Tenth Avenue Angel (1948) - Star of the month... Angela Lansbury

"I don't know what to believe. I don't know who to believe. Everybody lies to me, even the ones I love the most" - Margaret O'Brien (as Flavia Mills in 'Tenth Avenue Angel')

'Tenth Avenue Angel' is a 1948 drama directed by Roy Rowland and starring Margaret O'Brien, Angela Lansbury, George Murphy, Phyllis Thaxter, Warner Anderson, Rhys Williams, Barry Nelson and Connie Gilchrist.

The story opens in 1936, where a young girl, Flavia Mills (played by O'Brien) lives with her parents and Aunt Susan (played by Lansbury). When Aunt Susan's boyfriend Steve (played by Murphy) is released from prison, Flavia is told he was travelling the world. To help her overcome her fear of mice, Flavia's mother tells her mice are good luck and turn into money. In an attempt to make some money during the depression, Flavia begins catching mice with the hope they'll turn into money.
After finding out the truth of a number of white lies told by her family and friends, Flavia finds it difficult knowing who and what to believe.

Did you know...

• Although the film wasn't released until February 1948, it was predominately filmed from March to May 1946, with retakes shot in April 1947

Closing remarks

Whenever I think about my favourite child stars, the first person I think of is little Margaret O'Brien. There was something about O'Brien's dramatic style which I find heartwarming and moving. This film is no "Meet me in St. Louis" (1944), but still worth watching for Margaret O'Brien. A heartwarming family Christmas themed movie.

Cynthia (1947) - Star of the month... Elizabeth Taylor

'Cynthia' is a 1947 drama starring Elizabeth Taylor, Mary Astor, George Murphy, Gene Lockhart, Spring Byington and S.Z. "Cuddles" Sakall.

Cynthia (played by Taylor) is a 15 year old who gets sick often and lives with her overprotective parents. She befriends a dog, but is unable to keep it, due to being allergic to dogs.  After the landlord puts the family home up for sale, Cynthia's parents are forced to chose whether they should attempt to purchase the home or move away. 

The film's musical program features some memorable MGM songs including "Buckledown Winsockie" from 'Best Foot Forward' (1943) and "The Trolley Song" from 'Meet Me In St. Louis' (1944).

Early example of feminism

This film is an early example of feminism in cinema. It is Cynthia's mother who dominates the relationship in her marriage. She is the one with the wealthy inheritance, she is the one who permits Cynthia to attend the prom, she is the one who makes the final decision on whether or not to buy the house, and she is the one who leads her husband through his journey of self discovery.

Closing remarks

'Cynthia' stats off rather slow with the first hour dragging on quite a bit, but it does get better. I think of 'Cynthia' as one of the original mean girls movies, with Cynthia's malicious cousin Fredonia deliberately sabotaging her chance at happiness at school. That is until Cynthia grows the courage to bite back. Elizabeth Taylor delivers a great performance in this film, and we are also treated to a rare singing appearance.

It's a Big Country (1951) - Star of the month... Gene Kelly

'It's a Big Country' is a  1951 anthology film, comprised of eight individual segments celebrating the beauty and diversity of America.

Directed by Clarence Brown, Don Hartman, John Sturges, Richard Thorpe, Charles Vidor, Don Weis and William A. Wellman, the film is narrated by Louis Calhern.

The actors (referred to as citizens) include Leon Ames, Ethel Barrymore, Keefe  Brasselle, Gary Cooper, Nancy Davis, Van Johnson, Gene Kelly, Janet Leigh, Sharon MacManus, Marjorie Main, Fredric March, George Murphy, William Powell, S.Z. Sakall, Lewis Stone, James Whitmore and Keenan Wynn.

I have structured this blog post into segments, according to how the film is structured, discussing each segment in turn.

Segment #1 - 

Whilst on a train to New York, New York, Mr. Stacey (played by Whitmore) meets a Professor (played by Powell), and tells him he loves America. The Professor asks "Which America?", and goes on to teach Mr. Stacey about the diversity of America. Mr. Stacey learns America is politically, religiously, and culturally diverse, and always evolving. The segment ends as Mr. Stacey walks into the dining cart, and meets an elderly woman (played by Elisabeth Risdon), who says she loves America. Mr. Stacey asks her "Which America?". Although the segment ends there, it is obvious Mr. Stacey will use this an opportunity to pass on the knowledge which he has just acquired.  This opening segment sets the scene for what is to come in subsequent segments.

Segment #2

Set in Boston, the city of great American tradition and Paul Revere. Mrs. Brian Patrick Riordan (played by Barrymore) travels to her local newspaper to meet with the Managing Editor, Mr. Callaghan (played by Murphy) to report she was not captured in the recent census. At 74 years of age, Mrs. Riordan is concerned she may not be alive for the next census in ten years time.  With the help of reporter Michael Fisher (played by Wynn), Mrs. Riordan is visited by a government official for inclusion in the census.

