In The Good Old Summertime

Rating: Not Rated

Movie Release Date: July 29, 1949

DVD Release Date: April 6, 2004

Plot 411: Veronica is in love with her pen pal but dispises her boss at work. What she doesn't know is that they are one in the same.

Review: Judy Garland plays Veronica, a somewhat uptight woman seeking work at a music shop. After being turned down for the job, she upsells a customer and the owner (S.Z. Sakall) hires her. However, she immediately takes a dislike to her boss Andrew (Van Johnson) and the two have a rocky relationship. Both try to outsell and outdo one another throughout the day. The only time Veronica can let her guard down is when she's corresponding with her anonymous pen pal. Here she is truly herself. When the two arrange to meet one another, she is stood up and is further upset when Andrew arrives and sits with her for a short time. Andrew is shocked that his pen pal is Veronica and debates whether or not he should tell her. This movie is fun and filled with many enjoyable songs (although I didn't really know any). I've only seen a couple of Garland's films but I can't say this one falls under my favorites. Her character in this film is just really prudish and doesn't seem to know how to have fun. I almost feel sorry for Andrew and would also seriously debate whether to confess or not. Mostly, the movie is about opposites who attract one another. The underlying sexual tension between Andrew and Veronica is there from the jump, but of course, because of the time in which this movie was made, it isn't really as obvious as today's films. For the most part it's a quick way to pass the time. I don't think I'd watch it again though. Buster Keaton also provides comedic relief in this film.

Watch It: If you're a fan of Judy Garland.

Skip It: For Meet Me In St. Louis, which I somehow liked a lot better.