Strike Up the Band

US (1940): Musical/Comedy/Romance

Busby Berkeley turns the usual Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland "let's-put-on-a-show" routine into a witty romp. Rooney's desperate to be a big-band drummer, so he organizes his high school friends into a swinging ensemble. They set out to raise enough money to enter a contest judged by bandleader Paul Whiteman. Garland stands by to sing for the band, but when Rooney's friend needs an operation, Rooney donates the band's cash. Whiteman himself pops by, though, to save the day. Watch for an inventive sequence in which Rooney uses animated fruit (by George Pal) to explain a number ("La Conga"). Songs performed include Garland's rendition of "(I Ain't Got) Nobody," "The Gay Nineties," the Oscar^®-nominated "Our Love Affair," and "Drummer Boy." Vincente Minnelli, who was brought from Broadway to Hollywood by the producer Arthur Freed, staged Garland's dance routines for this film. Minnelli and Garland were married from 1945 to 1952. (amctv.com)

 Use this link to view the original theatrical trailer for Strike Up the Band on TCM.com.

3 nominations, 1 Award