Lily Mars In Profile

Casual portrait of Judy Garland taken on the set of Presenting Lily Mars (MGM, 1943).

NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP for the week of June 24, 2012

http://movies.groups.yahoo.com/group/thejudygarlandexperience/

Here is a rundown of the new files posted to the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience. To access the files click HERE.

A JUDY MOMENT
Judy put her stamp on this beautiful Gershwin song in the 1940's and claimed the song as her own, But she inexplicably dropped it from her repertoire in the 50's. Maybe she would have revived it for television if TJGS had come back for a second season....

BBC PRESENTS
Act 1 of The Rainbow That Got Away, a 1983 radio documentary. Loads of music and recollections from Garland associates. Act 2 will be posted next week.

DUET OF THE WEEK
Groucho Marx and Gloria DeHaven carjack Judy's ride.

ENCORE
The Legendary Miss Judy Garland.

JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT
Judy Garland live at Westbury Music Fair. With special guests Liza Minnelli and Peter Allen. June 13, 1967. Opening night of Judy's historic 1967 tour. Judy's set list would be refined and set in stone soon after this performance, but things here seem somewhat improvisational in terms of repertoire and stage presentation....all to a very comfortable, loose, and decidedly effect.

MAIL CALL #129
Starring June Allyson, with Danny Thomas, Ozzie And Harriet, The Riders Of The Purple Sage, and others.

REQUESTS AND RARITIES

SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL
A few moments with Ann Richards.

WHERE JUDY PLAYED
Elvis in concert at the Houston Astrodome.

JUDY GARLAND IN ROME. December 16, 1961

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

David Price's PHOTO OF THE WEEK #26

 In concert at the Garden State Arts Center in Holmdel, N.J. ... her opening night on June 25, 1968. 

FOR JUDY june 10, 1922 - june 22, 1969

WHAT'S IN A NAME?

Outtake from the Frank Labrador film, JUDY 90.

THIS TIME the poster

Here is the poster art, created by Bert Green of Bert Green Fine Art, for Victor Mignatti's new movie, This Time. For more information on this heartwarming and inspirational documentary click HERE. 

NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP (for the week of june 17, 2012)

Here is a recap of the new audio files posted this week at the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience. To access the files click HERE.

You may notice that our regular features have been suspended  this week and Garland doesn't sing a note!
June 22 marks the 43rd anniversary of her death and we thought this year to mark the date we would just have Judy, with no frills, talking about her life.

A JUDY MOMENT
The Divine One, Sarah Vaughan, sings a song that it's Lyricist, Johnny Mercer, said was inspired by Judy Garland. In fact, according to Mercer, all of his songs were inspired by Judy. Much to the chagrin of Mrs. Mercer, I'm sure...

ENCORE
A magical moment from Jerry Herman. Recorded at 1998's Carnegie Hall salute to Judy Garland.

JUDY ON JUDY
Judy recalls her childhood, MGM, shock treatment, being a social outcast, tranquility, the complications in her parents relationship, rebirth in london, and much more! From the recordings produced by Fred Finklehoff for Judy's proposed 1960 autobiography.

JUDY'S Q & A 1969
Judy makes an appearance for a Q & A session at London's National Film Theater.

JUST AMONG FRIENDS
From 1961. Judy Garland, Noel Coward, and Kay Thompson discuss show business. Recorded in 1961 for an article that would eventually appear in Redbook magazine.

LEGACY
Liza Minnelli attempts to sing a Garland classic before a stunned audience and Lorna Luft proves that she is a chip off the old block.

REQUESTS AND RARITIES

THIS WAY TO THE LOUNGE
If you need a break from the many hours of conversational files found in these parts this week, please step into our virtual lounge and take a few minutes to enjoy a concert performance from Miss Rosemary Clooney .

