We're just a couple of swells" is one of my favourites ever!
Judy Garland was a unique and great singer. Even the late Aretha Franklin was a admirer and fan of Judy Garland. I love how her voice also had a new level of power as she got older at Carnegie Hall!
I agree Easter Parade is one of the best. I love the montage of hits from the early 20th century that they did in the movie, my favorite scenes from any of her movies. I also absolutely love Girl Crazy, she is so sassy and the score is amazing!
Katwil89, Easter Parade was a great movie, but, Fred was to old for the part. Fred was 23 years older than Judy, would they ever make a film like this if the ages were reversed. Answer: ABSOLUTELY NOT. I know that Gene broke his ankle, and that's why Fred came out of retirement, but, I wish they would have waited. Nothing personal, but, I just thought the romantic teaming of Fred and Judy Wasn't believable. This too would never be done in reverse.
Beautiful video. One of the best channels on TH-cam, You deserve 10 times more subs.
I personally liked that they did not used Judy's voice, it always look like dubsmash even in Davis Judy portray. Angela Basset did a great Tina but singing parts were cringe. Jessica Lange for Pasty Cline, great performance, singing parts were cringer. I never liked when people complain that actor does not like person they portray or sing. Its a portray of a person like Lange said for Crawford not a copy. Renee did an amazing job, frail emotional, funny she really like You said she did a homework and a home run.
I just subbed
I love her with all my heart, thank you for this.
After watching this video (thanks to which I've came across your channel) all I can say is thank you. Thank you so much. It's been wonderful. The thorough depth and level of analysis is both amazing and earnest. It does convey your love for Judy's figure and the fact that all you want for her is to get a fair and all-encompassing portrayal of her person. I've just finished watching the movie and, though I liked it, I now feel (after diving into your video) I can definitely understand way more, and I now do want to explore her filmography more than ever. Thanks a lot, again. Videos like this one make the Internet so worth it.
This is exactly how I felt. The vocals, though impressive, didn’t carry enough punch and how can you feel for a life you don’t really see? Thank you for such an eloquent, beautiful assembled video! Happy that this film is out there but I hope in the next 10 years someone tries again, with a La Vie En Rose level biopic.
The only time I saw Judy Garland in person was in 1968 on Hollywood Blvd. She was with her then husband Mark Herron. They were obviously coming from some event as she was in a full length sheath dress. What struck me most was that she was either so drunk or high that she could barely walk without support and her facial features looked almost blurred. I was living on Hollywood Blvd at that time.
until I watched this I had no idea Judy had recorded a version of "Old Man River" I've watched it now at least 10 times today.
Thank you
If you enjoyed Ol’ Man River, be sure to watch Judy sing The Battle Hymn of the Republic on her television show as a tribute to JFK. It’s incredibly powerful.
7:50 - 7:55 = Same here. No apologies necessary. Judy and Barbra created magic on television. Iconic. We'll simply never see the like again. Barbra spoke so lovingly of Judy at her magnificent concert this past August at MSG in New York, and the crowd applauded wildly after seeing Judy and her on the big projector screens. Beautiful.
It's touching to find out that Judy became a kind of friend and mentor to Barbra, and to think she had that friendship - it's lonely at the top, as they say. And touching as well to see how obviously Judy and Barbra have established a real rapport, and how Judy is in awe of Barbra's gift but still not taking a back seat. Someone, as it were, she could "play tennis" with and play without holding back; a fun kind of competition.
She should have won the Oscar for 'A Star is Born '
That was amazing! Thank you. Usually your videos are well presented (thought out, narrated and with a clear point of view), but wow!
Not only you maintained your level of excellence, but you really did manage to make me rethink Judy.
We all know she was an idol, but sometimes you need someone to grab your face and look into your eyes and say: This is why she was a powerhouse despite them...
This channel deserves an Oscar.
My God, you restore my faith in the future. Your intelligence and your approach and passion for the material is such a special thing in this age of the superficial sound bite. You brought up things here that I thought only I saw or felt. I’ve been such a fan of your videos for a long time, and this one definitely didn’t disappoint. Don’t stop!
This was great. Thank you for bringing your passion for Judy to this video, and I think framing it as mostly an educated supplement with some informed opinion was a fantastic choice. I don’t always agree with you, but I do feel you always come from a genuine place, and that this is perhaps the best entry from you I have seen thus far.
Ending with Judy’s rendition of “Old Man River” totally took me there ❤ …thank you 🎉
I was leaving for work then got the notification for this and called my boss to say I’d be running late so I could stay home and watch this ! Your work is impeccable 👌🏽
Judy wasn't drop-dead gorgeous in the classic glamour way, but she was extremely attractive, Her truest beauty came from within. She had a chemistry that took her beyond all of that fakery.
