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 ("Do the Conga"). Songs performed include Garland's rendition of "(I Ain't Got) Nobody," "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)
3 nominations, 1 Award
· Best Sound Recording 1940: Douglas Shearer
· Music Scoring Awards (Best Score) 1940: Georgie Stoll, Roger Edens
· Music Best Song 1940: "Our Love Affair" Roger Edens & Arthur Freed - Music & Lyric