It's Time For THIS TIME

Every dream has a soundtrack. From Elvis Presley's iconic back-up divas to a homeless club hit wonder, a crooning rock hopeful and a clever producer-impresario... THIS TIME follows the painstaking efforts to turn up the volume on the careers of both musical legends and inspired has-beens as they navigate the treacherous stages and recording studios of a music industry far removed from the overnight sensations of "American Idol." An unflinching and entertaining portrait of faith, talent and gut-wrenching determination wrapped in a soaring soundtrack, THIS TIME comes from Grammy Nominated director Victor Mignatti (BROADWAY DAMAGE, R. Kelly's TRAPPED IN THE CLOSET 13-2)

The musicians on the flip side of this business are recording artists The Sweet Inspirations (best known as back-up singers for Elvis Presley, Aretha Franklin and Dionne Warwick), New York cabaret sensation Bobby Belfry, soul diva Pat Hodges (Hodges, James & Smith) and composer-producer Peitor Angell. The film also features original Sweet Inspiration and gospel star Cissy Houston, the mother of Whitney Houston.

"A WONDERFUL FILM!”

Donna Walker, KPFK PACIFICA RADIO

“Worth its weight in gold records!”
Chris Rizik, SOULTRACKS

“Riveting… emotional and edgy.”
Jeri Jacquin, MOVIE MAVEN

“This doc is one of immense triumph… polished, informative and entertaining.”
Terra King, INDIE MOVIE EXAMINER

The most genuinely inspirational film of the year!”
Justin Truax, LIVING IN CINEMA

“A compelling music documentary.”
Alex Simon, THE HOLLYWOOD INTERVIEW

“There’s no shortage of inspiration.”
C.J. Perry, FILMSLATE

“Haunting, moving and thought provoking… recommended.”
Mark Maxwell Abushady, CREATIONS MAGAZINE

"Inspiring and powerful… I enjoyed it so much that I watched
this documentary about five times in the last week."
Dennis Amith, J!-ENT

“Showcases extraordinary talent matched by…
the treacherous tale of second chances.”
Courtney Nichols, FruitFlyLife/Out.com

“An inspiring, music-filled documentary…
a soulful tale of undiminished hope.”
Michael Andrzejewski, PHILADELPHIA FILM SOCIETY



IN THEATERS

AUGUST 10
QUAD CINEMA
New York City

AUGUST 24
LAEMMLE NOHO 7
Los Angeles

Visit the THIS TIME website

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

David Price's PHOTO OF THE WEEK #25

 Photographed with Joey during her press conference at the Ambassador West Hotel in Chicago, Illinois on September 13, 1967. Judy was in town for concerts at the Civic Opera house, one of several engagements on her post-Palace tour that Fall.

Photo Credit: Carmen Reporto / Chicago Sun-Times

IN REMEMBRANCE

NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP for the week of june 10, 2012

Here is a rundown of the new audio files posted to the Yahoo group. To access the files click HERE


A JUDY MOMENT
Judy appears to be enjoying her special day!

DUET OF THE WEEK
This one goes to Otis and Deyla.

ENCORE
Liza Minnelli pays tribute.

FAMILY HEIRLOOMS
Two Daughters, Two Perspectives.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MARTHA!
The other June 10 birthday. Just want to make sure our Martha's birthday doesn't get lost in all the 90 hoopla. As a salute, here is a performer she is known to appreciate, singing a song she is fond of. Hope this pairing works for you, Martha. If not, no worries, we've included a bonus recording that we already know you get a kick out of.

HOMETOWN GIRL MAKES GOOD
Judy Garland returns to her birth state of Minnesota to help celebrate it's centennial. She is heard here performing with the Minneapolis Symphony Orchestra. Recorded May 11, 1958.

HOPE FLOATS ETERNAL
Judy Garland on the Bob Hope show, March 7, 1939. Judy sings up a storm!

JUDY GARLAND IN CONCERT
Here, making it's internet debut, is Judy's opening night performance from a week long run at Toronto's O'Keefe Center. Judy hadn't actually been scheduled for this engagement, she was filling in for an ailing Nat King Cole. Recorded on February 8, 1965. Judy's really working here!

JUDY'S ADVICE
The birthday girl makes a proclamation.