When she walked in a room, no matter if Marilyn Monroe, LanaTurner, Eliabeth Taylor etc were there it was Judy who ended up getting the most attention. After all there is only so long that you can look at an oil painting!
OMG I thought the same thing! I love the wizard of Oz, but a lot of shit went down between then and London! I specially wanted to see the time in which summer stock happened. Even when I was a kid I was shocked but how different she looked by the end of the movie. I wanted context for that. And how great she still performed even though something was clearly going on during the filming of that. (Also a Gene Kelly cameo would have been nice tbh)
Thank you for this beautiful "companion" to the film. Your editing and research are excellent! And thank you for ending your piece with Old Man River, showing what an incomparable performer Judy was. It's like she's clinging to the edge of emotion and the best way to let it out is through song. Exquisite.
Legends go on!!!
This video essay was everything I hoped it would be and more. A little hesitant about seeing the new film, but from what I've seen in clips and interviews with Reneé, it seems like it was a true labor of love for Judy.
I was dubious but go. It's worth it. Zellwegger does some real "next-level" acting in it that I didn't even know she was capable of. There are inherent problems but, if you know your "Judy," I suspect you'll appreciate it for what it is. It's a very well-crafted film that has a tremendous amount of empathy for its subject.
@@bliss66 That may just be enough for me to purchase a ticket. I'll give it a chance.
@@bliss66 A beautiful Film. Renee is astonishing in her impression of Garland
I saw it today, and cried at the end. Renee was amazing! But I feel even more now, for Judy... how I loved her! Beautiful woman and heart!!
@@bliss66 EXACTLY.
Oh I love you for this. Judy is such a legend and an icon in entertainment. She was one of the best performers of all time.
I'm absolutely in love with your channel! I was wondering if you could do a video on the actress Faye Dunaway. Especially her infamous portrayal of Joan Crawford in Mommie Dearest and the resulting blowback she got from Hollywood/the media. I think it would make for an interesting video discussion. Great work as always
princelover98 I would love to see that as well!
Yass kween
I feel like I'm standing in front of an AA meeting and admitting for the first time
I love Mommie Dearest and was completely under Dunaway's spell. I have watched it at least once per month since I was a child. In my world, that type of "overacting" is awesome af.
@@percypape I absolutely agree! I thought Faye gave an amazing performance. I felt that her performance was appropriate for the subject matter at hand. She stole all of the scenes that she was in. It's arguably one of the most iconic film portrayals in cinematic history, even if it is campy. I adore watching the film.
Yesssss omg yesss
Judy's Old Man River gave me full body goosebumps at the same point you added to the end!! Of course the entire performance is top notch. Old Man River isn't really my jam, but her rendition and emotion really makes it something. My Nan introduced me to musicals from an early age, and I fell in love with Judy Garland, Julie Andrews and Shirley Jones to name a few. When I was older and learned more about Judy I was beyond sad and even angry by the things she endured.
That shot of her and Mickey Rooney in the car really shows how beautiful she was. She almost looks like Marilyn Monroe.
I thought the same. Their profiles are very similar
@@GirlWithThePlumbobTattoo I'm not saying this in a mean way, but I wouldn't be surprised if they were sent to the same plastic surgeon. We think of plastic surgery as a recent phenomenon but older movie stars were really put through the ringer if they didn't show up to Hollywood with the right look.
In my opinion Judy is far more prettier than Marilyn but maybe that's because she has brown hair and eyes like me.
12:30 - I still get floored with the fact that Judy's only 46/47 in this picture. She looks like she's 73!! It's crazy to me, she was such a beautiful young lady. She was so aged in 1969, and she wasn't even 50 yet. Mind boggling. Drugs are terrible. Hollywood killed her. She deserved so much better 😔
I remember hearing Judy sing Over the Rainbow when I was very young and I have a soft spot for her. I totally hate what the studio did to her and how different her life would be if she was treated differently or had more people fighting in her corner. If there is truly a Judgment Day, I wonder how those studio heads would be judged for what they did to children.
Here's the thing though, it's not a standard biopic. It's an adaptation of a play
For many of the reasons you expressed, I think this is why I preferred the miniseries they did about 20 years ago. It's by no means perfect but it gives you a much fuller picture of her rise, her heart, and her tragic fall. She was beset on all sides by so many people who didn't have her best interest at heart and only wanted her for what they could get from her.