This segment focuses on the Irish American community of America, and also demonstrates the importance of participating in the census.

Ethel Barrymore delivers one of her finest performances in her brief appearance in this film.

Segment #3

We are then taken through a who's who of successful African Americans, athletes and entertainers including Lena Horne, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Eddie Anderson and Ethel Waters.

Gene Kelly as Icarus Xenophon

This segment is very different to the others, in that there is no storyline or plot. It is simply a patriotic narration with images of successful African Americans. Considering the degree of African-American segregation in the early 1950's, I would be very interested to have been a fly on the wall during initial screenings of this film to witness the audience reaction, particularly in the Southern states.

Segment #4

In the next segment we meet Hungarian American Stefan Szabo (played by Sakall) and his six daughters. Stefan has a prejudice against Greeks, which becomes an issue for his eldest daughter Rosa (played by Leigh), who has fallen in love with Greek American Icarus Xenophon (played by Kelly).

Janet Leigh as Rosa Szabo

This segment serves as a parable for immigrants, that they should leave any ancient grudges behind when they arrive in America. A message still relevant in today's society.

Everyone's favourite Hungarian American S.Z. Sakall is perfectly cast as Stefan Szabo. Even in a dramatic role, Sakall makes as laugh.

Segment #5

 Mrs. Wrenley (played by Marjorie Main), is visited by
Sgt. Maxie Klein (played by Keefe Brasselle)

a tour of the armed forces,  soldiers, sailors, marines and the airforce

Sgt. Maxie Klein (played by Brasselle) visits Mrs. Wrenley (played by Main), the  mother of his war buddy Jack, who was killed in action.

It is interesting seeing Marjorie Main in a serious dramatic role.

Segment #6

We travel deep in the heart of Texas, where we meet a cowboy named Texas (played by Cooper). In this very short segment, Texas talks about the state of Texas, and myth busts rumours and perceptions of the other 47 states. 

When watching this film, it's important to remember in 1951 there were only 48 states in the USA. In 1959, Alaska became the 49th state.

Segment #7

Rev. Adam Burch (played by Johnson) takes on a new congragation, and receives constructive feedback by a Church sexton (played by Stone). As a result of taking on this feedback, the Reverend becomes a greater pasteur.

Segment #8

Joseph Esposito (played by Bobby Hyatt) is told by his teacher, Miss Coleman (played by Davis) that he needs glasses. His strict Italian American father, Joe Esposito (played by March) refuses to believe his son needs glasses and opposes Miss Coleman's recommendation.

Closing remarks

Although the content of the eight segments are a little dated, not surprisingly the messages contained within each segment are still relevant in today's society of discrimination and segregation.

The only criticism I have on this film is the sugar coated endings to each segment are often unrealistic and difficult to believe, however I appreciate this is the intention of the filmmakers to convey the messages.

For Me & My Gal - Star of the month... Gene Kelly

"You put your left foot out and you break it back... And that's what we call ballin' the jack" - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland (as Harry Palmer & Jo Hayden in 'For Me & My Gal')


'For Me and My Gal' is a 1942 musical starring Judy Garland, George Murphy and Gene Kelly. It was Gene Kelly's first film and the first of several films Judy and Gene made together. Produced by Arthur Freed and directed by Busby Berkeley, the film was written by Richard Sherman, Fred F. Finklehoffe and Sid Silvers, and is based on a story by Howard Emmett Rogers.


'For Me and My Gal' was inspired by the true story of vaudevillians Harry Palmer and Jo Hayden, when Palmer was drafted into World War I.

Jo Hayden (played by Garland) and Harry Palmer (played by Kelly) plans to play at the Palace Theatre on Broadway are crushed when Palmer is drafted into World War I. To delay his service, Palmer deliberately smashes his hand in a trunk, which leaves his hand permanently injured

Musical numbers

The film features a number of well known songs such as "By The Sea", "When You Wore a Tulip", "Ballin' the Jack" and the title song.

Song: "Ballin the Jack" - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland

Song: "After You've Gone" - Judy Garland

Song: "For Me And My Gal" - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland

Song: "When You Wore a Tulip" - Gene Kelly & Judy Garland

Did you know...

• This was Gene Kelly's first full length feature film - he had previously appeared on Broadway in 'Pal Joey', and choreographer for 'Best Foot Forward'
• This was the American film debut for Hungarian singer Martha Eggerth - she made two more films in America
• Working titles for the film include 'Me And My Gal' and 'The Big Time'

Awards and nominations

• Academy Award nomination for Best Score 
• National Board of Review Award for Best Actor (Gene Kelly)

Closing remarks

This is the first time I had seen 'For Me & My Gal'. I had high expectations, and was severely let down. The only thing worth watching in this film are the musical numbers listed above. 'For Me & My Gal' is  the most boring Judy Garland film I've ever seen, and possibly the most boring MGM musical I've ever seen. That said, surprisingly it was a big hit when initially released.