TEN OF THE REASONS WE STILL LOVE ‘MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS’
One of the things I enjoy doing as a creator of lists or writings is to look and see what movies have celebratory birthday’s on the horizon. It helps inspire some creativity and is also a delight to rediscover some old favorites, some of which are my version of classic. While the musical Meet Me in St. Louis is a classic by cinematic standards, it’s not one for me just because it’s rare that I fall in love with a musical. As the film is celebrating its eightieth anniversary, I watched it again (perhaps only for the second time) to recount ten reasons we love Meet Me in St. Louis because, well, it may be outdated to many, but is actually still a charmer. ten reasons we love meet me in st louis
LIST | THE BEST LOVE STORY MOMENTS OF ELIZA SCARLET AND WILLIAM WELLINGTON
TEN OF THE REASONS WE STILL LOVE ‘MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS.’ Looking back on this beloved #JudyGarland musical. #MeetMeInStLouis Share on XBeginning in Summer of 1903 the musical extravaganza introduces us to the well-off Smith family. There’s Rose (an old maid according to her sister), Esther (the girl in love with the boy next door), brother Lon, and little sisters Agnes and Tootie. These girls are all guided by mother Anna and father Alonzo, and a grandfather. The film progresses to show us their changing lives through seasons all set in St. Louis.
This film is headlined by Judy Garland, whom movie trivia tells us (though I cannot attest to its accuracy) lived a tumultuous personal life, a woman who enjoyed a dazzling career. From Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz to films like The Harvey Girls, Judy played many characters and even had a biopic with Renee Zellweger about her. This film debuted in St. Louis on November 22, according to trivia, and New York on the 28th. Before we get carried away, let’s talk about our favorite things below.
TEN REASONS we love MEET ME in ST. LOUIS
THE ACTORS
Everyone is good in their respective roles. But the ladies playing these sisters, with perhaps exception to Agnes (Joan Carroll) for no other reason other than I think she gets kind of lost, are all wonderful. ten reasons we love meet me in st louis
Margaret O’Brien plays the little sister and the more calm, rational Rose, played by Lucille Bremer is a nice balance between the more hot-headed Smith ladies. Some of the men, who are also entertaining, include Tom Drake and Harry Davenport.
THE CHARACTERS
Margaret O’Brien’s dramatic little sister is deliciously hilarious and fabulous. Judy’s starry eyed sister is perhaps a younger character than Garland’s age at the time, but she still does a nice job. Rose is a little bit cunning, but loveably so. John becomes besotted, and just overall everyone is likable. Which is perhaps something we take for granted when it comes to storytelling. There’s often more morally gray characters, and sometimes it’s nice to just like everyone.
THE COLORS
There is lots of color in this one and the ballroom scene is lovely with all those colorful skirts swirling.
THE COSTUMES
There’s lots of colorful costumes including ribbons, lace, bows and hats to accent the full swishing skirts. ten reasons we love meet me in st louis
THE LITTLE WOMEN FEELS
This story very much has Little Women feels. Sure it’s not the same story, but there’s something about the four sisters, their bond, and the cuteness of the romance that just feels similar.
THE MUSIC
I actually appreciate that this film isn’t all music. There is conversation and breaks from songs. Yet iconic songs that live on today including the titular song still get their time to shine.
THE PERFECT SEASONAL MOVIE
Of course this movie isn’t perfect, but it is the ideal movie to watch for any season. The film travels through all of them though its in the autumn and Christmas scenes that make it feel and seem cozy.
THE ROMANCE
The romance, like many films of this era and musicals, just expects us to buy it as an epic love story despite not seeing much development. Still, I do think it’s cute and of course we still root it on.
THE SASS
Judy Garland’s character is sassy and it’s fun. Tootie is perhaps the scene stealer when it comes to owning sass, but Garland’s Esther also has some moments like her (terribly wrong) assumption of the boy next door which leads her to punch him. ten reasons we love meet me in st louis
THE TROLLEY SONG
I’m not sure if this is the most famous song from this film, but I do love The Trolley Song. It’s just so fun and cheerful.
Stream Meet me in St. Louis on Tubi, at publication, or digitally purchase on places like Apple TV or Prime Video.
Photos: MGM / Alamy Stock Photo
Have you watched Meet me in St. Louis? What would make your list of ten reasons we love Meet Me in St. Louis? Do you enjoy this film? The performances? What is your favorite thing? Comment all of your thoughts below.
Thank you for visiting! Please return again
PINTEREST PIN – SAVE & SHARE
