Between the Pages

This 1942 musical is set during the popular vaudeville era, and follows the fortune of performers in the lead up to World War I.  It is notable for being the big-screen debut of Gene Kelly as Harry Palmer (co-star Judy Garland lobbied for Kelly to have the male lead role, after seeing him on Broadway in Pal Joey.  Originally Kelly was meant to play the supporting role of Jimmy Metcalfe; George Murphy was originally supposed to play Palmer).

Palmer is a solo dancer and comedian in vaudeville shows, with dreams of making the big time and playing The Palace in New York.  Jo Hayden (Garland) is a dancer in Jimmy Metcalfe’s act, and also the object of Metcalfe’s unrequited desire.  When Palmer persuades Jo to join him in a double act, Metcalfe doesn’t stand in her way.  However, Jo starts to fall in love with Harry, which is complicated by his friendship with singer Eve Minard.  When Harry takes action to avoid being drafted for war, Jo is angry and disappointed.  Will love prevail….?

I really enjoyed this musical, although it does not follow the format of many of the other musicals released by MGM.  The songs are delightful (although there are no original songs here; they are all songs which were popular in the era).  Also, the song and dance routines only take place in the context of stage performances, whereas in most musicals, they form part of the storyline itself.  This doesn’t detract from the enjoyment however; there are some lovely dances, particularly where Kelly and Garland perform Me and My Gal in a cafe.  Kelly’s ‘tramp dance’ near to the beginning of the film is also a delight.  Considering this was his movie debt, Kelly is very assured in his role, and displays the incredible charisma and talent which would turn him into a major star.  Harry Palmer is, in all honesty, not the nicest character – but he certainly isn’t all bad, and redemption is a major theme here.

Judy Garland is as wonderful as ever as Jo Hayden.  She and Kelly have real chemistry together, and it’s no surprise that they went on to make more musicals together.  They bounce off each other perfectly, and are a terrific on-screen partnership.

This is less comedic than many musicals, with a storyline containing human emotion and drama (and some very touching moments, which could move a viewer to tears).  The film came out during World War II, and it’s fair to say that the movie could be seen as a slice of wartime propoganda, to boost the public support for the war.  However, it doesn’t labour the point, and it never stops being entertaining.

Definitely worth seeing, for the sparkling on screen partnership between the two leads, and also for seeing a Hollywood legend right at the start of his film career.

Year of release: 1942

Director: Busby Berkeley

Writers: Howard Emmett Rogers, Richard Sherman, Fred F. Finklehoffe, Sid Silvers

Main cast: Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, George Murphy