glorioreo I just watched this movie again for the upteenthtime. (I have lost count.) I am always amazed at the talent of both stars, and that talent comes through in this movie beautifully. The musical numbers for both are wonderful to watch, reminding me that Judy could dance, something that isn't always remembered about her. As others have noted, the story is thin but who cares? This is pure entertainment and a chance to see two amazingly talented people work together in one film.By the way, I watched the movie on video tape (yes, my vcr still works) that I bought at the Judy Garland museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota a few years ago. The museum is in her child hood home, and you can stand right on the landing at the bottom of the stars where she and her sisters performed at home. As a Judy fan, it was quite a thrill. So enjoy this movie for what it is - a showcase of two of Hollywood's greatest talents singing and dancing their way into our hearts.

HotToastyRag Summer Stock has one of my favorite Judy Garland songs in it, one that became a staple on her television show and during her concerts: "Get Happy". I never get tired of watching this number. Judy, clad in a black extra-long, low-cut blazer, black pumps, and a black fedora over one eye, captivates the men in the chorus, and the audience, as she sings and dances to the jazzy tune. It's pretty much impossible not to follow her instructions.The rest of the movie isn't that great. She reunites with Gene Kelly, and while they're both experts at hamming it up for the camera in a silly musical comedy, they don't really save the tired "Let's put on a show!" plot. Gene starts the film engaged to Judy's sister, Gloria DeHaven, but when they decide to put on a show, he and Judy spend a lot of time together and fall in love. There are a few songs interspersed in the movie, both as parts of the show and parts of the regular plot, but the best and most memorable one is "Get Happy". If you love both leads, you can rent this one, but if you'd rather watch them in good movies, you can rent Meet Me in St. Louis and Anchors Aweigh.

MartinHafer When "Summer Stock" began, my hopes for the film were dashed. This is because the lyrics to the opening tune were just awful--and an odd way to start a film. A friend who acts in musical theater was with me at the time and she also commented at how bad these lyrics were. Fortunately, I fought my strong desire to turn it off and saw the rest of the film. Now I am not saying it was a great film (or even close to it), but it was an enjoyable film.Jane (Judy Garland) runs her family farm and dates a real drip, Orville (Eddie Bracken). Her life is rather predictable and she likes it that way. However, into her normal life comes a HUGE disturbance. Her annoying and self-centered sister, Abigail (Gloria DeHaven) neglected to tell her that she's invited an acting troop to come live with them and perform in their barn*. Considering Abigail was off acting and having fun and doesn't even work the farm, this is even worse--and Jane is determined to toss these folks off the property. However, the leader of the group, Joe (Gene Kelly) is awfully nice and quite charming and so Jane agrees that they can stay. However, Abigail is a budding prima donna and her antics MIGHT just result in the show being canceled. Can anyone guess who will come in to save the day?!This film is entertaining and worth seeing. I must say, however, in the pantheon of MGM musicals it is only about average. In fact, I think the film was at its best when they were not singing. Many love the big show-stopping Garland number "Forget Your Troubles Come on Be Happy". It was decent but obviously filmed at a different time, as she looks about 30 pounds lighter. It also is about the only particularly memorable song in the film--though I did really like Kelly's dance number in the empty barn. Light and enjoyable--this one is worth seeing but quite formulaic and easy to predict. Well done...not great. It's a shame, as it was the last film she made on her MGM contract--too bad it couldn't have been more memorable.*This is an odd case for Garland. In her movies with Mickey Rooney when they were a bit younger, they always were looking for a barn where they could put on a show. Here, however, she is the one with the barn and the folks are coming to her!

coreybryant59 In contrast to her role as Dorothy in "THE WIZARD OF OZ", Here's a movie in which Judy has you happy and singing great songs like "If You Feel Like Singing, Sing" and "Howdy, Neighbor, Happy Harvest". The only song that brings tears to my eyes occasionally is "Mem'ry Island": Such a beautiful song. All in all, this is what we as viewers want---happy songs from Judy Garland, hilarious moments of misadventure (such as Phil Silvers totaling the tractor) and a show that displays Judy Garland's talents. To criticize this movie is nit-picking. It has all one wants---humor, uplifting songs and a happy ending. What more could one want in a movie?I must mention, it certainly is uplifting when someone whose farm is in trouble can be so carefree. Great movie!