Thu 12/10 @ 7PM
The 1944 musical Meet Me in St. Louis, which was one of that year’s biggest hits, is not exactly a Christmas film. In fact, it takes a turn-of-the-century St. Louis family through a full year, from spring to spring, ending up at the 1904 World’s Fair. But it’s widely remembered for debuting the song “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” sung by one of the film’s stars, Judy Garland. And if you think the version you know is wistful and a tad mournful, that’s nothing compared to the original lyrics which were deemed too depressing for an audience during World War II — when it was entirely possible that loved ones would never see another Christmas together — and changed.
That wasn’t the only song from the film that Garland made famous. She also introduced “The Trolley Song” and “The Boy Next Door,” which also became standards.
Meet Me in St. Louis is the topic of the next Movie at Home offering by The Musical Theater Project. As usual, TMTP’s Bill Rudman posts an intro on their website to share some things to look for when you watch the film. Then go to YouTube or AmazonPrime to watch the movie.
Finally, join Rudman and special guest Nancy Maier, who has partnered with him on many presentations, for a Zoom discussion and Q& A on Thursday December 10. You’ll find that here. No registration is needed and it’s free to join.