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Judy: A Legendary Film Career
Through her incomparable work on screen, stage, record, radio, and television, Judy Garland earned renown as "The World's Greatest Entertainer." It was as a motion picture star though, that she first rose to international fame. From her feature film debut in 1936 through the aptly titled I Could Go on Singing in 1963, she lit up the screen with a magic uniquely hers -- and dazzled world-wide audiences of all ages. Judy Garland starred in two dozen of the all-time classic movie musicals, among them A Star is Born, Meet Me in St. Louis, Babes in Arms, Easter Parade, For Me and My Gal, and The Harvey Girls. Her dramatic turns in Judgment at Nuremberg, The Clock, and A Child is Waiting won added acclaim. And perhaps most unforgettably, she starred as Dorothy Gale in the best-loved motion picture of all The Wizard of Oz. A Legendary Film Career tells the story of Garland's movie work in unprecedented detail. Hundreds of never-before-published photos, newly-assembled contemporary reviews, insight from her costars and coworkers, and production histories are provided for each film in which she appeared. Highlighting and complimenting the feature films is a definitive biography; an examination of Judy's short subjects; details of the movies she did not complete; and an enthralling compendium of film projects for which she was considered or rumored. The text is illustrated by more than five hundred photos, encompassing poster art; costume tests; behind-the-scenes candids; onstage and backstage glimpses of her theatrical successes; and personal snapshots. Judy is the exhaustively researched work of historian John Fricke. He celebrates as never before the heart, humor, and incandescent motion picture achievement of the one-and-only Judy Garland.
571 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 27, 2016
Unfortunately, I've been in a bit of a reviewing slump recently, so nothing I could write would really describe the good things about John Fricke's Judy Garland biography, an exhaustively researched, extensive read for fans of Old Hollywood and obviously, JG herself. Simply put, this is really, really good.
Honestly, the entire way through I was thinking a 4 or 4.5 star rating would accurately portray my thoughts on this, but as I finished the mammoth hardback, filled from page 1 to 352 with tons of info, that it only deserved a five and nothing lower could do. All the hard work Fricke put into this (and if you even see the novel you know that it must have been exhausting to write such a big book) and the glorious stills, home photos, information, movie reviews, etc. that Fricke includes in his book really help to carve out a well-rounded depiction of a woman who has been both named “The World’s Greatest Entertainer” and "a tragedy". I liked the unusual set-up of the book and how it included vast, all-inclusive profiles of even her lesser movies, like Gay Purr-ee (bet you've never heard of it), plus so many great photos. I learned a lot and fell even more in love with a woman who was insurmountably talented and equally challenged. She couldn't have been that much of a tragedy if she brought so much joy to the world, right?
I can see why John Fricke has been called the foremost Judy Garland biographer in the world; judging by this book alone, it seems he knows so much about her, he could be her.
Honestly, the entire way through I was thinking a 4 or 4.5 star rating would accurately portray my thoughts on this, but as I finished the mammoth hardback, filled from page 1 to 352 with tons of info, that it only deserved a five and nothing lower could do. All the hard work Fricke put into this (and if you even see the novel you know that it must have been exhausting to write such a big book) and the glorious stills, home photos, information, movie reviews, etc. that Fricke includes in his book really help to carve out a well-rounded depiction of a woman who has been both named “The World’s Greatest Entertainer” and "a tragedy". I liked the unusual set-up of the book and how it included vast, all-inclusive profiles of even her lesser movies, like Gay Purr-ee (bet you've never heard of it), plus so many great photos. I learned a lot and fell even more in love with a woman who was insurmountably talented and equally challenged. She couldn't have been that much of a tragedy if she brought so much joy to the world, right?
I can see why John Fricke has been called the foremost Judy Garland biographer in the world; judging by this book alone, it seems he knows so much about her, he could be her.
May 4, 2018
- I'm a big Judy Garland fan, and I really enjoyed this book.
- I love that this book was a biography on Judy's life and her career. It covered both equally.
- I feel bad for all the struggles Judy had in her life. I really believe that MGM should have been held accountable to what they did to her as a girl. I wish Judy could have gotten the help and rest that she needed. I'm glad that she had a lot of good things in her life as well.
- I liked the way this book was formatted. I loved going through every single movie and getting all the quotes and everything.
- Judy was SO talented. Singing, dancing, and acting came so natural to her, and I think she was one of the greatest entertainers in all of history. When she is on the screen, I can't help watching.
- I love that this book was a biography on Judy's life and her career. It covered both equally.
- I feel bad for all the struggles Judy had in her life. I really believe that MGM should have been held accountable to what they did to her as a girl. I wish Judy could have gotten the help and rest that she needed. I'm glad that she had a lot of good things in her life as well.
- I liked the way this book was formatted. I loved going through every single movie and getting all the quotes and everything.
- Judy was SO talented. Singing, dancing, and acting came so natural to her, and I think she was one of the greatest entertainers in all of history. When she is on the screen, I can't help watching.
January 28, 2012
Judy Garland/1940s movie fans will love this one. Gorgeous photos of Judy and the making of many of her films. Just the right amount of biographical information is included. Coffee table-size format was a good choice for capturing this larger than life movie star.
July 19, 2014
Impeccably researched. Great prose and gorgeous photos.
February 2, 2025
As a long-time admirer of Judy Garland, I have been meaning to explore more of her films, so when I discovered this exquisite coffee table book, I seized the opportunity to delve into her illustrious career. John Fricke has masterfully balanced in-depth research on Garland's film life with intriguing insights into her personal experiences.
As someone who loves behind-the-scenes narratives, I found the selection of photography and the overall layout to be absolutely stunning. Fricke's presentation of Garland’s acting prowess is both captivating and insightful, making this volume a splendid addition to any film lover's collection.
As someone who loves behind-the-scenes narratives, I found the selection of photography and the overall layout to be absolutely stunning. Fricke's presentation of Garland’s acting prowess is both captivating and insightful, making this volume a splendid addition to any film lover's collection.
July 11, 2022
Fantastic, if you're a fan of Judy Garland then you absolutely have to have this book!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews