Heimweh nach St. Louis (1944)

Heimweh nach St. Louis: Directed by Vincente Minnelli. With Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Mary Astor, Lucille Bremer. Young love and childish fears highlight a year in the life of a turn-of-the-century family.

“This movie is sheer delight from start to finish. Iu0026#39;m sure St. Louis in 1904 wasnu0026#39;t really the same as its depicted here…but it should have been! Only the most jaded cynic imaginable could not be charmed by this film.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThe songs are perfect, the cinematography, the set direction, costumes, everything really – MGM movie magic at its best! Vincente Minelli did a superlative job of direction, and the cast simply could not be bettered. Judy Garland gives what I feel is the most relaxed and charming performance of her career, and sings like an angel, not like the jittery bundle of nerves she would become in later life. Tom Drake is very winning as the u0026quot;Boy Next Dooru0026quot; we should all be so lucky to have. But Margaret Ou0026#39;Brien absolutely steals the picture as the adorable but irrepressibly morbid Tootie, a refreshing change from the normally saccharine moppets of Hollywoodu0026#39;s golden years. Marjorie Main also swipes a scene or two as the mouthy cook, and Mary Astor and Leon Ames give sterling support as the parents. Their u0026quot;make-upu0026quot; scene at the piano is beautifully done.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhat a wonderful antidote this movie is when you need to retreat from the harsh world and have your spirits lifted for a while.”