TCM Greatest Classic Legends: Rooney & Garland (Babes on Broadway / Strike Up the Band / Babes in Arms / Girl Crazy)

How I long for the days of the 30s, 40s and early 50s of film, when it was entertainment and not some socially-laced, comment or an hour and a half of Computer Aided Special Effects, with cars and people, along with planes, and buildings exploding, to fill and satisfy the need, the insatiable desire for destruction, of the lowest common denominator, which has seemed to have taken the lead, culturally speaking, in this wonderful country of the United States of America...What a disappointment Hollywood has turned into, in the film industry. Hollywood is just a fantasy in its own right, as most of the studios no longer exist and have not for all too many years, but what Hollywood is today, are a few of the Entertainment type television programs, such as ET, which conjure-up images and photos and videos of a few obscure stars, if I may, and if it were not for Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, some of those programs would go off the air in one night...In any case, this is about the Rooney & Garland DVD release from TCM. It is a must own for anyone, who enjoys being entertained. From the youngest child to the oldest senior, this is as good as it comes and in my opinion, Mickey Rooney is perhaps the most important actor of this genre and time period and should have been honored as 'Entertainer of the Century'. Judy Garland for the female running, should have the same accolades and honors. They are two of the most talented and interesting people of the 20th century and without them, film would not be complete. I play one of the four offerings at least, once a week, for it brings me back to my younger days, growing up in the 50s, which was a time I hope we could have revisited for the many young children today. Mickey and Judy's plots are basically all the same, as the basis for all of these movies was, the "Show Must Go On." But this is what is entertaining about this collection and it is pure enjoyment, from beginning to end. As I have already stated, it is a must, if you are a collector of film. You will absolutely love all of these movies. And, although several months away, it will make a very handsome Christmas gift, this year...!!!

I have loved Babes in Arms and Babes on Broadway for decacdes. I have always wanted copies of them to watch, and this collection came up in a search. The video quality is excellent, with no skips or glitches from old patched films. The sound level and quality aren't as good, but for the era, it is what it is. I also wished there were closed captions for things I didn't quite understand. I had to turn the volume on the TV up to almost 100 and I still couldn't understand everything being said. But I sat and watched all four movies in one day, and they're wonderful, sweet, and nostalgic, in the warmest way.

I like this group of musicals, not so much because of the story behind them, but rather because of the musical numbers played in them and the pair of stars. Not being from this period, I also get to take a glimpse at youth-oriented films were like during this period (1938-1943). Babes in Arms, Strike up the Band, and Babes on Broadway a group of young kids, lead by upbeats Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland put on a show for some altruistic purpose. These films, populated mostly by youngsters, tend to be very optimistic about young people and about swing music. Although the stories are predictable, and perhaps a little corny, they are entertaining to watch because of the musical numbers. In Babes in Arms, I got a kick out of watching Judy Garland singing Good Morning and Figaro, accompanied by an enthusiastic Mickey Rooney on the piano. Done in 1938, it is also interesting to note the "isolationist" theme in the last song "God's Country": "We have no douche, we have no Fuhrer, but we have Norma Shearer..." and later on "We have no goosesteps." This musical, however, is not a political one. If it sings about peace in America, it does it to instill a sense of optimism about the future and young people.In Strike up the Band, Mickey and Judy want to create a dance band with swing music in order to save the school band. This film guest stars a famous band leader at that time, Paul Whiteman. My two favorite, memorable numbers here were Do the Conga, performed and danced by Mickey and Judy, and Drummer Boy, performed by Mickey Rooney and an orchestra. Babes on Broadway was, perhaps, my least favorite one albeit it had its interesting moments. This film does touch the theme of war when Mickey and Judy lead an activity to help English children who must live in America away from their parents because of the war. I thought that this film overdid to much the idea of presenting too many obstacles in Mickey Rooney's objectives. This film ends in a minstrel show.In Girl Crazy, Mickey plays the son of a wealthy business person who is always being ridiculed by the press and is sent to a college in the American West where he must become a responsible citizen. He meets Judy Garland, who plays the role of the mail person for this college. They fall in love as usual. In the meanwhile, Mickey concocts a plan to save the college from ruin due to poor enrollment that, as usual, involves swing music. In this film, Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra is the guest star in this film. The conclusion to the film ends with a song that is a favorite of mine because Gene Kelly tap dances to it in An American in Paris. That is the "I Got Rhythm" song. Although the lyrics are different, the energy and the enthusiasm are the same. The choreography is also great during this last number.I was quite pleased with this collection of films. I got a pretty good glimpse of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland and I know now why they were so popular then. I also get to see both actors performing music as singers and dancers. The first three films were directed by the famous choreographer Busby Berkeley,and the last film was directed by Norman Taurog. They are all in black and white.

I received the DVDs in two days (prime member) and they were packaged very well. I picked up the set and started to shake it to make sure there were no loose DVDs. There was no noise so I opened it. To my surprise, all DVDs were securely locked into place. I have not had a chance to watch them yet, but I looked at them all (4 discs) and I wasn't able to see any scratches on any of them so I'm sure that they will work just fine. I can't wait to watch them! I love Mickey and Judy together. I like to get a couple new sets of movies every year to watch in the winter. I live in Minnesota and on nights where it's below 0 outside, with a huge snowstorm barreling down on us, I like to curl up on the couch, turn on my fireplace and put in a good old fashioned movie where I don't have to worry about seeing any violence or sex! The only bad thing I can say, is that, I don't know if I'll be able to wait for my first snowstorm! Thank you for a wonderful product!

The four predictable but most enjoyable musicals featuring the hottest young stars in the 1940 Hollywood Firm-a-ment, Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. Like the child-star Shirley Temple's movies a few years earlier, these teen movies caught the wave of popular appeal in a big way, and its easy to see why.Yes, each film is predictable, and you quickly recognise the scene in each film where a light-bulb flashes above Mickey's head and he says, "Let's put on the show ourselves...," but, patterns aside, it is the sheer energy and verve in the performances that carries off almost everything. Add in fine scores, great and popular songs with Judy's young voice, and occasionally brilliant and surprising Busby Berkeley choreography, and each film will always be a winner.There are times when you watch pocket-rocket Mickey and wonder where his energy came from, whether he is dashing in a dance, doing madcap impressions or simply effervescing, so it was nice to see him filmed in 2007 giving little introductions for each film to camera. The extras are many and varied, from studio one-reelers and reports of the time, to cartoons using the film-scores and radio broadcasts of the young stars.

These movies show how versatile performers both Micky Rooney and Judy Garland were and how well they gelled. The story lines may be a bit tame compared to the story lines of todays movies, however these stories have a beginning, middle and an end to them. If you are a lover of the music of Gershwin, Rodgers & Hart etc., and the direction of Busby Berkeley, then this is a must DVD for you.Interesting to note the number of songs, and melodies used that have appeared in other movies both before and after!

Four good if corny, samey films but each with cracking song books. Mickey Rooney was a power house and really lightens up each film. Judy Garland is sweet and sings well (dancing not that polished) but seems happy to let Rooney steal most of their scenes together (studio instructions?). Great to see period sets and costumes and each film has some good period extras too, like shorts and cartoons. Rooney's intros are heart felt too.

If you've never seen Mickey and Judy together, or if you have and want to see them again, what a joy! Their chemistry is palpable and their skill and versatility at such young ages is amazing. A delight for all the family, but especially for film buffs.

Great collection from the TCM label. All movies are obviously re-mastered. Really sharp picture quality. Region 1 import, so you need a multi-region player.