Looking back on Judy Garland’s movies I’ve seen, I can
honestly say I haven’t seen a movie I didn’t like. Even though some pictures were
better than others, I can’t say any of Judy’s films were “bad”. Hoping this
streak will continue, I joined the Third Judy Garland Blogathon by reviewing For
Me and My Gal! This film was recommended by the Brannan sisters from Pure
Entertainment Preservation Society. They not only introduced me to this film,
they introduced me to the Breen Code era! Between 1934 to 1954, the Breen Code
served as a set of guidelines for film-makers. These guidelines addressed the
dos and don’ts of movie-making based on a series of morals. Within that period
of time, Hollywood gave their audience films that have stood the test of time
and even become “classics”. But will this statement hold true for For Me and
My Gal? Keeping reading my review to find out!
Things I liked about the film:
The on-screen chemistry: Since I chose to review this movie
for the Third Judy Garland Blogathon, I want to discuss Judy’s performance in For
Me and My Gal. However, I want to talk about her performance in relation to
her on-screen chemistry with Gene Kelly. When a movie musical features a
romantic relationship, the on-screen chemistry of the lead actor and actress
can sell the idea their characters truly love one another. This is what Gene
and Judy achieved through their portrayals of Harry Palmer and Jo Hayden! One
perfect example is presented during the musical number, “For Me and My Gal”.
Through facial expressions, the choreography, and their singing abilities, Jo
and Harry realize they share the same dream, despite being complete strangers
only hours ago. This musical number emphasizes how these characters were always
meant to be together.
How World War I was incorporated: For Me and My Gal takes place in the middle of the 1900s, the time when World War I took place. The story revolves around civilian perspectives; vaudeville
performers trying to make their dreams come true. At the beginning of the
movie, newspaper headlines broadcast events related to World War I. But the
newspaper’s front page is turned away from the characters, as they are more
concerned with how their performances were reviewed by the critics. As the
story progresses, World War I starts to take center stage in their lives,
affecting each character differently. This progression is steady and the
changes happen more subtly. The way World War I was incorporated into For Me
and My Gal felt realistic. Though fictional musical movies require a
certain amount of disbelief to be suspended, it was refreshing for realism to
be woven into the film.
A story with stakes: Movie musicals, especially those from
the Breen Code era, contain simpler stories. These stories range from looking
for another member of a talent group or characters expressing their love for
each other. In For Me and My Gal, the overarching
story focuses on characters working toward their dreams. Throughout the movie,
Jo and Harry experience obstacles and attempt to overcome them. At one point in
the film, Harry receives an offer to perform at The Palace, a theatre in New
York every vaudeville performer aspires to go. While the offer itself sounds
amazing, the problem is Harry would no longer be able to perform with Jo. This
is one example of For Me and My Gal containing a story with stakes. In
the case of the aforementioned conflict, there were stakes not only for Harry’s
career, but also for his relationship with Jo.
What I didn’t like about the film:
The “insta-love” trope: In stories where a romantic
relationship in included, part of the story is devoted to showcasing the
progression of that relationship. If a story’s relationship moves too quickly,
it may be difficult for the audience to become invested in that relationship or
determine if the actors have on-screen chemistry. While Judy Garland and Gene
Kelly had good on-screen chemistry, I found their characters’ initial attraction
to happen too quickly. In fact, this attraction happened so quickly, it almost
felt unbelievable. I recognize there’s only so much story to tell in an hour
and forty-four minutes. However, I wish Harry and Jo’s attraction for one
another had taken its time.
An unresolved debt: Toward the beginning of For Me and My
Gal, Jo’s brother, Danny, pays Jo a visit after one of her shows. During
their conversation, Jo tells Danny she will pay him back after she becomes a
big vaudeville star. But this is the only time throughout the movie where this
debt is mentioned. The debt is not revisited or resolved as the story progresses.
That part of the story ended up becoming a loose end that was left behind by
the end of the movie.
A confusing conflict: For this part of my review, I will
spoil For Me and My Gal. If you have not seen this movie and are
interested in watching it, skip this part of my review and continue reading where
it says “My overall impression”.
After Jo and Harry discover their love for each other, they
receive a telegram congratulating them on their upcoming performance at The
Palace, a theatre in New York they have dreamed about for so long. When they
arrive at The Palace, Harry and Jo learn there was a misunderstanding. They
received a gig at The Palace theatre in Newark, New Jersey. In the telegram, its
sender stated The Palace was in New York. But any performer on the vaudeville
scene would know there’s only one Palace theatre, the one in New York City.
That quote in the telegram references how Eve Minard, a singer Jo and Harry met
on a train trip, brought up the idea of more than one Palace theatre. For Me
and My Gal was released during the Breen Code era. When a character makes a
poor choice within a film from this time period, they either face accountability
for that choice or learn from their mistake. However, Eve is never confronted
about the telegram. This leaves me confused, wondering if Eve was intentionally
ruining Harry and Jo’s plans or if she was genuinely trying to help, but her
message became lost in translation?
My overall impression:
The term, “The Golden Age of Hollywood”, gets thrown around
from time to time in conversations about the film industry. This term’s
definition depends on who you ask, as film itself can be subjective. In my
opinion, one of Hollywood’s “golden ages” was the Breen Code era. For Me and My Gal serves as one example to prove my point. The 1942 picture sets itself apart from other musical films by
presenting a story with stakes. It also incorporates World War I in a realistic
way. As I’ve stated in past reviews, the strength of a musical movie lies in
its musical numbers. For the most part, For Me and My Gal features
musical numbers that are pleasant to watch! This is the second Judy Garland
production I reviewed this year I was not only recommended, but ended up liking
as well. The streak of enjoyable Judy Garland movies I mentioned in this review’s
introduction is still going strong!
Overall score: 7.6 out of 10
Have you seen For Me and My Gal? What is your
favorite movie of Judy Garland’s? Please let me know in the comment section!
Have fun at the movies!
Sally Silverscreen
18 Cinema Lane 
