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Meet Me In St. Louis (1944)

The fear of moving from St. Louis during the time of the World's Fair breaks a family apart and later brings them closer together.

Esther Smith (Judy Garland) is seventeen and in her own words may have just a bit 'too much' boom about her. She is determined to woo the boy next door (Tom Drake), while confronted with the prospect of moving from St. Louis for New York City with her family.

Character development is an essential part of this film and it's done beautifully by director Vincent Minnelli. The sets are lavish and true to the times. One of the standout roles is that of Tootie (Margaret O'Brien), the youngest sister in the Smith family who causes trouble and has no problem garnering both attention and respect from her elders.

Garland Performances

Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis
Music by Kerry Mills
Lyrics by Andrew Sterling
Performed by Judy Garland, Lucille Bremer and ensamble

The Boy Next Door
Music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Performed by Judy Garland

Skip to My Lou
Music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Performed by Judy Garland and ensamble

Under the Bamboo Tree
Music by Rosamond Johnson
Lyrics by Bob Cole
Sung and danced by Judy Garland and Margaret O'Brien

Over the Bannister
Music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Performed by Judy Garland

The Trolley Song
Music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Performed by Judy Garland and ensamble

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Music and lyrics by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Performed by Judy Garland

Boys an Girls Like You and Me
Music by Richard Rogers
Lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II
Performed by Judy Garland and Tom Drake
Deleted from film

Recordings

Meet Me in St. Louis
Recording Date: November 2, 1943
Label: Decca

The Boy Next Door
Recording Dates: November 2, 1943
Label: Decca

Skip to My Lou
Recording Date: November 2, 1943
Label: Decca

Boys an Girls Like You and Me
Recording Date: November 2, 1943
Label: Decca

The Trolley Song
Recording Date: November 2, 1943
Label: Decca

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
Recording Date: November 2, 1943
Label: Decca

Reviews

-- to be added --

Availability

This title is currently in print and available from Amazon.com.

Resources

Meet Me in St. Louis on IMDb

Fast Facts

Judy Garland really didn't want to play another seventeen year old girl, but Vincent Minnelli convinced her that it would allow her to mature into a woman on screen. She often said she felt that she had never looked as beautiful in a role.

Hugh Martin tells the story of when Judy told him she wouldn't be able to sing the original version of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" to Margaret O'brien, because it was too dark. Hugh didn't take to the criticism too well and it was Tom Drake that had to talk a bit of sense into him and the lyrics were changed to be more suitably sung to a child.

Lines to Remember

Lon: Oh, Es!
Esther: Yes, Alonzo.
Lon: May I present our neighbour, John Truett.
Esther: I didn't quite catch the name.
John: John Truett.
Esther: Well, welcome to our home, Mr Truett.
John: You know this is the first time I've been to a party since I moved to St. Louis.
Esther: Oh, do you live here?
Lon: He lives next door!
Esther: Oh, well that's where I've seen you.
(Submitted by Jamie)

Esther: Mr Truett, this is an untoward request but would you mind accompanying me through the house while I turn out the lights? It's just that I'm--I'm afraid of mice.
Lon: Well, sure Miss Esther. That's the least a man can do for his charming hostess.
Esther: I have to turn them out everywhere. In the dining room, in the living room, everywhere.
Well, certainly is dark in here with the lights off.
Lon: It certainly is. Well, shall we do the dining room next?
Say that is nice perfume.
Esther: It's essence of violet. I save it for special occasions.
Lon: It's exactly the kind my grandmother uses.
Esther: I'll just turn these lights out too.
Lon: Hadn't you better leave these lights on for your folks?
Esther: I'll just turn them down dim.
Lon: Gosh, Miss Esther, I hope I'm not too presumptuous here, but you don't need any beauty sleep.
Esther: What a nice compliment.
Lon: This has been a great evening, really it has. I'll never forget it.
And you know something else?
Esther: What?
Lon: You got a mighty strong grip for a girl. Good night, Esther.
Esther: Good night...neighbour.

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