MAIL CALL
With Nat King Cole, Dorothy Lamour, Art Tatum, Danny Kaye, Jack, Benny, Mark Hellinger, and others. Originally broadcast on February 1, 1945. P.S. Dinah Shore sings The Trolley Song!

REQUESTS AND RARITIES
Everything but the kitchen sink.

SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL
Chris Connor live in California, 1977.

WHERE JUDY PLAYED
Harry Belafonte at the O'Keefe Center.




.

R.I.P. POLLY BENEDICT

Ann Rutheford succombed to heart failure in California yesterday. She wqas 91. Although famous for her role as Polly Benedict in the Andy Hardy series, she also appeared in classic films such as Gone With The Wind and The Secret Life Of Walter Mitty.

In 1997 she was offered the part of Rose in Titantic, but passed on it, which paved the way for Gloria Stuart's comeback.

PRESENTING JUDY GARLAND

Casual portrait taken on the set of Presenting Lily Mars.

DOWN TIME

Judy Garland relaxing in her dressing room

between takes during filming of Presenting Lily Mars.

The gown she is wearing can be seen in the Paging Mr. Greenbacks number.

JUDY 90 the movie

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

                                          David Price's PHOTO OF THE WEEK #24

 Greeting fans outside the Palace Theatre after a performance one night in August, 1967.

Photo Credit: Joe Stevens

JUDY 90: A Teaser

Be sure to check back on Sunday to view the full length version of JUDY 90: A Celebration. I promise you, your socks will be leaving your feet!

LET'S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Judy Garland' s sister, JImmie Gumm, along with Danny Kaye, Phil Silvers, Betty Asher, and Keenan Wynn, created this recording as a gift for Judy on her 21st birthday.

RELICS #4 The Meet Me In St. Louis Party Dress

Charles Triplett, longtime member and friend of The Judy Garland Experience, has consented to periodically share special items from his collection in a journal here on The Experience. His extensive collection includes vintage materials of all kinds -- most notably costumes and accessories from Judy's M-G-M films, wardrobe from her CBS-TV series, and her personal couture.. Charles is a careful preservationist, and does not publicly exhibit these items out of concern for their care and longevity. In this series we will have an unprecedented view into many of the rare and wonderful things he has collected.

RELICS  --  The Meet Me In St Louis Party Dress

The Meet Me In St Louis party dress, designed by Irene Sharaff, has always been my favorite MGM Garland costume. Ever since the first time I saw Meet Me In St Louis in the early 1970's I was very taken with the costume and thought Judy looked so beautiful in it. For me it was the quintessential movie musical costume.

The Party Dress and scene in which Judy wore it was obviously considered to be an important part of the promotional campaign used to market Meet Me In St Louis. Images from this scene were used not only on the half-sheet poster and on one of the lobby cards, but also on numerous 8x10 stills from the party scene and cakewalk dance.

As I did more research and study of Judy Garland's career I became aware of the fact that this costume had been sold at the 1970 MGM auction and purchased by Debbie Reynolds. Many years later when I was helping her son, Todd Fisher, identify several Garland costumes I brought up the party dress and told him it was my favorite Garland costume. He replied that it was also his mother's favorite Garland costume and that he knew she would never part with it. With that statement I knew I would never even get a chance to own it although around 2007 she and Todd Fisher did offer it to a collector for $200,000.

In the intervening years Miss Reynolds' dream of a museum was never to be and in 2011 she decided to sell her collection. Movie fans and costume collectors all knew this would be the sale of the century.  The handful of Garland costume collectors knew of my interest in the piece and graciously allowed me to bid without any competition from them.

The auction took 12 hours and most of the prices were astronomical but luckily for me I was able to acquire the party dress for just slightly over the estimate. It was the "icing on the cake" for the Judy Garland Charles Triplett Collection. The 3 major Judy Garland costume collectors were, I think, just as thrilled as I was that I was able to get it.

