In the Good Old Summertime [DVD]

I've always enjoyed this movie whenever I saw it on TV. Never could understand the picture the studio created for the movie posters etc, when the majority of the movie took place in winter.

Great holiday movie with my favorite actress Judy!!!

Love this movie.

I've admired for many years now the artistry and genius of the magnificent Garland and always thought that, even after the years of chemical abuse and "hard knocks", she still retained a very fine, fragile physical beauty in her face and form. However, it always amazes me, whenever I re-view one of her Metro films, how absolutely gorgeous she was and had this sensual, quivering and almost ethereal beauty about her. Having just watched this film, after not viewing it for quite some time, I'm struck with the same impression about her physical qualities. Her talent and artistry never fail to amaze me, no matter how many times I've watched a particular performance, both non-musical or in song. But damn it if she's not sexy and beautiful in this film. She gives one of her finest performances, and one of the finest comedic performance in film of all time. We all know and enjoy the musical numbers, especially "Merry Christmas", "Put Your Arms Around Me Honey", and the outrageous "I Don't Care" (which, along with "Get Happy" from "Summer Stock", would showcase the Garland to be!), and her wonderful comedic interplay with the funny and handsome Van Johnson. However, it's the last moments in this film, when Johnson finally knows that she is in-love with him, that gets to me and I appreciate her incredible talent as if anew. That scene has to be one of the most sensual moments in American cinema...the way he brushes her cheeks with his finger..the way he plays with the collar of her blouse....the way he pulls her close to him, kissing her in such a way that, well ,we know what's on HIS mind at that moment....and her reactions..slightly caught off-guard....hessitant...vulnerable....but then takes control and reciprocates his advances. Can you believe all this in a 3 minutes scene in an MGM film from 1949????? When Johnson says to take "him" out of his "envelope", I mean, talk about subtlety and double entendre , which simply does not exist in today's overtly and vulgar "realistic"- in-our-face world.Not one of the greatest musical films made but an absolutely entertaining, enjoyable, and sexy little flick is "Summertime", with a radiant and lovely Garland which makes us realize, once again, that she was simply one of the finest artists of the past century. Enjoy!Luigi ~ NYC.

I love this movie. It is the original "You've Got Mail" with Judy Garland. The music and acting is great. Highly recommend if you like musicals.

Released by MGM in 1949, and directed by Robert Z Leonard, In The Good Old Summertime is a musical remake of the 1940 film, The Shop Around The Corner, which starred James Stewart and Margaret Sullivan. Although I liked the original film, In The Good Old Summertime takes on a life of its own.The story in this version takes place in Chicago IL. at the turn of the century, and is centered around OBerkugen's Music Store, primarily around Christmas time. That is why the title is misleading.Judy Garland plays Veronica Fisher, a young woman who has fallen in love with a man she corresponds to through the mail. What she doesn't know is that her pen pal is her co worker, Andrew Larkin (Van Johnson), a cocky young saleman,whom she despises. In fact, they spend so much time sparring with each other that after awhile, you begin to wonder how on earth could these two people, who are always getting on each other's nerves, ever have a romantic relationship, let alone fall madly in love with each other...Only in HollywoodBut the movie does redeem itself on many levels. The setting of a music store is the perfect excuse for us to hear Garland stretch those glorious vocal chords of her's, and the characters within the music store are also unforgettable. The supporting cast is superb, with some of the best character actors that MGM had on its roster at the time. Hungarian actor S. K. Sakall, plays Mr Otto Oberkugen, the store's portly and stubborn owner who is engaged to marry his long time lady friend, Nellie Burke (Spring Byington). Silent film comedy legend, Buster Keaton, plays Mr Oberkugen's inept and brow beaten nephew, Mr Hickey, and veteran MGM character actor, Clinton Sundberg, plays Rudy Hanson, who is Andrew Larkin's best friend and voice of reason. Then there is Marcia Van Dyke, who plays Louise Parkson. She's very pretty, and a very talented violinist, but definitely not a convincing actress.Like Easter Parade, and Meet Me In St Louis, In The Good Old Summertime is a visual treat for the eyes, with colorful sets and period costumes. The songs are great too, and Garland is at the top of her form, even though her life at this point,was in turmoil. She looks absolutely beautiful. The final scene in the film between Garland and Van Johnson was daringly seductive for the year 1949, and is very memorable indeed. Unfortunately, after this film, Judy Garland's health and career would continue their downward spiral. After completing Summer Stock the following year, at age 28, her career at MGM would be over. This is also the last film for Buster Keaton at MGM, a studio he had been with since 1928. In fact, he was originally brought on board just for consultation purposes, but he was eventually offered a part because no one else could properly execute a crucial pratfall that was needed toward the end of the movie.In the end, some people will like it, and some people won't. But its a pleasant way to pass by a couple of hours. I would recommend this film to anyone who likes MGM musicals, is a Judy Garland fan, a Van Johnson fan, or a Buster Keaton fan.

Turn of the century Chicago is the backdrop for Judy Garland and Van Johnson's tenuous romance. Judy shines as a fiesty saleswoman with a glorious voice that captivates her audiences in S.Z. Sakall's music store. Van Johnson plays her irritable sales manager. Neither is aware that they both moonlight as romantic correspondents of poetry to each other through the mail. Sound familiar? This movie was the 2nd incarnation of The Shop Around the Corner; later reincarnated as the very popular You've Got Mail. This version has several gems that the other 2 lack: Buster Keaton's skill, Judy Garland's talent and wonderful 1900's musical numbers and costuming. Van Johnson is perfect as he teases and woos Judy covertly, even as he grumps and despairs over their frequent head-butting. In the very last scene, you will see the culmination of romance that makes "Y G Mail" pale in comparison. Van was a master; Tom is still an amatuer. Absolutely delightful throughout!

An old favor of our families.

The Blu-ray version is far superior to my treasured DVD...very colourful lighthearted film that is very enjoyable

This movie is a classic. It is one of Judy Garlands movies. This will complete my wife's collection of these movies.

Histoire divertissanteAttention pas de langue française

A great Christmas movie !Why it's called "in the good old summertime" I'll never know. That particular song is sung at the beginning and end of the movie as the story goes through the year(s) from summer to a later summer but much if not most of the film takes place at Christmas time. The plot is a remake of "shop on the corner" and remade again as "you've got mail" but this is the only musical version of the same story. With plenty of humour provided by S.Z.(Cuddles) Zakall as the store owner. Buster Keaton is in it but sadly isn't given much to do. However if you like old movies and you've seen "meet me in St Louis" and "White Christmas" too often, this is a good alternative for seasonal viewing. Its often overlooked as a great Christmas movie because of the title song.

Also good to have a copy of this movie.