A trapeze artist drafted into the United States Army, who would rather serve in the Air Force, meets Kathryn, the daughter of his commanding officer, during training. She has put her singing career on hold to entertain the troops. The first half is a romantic comedy with a parallel plot about her separated parents. The second becomes a variety show starring MGM performers, hosted by Mickey Rooney.

How it was made

Made during the Second World War as a morale booster for American troops and their families, the film was directed by George Sidney and produced by Joe Pasternak for MGM. It blends a sentimental storyline with a revue of musical numbers in which nearly the whole cast plays itself. Highlights include Gene Kelly dancing with a mop and Judy Garland performing alongside José Iturbi at the piano.

Reception and legacy

Critics praised the variety of its numbers and Pasternak's steady hand in managing such a large cast. The film received three Academy Award nominations, for original score, color cinematography and color art direction. Its song "Honeysuckle Rose" was nominated for the American Film Institute's AFI's 100 Years...100 Songs list.

Stills

Trailer

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Trivia

Iturbi's acting debut

The pianist José Iturbi appears as himself in both halves and this was his first film role. He later returned to several MGM musicals.

An early word

Garland's number with Iturbi includes one of the early uses of the word "rock" in a musical sense.

A mistaken UN anthem

Some Russian media wrongly reported that Shostakovich had composed the official UN anthem, due to a confusion over the title of the American version of his song.

More films by George Sidney

Anchors Aweigh1945

Pal Joey1957

The Three Musketeers1948

Viva Las Vegas1964

Annie Get Your Gun1950

Scaramouche1952

Original Cinematopedia text based on Wikipedia (en) and Wikidata.