Judy Garland, on a trip to New York City during 1950, snuck into a late night screening of Summer StockThe Times Square cinema showed her third musical, co-starring Gene Kelly. “After the film, she exited the theater to thunderous applause,” says film expert David Fantle. “Cheering fans followed her to her car, which had to give her a warm feeling because she’d been away from the screen for over a year.”
Summer Stock, which included Judy’s showstopping number “C’mon, Get Happy,” might never have made it to the big screen without the support of her great friend Gene. A new book is available. C’mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer Stock Fantle and Tom Johnson, tells the story behind the film and shares new details of Judy and Gene’s special friendship.
Judy first saw Gene singing and dancing on the dance floor in Pal JoeyShe was very impressed. She was impressed. “She recommended Gene to the studio before anyone knew who he was,” Johnson says.
Gene would make his movie debut opposite Judy two years later in 1942’s For Me and My Gal, where she brought the film novice…