1. i’m dying to see what the narrator looks like. i have a picture of her in my head. LOL
2. i hope the narrator is making a shit ton of money for her work on this channel and passion for all things movie-related.
good for you!
I get exactly what you mean by this entire breakdown and I didn’t even see the movie! You’re great at your thesis about why and what, when talking about anything on your channel. Judy was a beautiful one inside and out. 🙌🏾
Just want to say how much I appreciate the neutral and sympathetic way you talk about addiction (and in the Vivian Leigh ep, mental illness) on this channel.
It's a theme that runs through your vids: you aren't interested in turning anyone into a villain (okay, maybe Jack Warner...but he was just insane), but you are very interested in nuanced portrayals of actresses with complicated histories. And I am so there for it.
And yes I am waiting for 1951. A lot. Alot a lot.
So glad I watched this before seeing the film. That final scene of Judy singing made me cry, it's just so beautifully Judy. Power and frailty.
Talk about a triple threat, it was stated on TCM that In the big production number "On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe", she was walked through one of the longest song and dance routines in film, shown her marks and choreography from her entrance until the tempo change only once, and she sang and danced her way through it in one take and was dead-on both times.
I cried at the end your editing skills are amazing. I love your videos and how you can remain so respectful even while voicing your opinions. It’s a great skill.
I'm gonna put this out there. If you can find it, watch a movie called Gay Purr-ee. It was Judy's only animated voice role but it still is a masterpiece for many reasons of its own. After Wizard of Oz, it's my favorite movie that she did.
I love to hear somebody talk about their passions like this. I learned a lot.
I really loved this video. If we can get a whole Judy series I’d be all for it. I really enjoyed how you really went into judy’s start really made me understand her culture impact better.
I’ve always thought that they should do a Judy Garland series where different actresses play different stages in her life.
Heartbreaking. Thanks for such a great post. She had a soft, open face .. a vulnerable mouth .. mischievous (then later) hurt eyes .. and a spirited voice from the heavens. Wherever the “other side” is, I hope she is getting the love, care and veneration she so deserves.
You made me cry. Several times. I LOVE JUDY. She was the star of stars.
VERY late to the party commenting but another Judy movie that is great to look at is 1963's 'I Could Go On Singing', she gives a complete powerhouse performance in her final film. Thank you for this video, I honestly love Judy Garland with my whole heart! Her singing Old Man River chokes me up every time!
Thank you for suggesting the Old Man River performance. How have I made it to be a sad old queen and never ever seen that. God it was amazing. And you feel how exhausted she is.
So glad you included Strike Up the Band in the movies to see for Judy homework. What an absolutely bonkers good time of a movie that is. She and Mickey were delightful.
This was once again a great video, you never disappoint! Always get excited when a new video of yours pops up in my subscription box
Also, Be Kind Rewind, you are really kind of a genius. Every one of your TH-cams is so masterful, researched to the hilt, and magnificently edited. I wish they would give you a show on a major TV network, especially PBS. You have some of the quality of Robert Osborne, who also had a tenderness and respect towards the actors and stars that was much appreciated in a movie historian. You are that good my dear.
i found out about your channel today. thank you, i'm in love, never stop.
I am so touched by this video, and I am now doubly-proud to support your work on Patreon. Of course, I have also been in love with Judy Garland my whole life. When my parents let me stay up late, I would sometimes see her on the Jack Paar Tonight Show, and try to reconcile the slightly tipsy, world-weary but hilarious raconteur I saw there in black and white with the Dorothy of the annual Oz broadcasts. Your analysis of the new film Judy is so thoughtful. So much material online is quick knee-jerk praising or trashing. You capture the nuances and grey areas here, and thank you, thank you, thank you for taking the time to do that. Best Wishes as always.
Fascinating. And the ending brought a tear to my eye.
Thank you for this. Concise, perfect and exactly what people need to watch if they ask "who was Judy Garland". I 100% agree with everything you said in this video. If i could have made one this is exactly the sentiment I would strive to get across......plus leaving her clips voiceless until Old Man River was a touch of brilliance and made me cry. Thank you again. Well done.
Thank you for concluding with the essence of Judy. The incomparable version of "River." And thank you for honoring the greatest of talent.
I commented on this video when it first came out and here I go again. I LOVE YOU and LOVE the way you try to put into words, the Judy Garland legacy. Thank YOU.
This is absolutely wonderful!! Such an amazing way to expound on Judy and her magnanimous talent!! She would be proud!!! Kudos!!!
Such a great video. So well researched & truly shows how much you love her. Can you please do a video on romy schneider’s life? She lived such an interesting life & I wish a video like this of hers existed. Much love!