This is a rather unremarkable short film in most ways. The plot is pretty simple and the singing is rather hard on 21st century ears. However, given that this was the first film made by Judy Garland for MGM and it was also Deanna Durbin's first film, it's a heck of a milestone in film making. Oddly, despite Durbin's incredible voice for a girl her age, MGM was apparently not too impressed, so she went on to fame with Universal Studios while Judy remained with MGM for years to make a string of hits. MGM is apparently also where Judy was regularly given stimulants to help her make her many films--leading to her early death from drug abuse.
The film begins in the park at a band concert. Almost no one is paying any attention other than the two teens and soon the band leader is informed his job is being terminated due to public indifference to the band. However, the girls ask if they can give the band one more chance and when this is granted, they try their best to publicize the free concerts. When this doesn't work, they resort to singing along and the two darlings manage to save the day thanks to their freakishly strong singing voices.
Speaking of singing voices, I really doubt if either performance would go over well today--particularly Deanna's which is like an operetta which might be sung by Jeanette MacDonald. As for Judy, she scats and sings with a lot of energy but with little grace. The entertainment is only passable but for movie buffs and historians, it's still a must-see--with two major soon to be stars in one short film.
The film begins in the park at a band concert. Almost no one is paying any attention other than the two teens and soon the band leader is informed his job is being terminated due to public indifference to the band. However, the girls ask if they can give the band one more chance and when this is granted, they try their best to publicize the free concerts. When this doesn't work, they resort to singing along and the two darlings manage to save the day thanks to their freakishly strong singing voices.
Speaking of singing voices, I really doubt if either performance would go over well today--particularly Deanna's which is like an operetta which might be sung by Jeanette MacDonald. As for Judy, she scats and sings with a lot of energy but with little grace. The entertainment is only passable but for movie buffs and historians, it's still a must-see--with two major soon to be stars in one short film.