Babes In Arms
Warner Bros. (1939)
Musical
In Collection
#1163
0*
Seen ItYes
012569796737
IMDB   6.5
1 hr 33 mins USA / English
DVD  Region   NR
Judy Garland Patsy Barton
Mickey Rooney Mickey Moran
Charles Winninger Joe Moran
Guy Kibbee Judge John Black
June Preisser Rosalie Essex
Grace Hayes Florrie Moran
Betty Jaynes Molly Moran
Douglas McPhail Don Brice
Rand Brooks Jeff Steele
Leni Lynn Dody Martin
Johnny Sheffield Bobs
Henry Hull Maddox
Charles Winniger
Paul Whiteman and Orchestra Group Performers
William Tracy Philip Turner
Larry Nunn Willie Brewster
Paul Whiteman Paul Whiteman
Margaret Early Annie
Ann Shoemaker Mrs. Jessie Connors
Francis Pierlot Mr. Judd
Virginia Brissac Mrs. May Holden
George Lessey Mr. Morgan
Enid Bennett Mrs. Morgan
Howard C. Hickman Doctor
Sarah Edwards Miss Hodges
Director
Busby Berkeley
Norman Taurog
Producer Arthur Freed
Writer Jack McGowan
Kay Van Riper
Lorenz Hart
Anita Loos
Herbert Fields


The only purpose of "Babes in Arms" is to prove with the unlikely gathered support of the whole neighbourhood which happens to be manifested by budding vaudevillians, the war battle cry not to be upheld is 'Come on, let's put on a show!'

Yet what an interestingly talented field of teenage talent, not to mention an interesting case study of youth rebellion, pre "Rebel Without a Cause" period. It proves how easily Hollywood could provide ample entertainment in the Golden Era, and with all its simplicity, all the reasons in the world as to why Hollywood simply cannot do this today.

Although the predominance of Mickey Rooney is obvious throughout over Judy, he was nonetheless a delight to watch, comic, charming, musical and repressed talents and all, receiving a well deserved Oscar Nomination up against some of the biggest names of Hollywood in its greatest year. Judy, with little mention required, was once again brilliant in one of her earliest starring vehicles.

The supporting cast seems to be in need of a desperate stretch in order to keep up with a gold mine of talent. Usage of expensive looking dresses amongst the backyard setting doesn't assist, and neither do seventeen year old operatic divas. The older members of the cast, however, seem to be doing alright, despite the fact their competition is superseding them in real life as well. Otherwise, the rest of the supporting actors in unconvincing scenery settings, seem to be able to only follow Busby Berkley's direction with certain lines on repeat.

Music dominates within the Rodgers and Hart play, although much of the original score disappeared, leaving two songs contributed by the duo, including the title song. The highlight of the program is "Good Morning", which is probably also remembered for being reused with different lyrical arrangements in the MGM musical masterpiece "Singin' in the Rain". This, and most of the other songs remains the high point of the musical.

It is obvious that the intent of the movie, is not, plot. I can now pride myself on being successfully able to predict every occurrence ahead of time for the first time in my life, a fact I am usually oblivious to even in the most screamingly awakening of circumstances. What puzzled me was the reason as to why they didn't attempt "Broadway Melody of 1939". Or was there such a thing?

However, this continued to pave the way with gold for two of the best Hollywood stars. All in all, this is a great pleasure to watch. And for an evening in, it is great fun for the young at heart.
Edition Details
Edition Babes in Arms / Babes on Broadway / Girl Crazy / Strike Up the Band
Distributor Warner Home Video
Release Date 9/25/2007
Packaging Custom Case
Screen Ratio Fullscreen (4:3)
Subtitles English (Closed Captioned)
Audio Tracks Dolby Digital Mono [English]
Mono [English]
Stereo [English]
Layers Single Side, Dual Layer
No. of Disks/Tapes 5

Features
Disc 01 Bonus DVD Includes: Private Screenings with Mickey Rooney Hosted by TCM's Robert Osborne The Judy Garland Songbook Mickey & Judy Trailer Gallery Sparkling Extras New Introductions to Each Movie by Mickey Rooney Commentaries by Historian John Fricke Vintage Comedy and Musical Shorts Mickey & Judy Radio Appearances and Much More! Bonus Collectibles Portfolio of 20 Behind the Scenes Photos Deluxe Collector's Booklet Filled with Rare Promotional Materials Historical Background on Each of the Films