The dress is made of wool crepe and has three elements: the jacket, blouse, and skirt. The silk blouse is attached to the skirt. The careful detailing on this garment is a great part of its charm ... it has not only some beautifully applied design elements, but also the over 300 original silk tassels. Each tassel is finished with a florette at the bottom instead of loose fringe, and all the original tassels remain on the garment. Miss Garland's name is inscribed inside both the jacket and the skirt.

Miss Reynolds had taken great care of the costume and it was in very nice stable condition. The bright blue color seen with the Technicolor camera had faded, however this is very common for bright blue dye that is 70 years old. The costume today still holds the magic and beauty that Irene Sharaff and Vincente Minnelli envisioned. So when you watch the movie please know that the costume is safe and sound in acid free storage in North Carolina.

I would like to publicly thank Daniel for asking me to do this series of articles on items from my collection. I hope he knows how much I sincerely appreciate his faith in me  He really felt I had something worthwhile and of interest to share.  . Also I would like to thank Tom Larro and David Price for their invaluable input on this 6 month project.   Because of limitations on my time I have decided to make this my final installment of Relics.  

Editor's Note: We at TJGE feel privileged that Charles Triplett agreed to share these looks into his legendary collection with us. His participation has made this blog a better one, and now that he has raised the bar for us we hope to meet it and exceed it as we go forward.

And although we knew the RELICS series was going to be a limited one, it is with a heavy heart that we publish it's final edition.

But no worries for the Charles Triplett fans, as Mr. Triplett will continue to share photos and occasional reportage on this blog. In fact, he recently approached your editor with an idea for a story and photo layout that will excite Garland an Oz fans alike.

We thank you, Charles Triplett, for what you have done, and for what you continue to do for The Judy Garland Experience and for the entire Judy Garland fan/collector community.

NEW FILES POSTED TO THE YAHOO GROUP (for the week of June 3, 2012)

Here is a rundown of the new files posted over at the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience. To access the files click HERE.

A JUDY MOMENT

From 1955. Judy Garland sings a medley of songs from Meet Me In St Louis.

DUET OF THE WEEK

Judy Garland and Frank Morgan offer up their own unique interpretation of Meet Me In St. Louis, 1945.

ENCORE

Judy Garland revisits St. Louis, 1960's.

HOLLYWOOD STUDIO SESSION

Judy Garland's recording session for Boys And Girls Like You And Me, a song recorded for, but not used in, Meet Me In St. Louis. Includes studio chatter, breakdown, and reprise.

JOHN FRICKE ON MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS

The noted Historian discusses the film on Dick Dinman's DVD Classics Corner program.

JUDY AND BING, JUNE 4, 1952

Sixty years ago this week Judy Garland was appearing at the Curran Theatre in San Francisco and, much to her fan's delight, she also made a pre-recorded appearance on this episode of Bing Crosby's radio show. 

LADY ESTHER BLODGETT THEATER

Presents Judy Garland in Meet Me In St. Louis. Also starring Tom Drake and Margaret O'Brien. Originally broadcast on December 2, 1946. 

MAIL CALL WITH BOB HOPE

Also starring Margaret O'Brien, Clark Gable, Connie Haines, and others. Originally broadcast on May 1, 1945.

PHILCO HALL OF FAME

Judy Garland performs selections from her new hit film MEET ME IN ST LOUIS. Originally broadcast on December 17, 1944.

REQUESTS AND RARITIES

Everything but the kitchen sink.

SUNDAY MORNING SPECIAL

June Christy Live And Otherwise. Assorted recordings 1945-1977.

WHERE JUDY PLAYED

Excerpts from June Christy at Lincoln Center, 1972.

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

                                          David Price's PHOTO OF THE WEEK #23

On stage at the Storrowton Theatre in West Springfield, Massachusetts on June 26, 1967. This was the second of three stops on her summer tour leading up to Judy's return to the Palace Theatre on July 31st.

Photo Credit: Impact Photos

LEST YOU FORGET.....

This weekend the Yahoo version of The Judy Garland Experience will be saluting the film Meet Me In St Louis.
If you are not a member of the experience group you can join by clicking HERE.