Summer Stock

Summer Stock (1950), starring Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Phil Silvers

Summer Stock is an enjoyable musical with Judy Garland and Gene Kelly. It’s the story of two mismatched romances, a family farm facing foreclosure, and an acting troupe that shows up unannounced …

Description of Summer Stock

 Judy plays a country girl whose only interest is in running her debt-ridden farm. She returns home one day to find her barn full of cows, pigs, chickens … and actors, sets, and props. She learns that her sister has permitted a troupe of theater actors, headed by Gene and Phil Silvers, to perform a show in their barn. Judy complies on one condition: these theater folk also support themselves by doing chores around the farm. But picking eggs and milking cows aren’t every man’s fantasy, as Gene and Phil learn. But in spite of a madcap hullaballoo on the farm, a love story manages to intertwine itself between Judy and Gene… except for Judy being engaged… and her sister in love with Gene…

This is a marvelous movie for anyone, young or old. Judy sings and struts the stuff that made her a legend, particularly shining in a memorable number called, “Get Happy“. She croons “You Wonderful You” with Gene, who dances at the top of his form… on newspapers. Gene and Phil do a hilarious number called “Heavenly Music” in hillbilly attire, and the finale “Happy Harvest” will have you smiling long after the picture’s over. With Judy Garland singing and Gene Kelly dancing, how can you go wrong with this priceless piece.

Cast

• Judy Garland (For Me and My Gal) … Jane Falbury. A very nice farm girl. She’s working very hard to keep the farm from being foreclosed. When her sister shows up out of nowhere, with a troupe of actors! What can she do? Put them all to work on the farm, where they rehearse their show in the evening.
• Gene Kelly (Invitation to the Dance) … Joe D. Ross. The head of the show. He’s in love with Abigail …. But slowly starts to fall for Jane. And teaches her to take Abigail place in the show when Abigail leaves!
• Eddie Bracken (Too Many Girls) … Orville Wingait. The allergic banker’s son, engaged to Jane. Not a bad fellow, but he’s under his father’s thumb. And he begins to remember how he used to have a crush on Abigail.
• Gloria DeHaven (The Yellow Cab Man) … Abigail Falbury. Jane’s sister, who’s left her & the farm to seek fame and fortune. And returns unexpectedly with a large groups of actors, singers, and dancers! She’s engaged to leading man Joe …. But when the going gets tough, runs off with Harrison! Only to return again at the end.
• Marjorie Main (Meet Me in St. Louis) … Esme. The grumpy, yet loving, housekeeper.
• Phil Silvers (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) … Herb Blake. Joe’s right-hand man and very funny comedy relief. Even though he breaks the tractor …
• Ray Collins (The Big Street) … Jasper G. Wingait. Banker, Orville’s controlling father. Who wants Artie to be a man … And stand up to him.
• Hans Conried (Peter Pan, The Monster that Challenged the World) … Harrison I. Keath. The self-important Broadway star, whom Joe thinks will put their show on the map. Until he rans away with Abigail!

Songs

• All for You. Written by Saul Chaplin. Performed by Gene Kelly and Judy Garland.
• Dig-Dig-Dig Dig For Your Dinner. Music by Harry Warren. Lyrics by Mack Gordon. Performed by Gene Kelly
• Friendly Star. Music by Harry Warren. Lyrics by Mack Gordon. Copyright 1950 by Harry Warren Music, Inc. Performed by Judy Garland
• Get Happy. Music by Harold Arlen. Lyrics by Ted Koehler. Copyright 1930 by Remick Music Corp.. Performed by Judy Garland and chorus.
• (Howdy Neighbor) Happy Harvest. Music by Harry Warren. Lyrics by Mack Gordon. Copyright 1950 by Harry Warren Music, Inc.Performed in the finale by Gene Kelly, Judy Garland, Phil Silvers and stock company members.
• Heavenly Music. Written by Saul Chaplin. Performed by Gene Kelly, Phil Silvers and dogs.
• If You Feel Like Singing, Sing. Music by Harry Warren. Lyrics by Mack Gordon. Performed by Judy Garland.
• Mem’ry Island. Music by Harry Warren. Lyrics by Mack Gordon. Copyright 1950 by Harry Warren Music, Inc.. Performed by Gloria DeHaven and Hans Conried (dubbed by Pete Roberts).
• You Wonderful You. Music by Harry Warren. Lyric by Jack Brooks and Saul Chaplin. Copyright 1950 by Harry Warren Music, Inc. Performed by Gene Kelly and Judy Garland
• Portland Fancy. Traditional New England contra dance tune. Played and danced to by the townspeople at the social. Swing version danced to by the stock company members, then by Gene Kelly and Judy Garland