Fuckyeahmusicalfilms’ Favorite Stand-Alone Performances »
The Man That Got Away, A Star is Born (1954)
Performed by Judy Garland
For this sequence, the director George Cukor said he just wanted to leave everything to Judy’s undeniable presence and charm on camera. He knew she had the strength to sustain the entire song and keep the audience right there with her. I think we can all agree that she destroyed this song with her incredible talent. Her voice is exquisite, her eyes are fucking glowing, and you’re right there in that tiny cafe, right with her, singing on the top of your lungs about the man that got away. This song is hers. This film is hers. Everything is Judy Garland and nothing hurts.
Fuckyeahmusicalfilms’ Favorite Sequences »
On the Atchison, Topeka & the Santa Fe, The Harvey Girls (1946)
Performed by Judy Garland & cast
It’s the longest song ever but it’s absolutely, 100% worth it. Once this whole sequence starts, you’re swept away into the magical world of Minnelli’s technicolor musicals and you want to stay there for as long as possible. The staging is so impressive, I don’t see how she could remember every mark and turn and movement without tripping on some cowboy! And oh my god, Ray Bolger, I love you. Agh, it’s so beautiful and exciting and marvelous!
