Presenting Judy Garland! Whether swinging a hot number with Bob Crosby's orchestra or emoting a hilariously hammy version of Lady Macbeth's sleepwalking scene, Judy is a delight as a stage-struck Hoosier in this charming f... more »ilm based on Booth Tarkington's novel. Lily just knows she has the talent to light up the Great White Way, so when a big Broadway producer (Van Heflin) visits her hometown, she expends all the candlepower of her charisma to impress him. He's not impressed. He heads back to New York and Lily follows, thumbing her way east on what she's sure is a one-way trip to instant stardom. At a mere 20 years old, Judy had already reached stardom. Presenting Lily Mars proves why, showcasing her once-in-a-generation voice, gift for comedy and enduring movie magnetism. Break a leg, Lily!DVD Features:
"The quintessential 1940s showbiz musical! Great costuming, production values, and music offset the slight plot. Garland looks lovely and shines in the role of Lily Mars, ably supported by Van Heflin as the harried producer who falls in love with Lily and makes her a star. Based on the 1933 Booth Tarkington novel. Marta Eggerth is wooden and lacks any kind of charisma, but Connie Gilchrist is wonderful in her supporting role. This type of film, with Judy at her youthful peak, is tailor-made for Technicolor, but, alas, it was filmed in black-and-white. One of Garland's best early films."
Judy looks wonderful in this picture!
frances1922 | England | 08/13/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This is classic classic Judy, I mean it's certainly no 'Wizard' or 'Star' but it's sweeta nd Funny and Judy looks simply marvelous. I definatly recomend to anyone. I forced my mum to watch it the other day and she did unwillingly and she loved it, she say's its one of her favorite Judy films. songs are great, acting is 100% and the comedy is all therevery good ."
At long last on DVD ... everyone's holiday gift
Martha W. Steketee | New York, New York | 08/26/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"[Rating is difficult without seeing the DVD product ..my rating is based on previous viewings of the film.]
Some reviewers have noted that this film is only for Garland fans . I beg to differ, but as a Garland fan, my opinion on this issue would be legitimately questioned. Who cares? Musical gems abound in this film. "Every Little Movement" with Lily and a scrub woman on the bare stage illuminated only by a ghost light, singing of their passion for the theatre; Judy's final medley "Where There's Music" (and just about every tune from the Freed/MGM music storage vault, including "Gotta Dance" and "Broadway Rhythym").. they continue. Worth more othan 90 minutes of modern special effects in my book .. this is real talent kids. Watch and learn and be moved.
Judy at her most luminous. Congratulations to all involved for re-issuing this marvelous piece of movie history. Enjoy."
Presenting another Garland great!
Sean Orlosky | Yorktown, IN United States | 07/15/2000
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Judy Garland's "Presenting Lily Mars" takes an old film vehicle and makes it an enjoyable treat: the young girl desperate to make it on the big time. Desperate underlined three times. In her countless efforts to get herself a reputation as a performer and a status as a star, Miss Mars manages to completely drive a big-shot producer (Van Heflin) to insanity and true love, get herself tangled with a bunch of chorus girls, and upstage a Russian singing star. Not the basis for a big star, but for Lily, her star is nevertheless slowly on the rise... Garland takes a few numbers and makes them funny and charming and spectacular in the film's finale. She is naive and pert as the insistent Lily Mars, and a joy to watch. Heflin is very good as the producer who inadvertently winds up falling for her, Marta Eggerth is... eccentric- as the vivacious singer. Supporting players are fine, too: Spring Byington is delightful as Garland's supportive mother, and Connie Gilchrist is very good as an old war-horse of the theater and Garland's confidante. Although not much substance is put into the story or songs, it's still a nice little show to watch if you can."
Presentin Lily Mars
KittyinVA | Virginia, USA | 09/03/2006
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I only saw this movie once, probably twenty-five yeas ago on late night TV. But I remember I found it charming, romantic and a lovely Judy Garland vehicle. Other reviewers here have more details, obviously having seen it more recently than I, but I was thrilled to see it on the list of possible DVD's and voted for it. That's after one viewing many years ago. It has stayed with me, and to me, that says alot. I am delighted it is coming to DVD and will be buying my own copy so I don't have to wait another twenty-five years! I can hardly wait."