Of all the Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland musicals, this one does the least to effectively showcase their musical talent. Mickey is allowed to conduct a band as if his life depended on it, even though he's shown to be an extremely talented guy with drums and other musical instruments.
And the story is strictly '40s corn about a talented youth who wants to achieve success with his own band and succeeds in attracting the attention of Paul Whiteman who wants him for a big radio show contest.
The songs are given short shrift in favor of a creaky melodramatic skit that is allowed to run far too long in the middle of the picture. Only a couple of songs are given fair treatment by Judy and Mickey.
A good script was badly needed to show these two performers at their best. This was not the case here. Too much time expended on letting Mickey's extravagant enthusiasm overshadow his more effective quieter moments.
Summing up: A disappointing and manipulative show, especially when it comes to those tear-jerker sentimental moments.
And the story is strictly '40s corn about a talented youth who wants to achieve success with his own band and succeeds in attracting the attention of Paul Whiteman who wants him for a big radio show contest.
The songs are given short shrift in favor of a creaky melodramatic skit that is allowed to run far too long in the middle of the picture. Only a couple of songs are given fair treatment by Judy and Mickey.
A good script was badly needed to show these two performers at their best. This was not the case here. Too much time expended on letting Mickey's extravagant enthusiasm overshadow his more effective quieter moments.
Summing up: A disappointing and manipulative show, especially when it comes to those tear-jerker sentimental moments.