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I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

Excellent but underrated film

Absolutely Fantastic

Talent like that, when not together in the same film, make any of their work worth seeing. When together in the same film, the results are unmissable. While Mickey Rooney is a take/leave performer dependent on the material to me, Judy Garland and the Gershwin Brothers are lifelong favourites and Busby Berkeley has done some of the most jaw-dropping routines in musicals.If one is a fan of at least one of these people, 'Girl Crazy' is a must watch. As far as Rooney and Garland pairings go, it's one of their better efforts and as a musical it's incredible. People may find faults with it as an overall film, but it succeeds mostly brilliantly for what it is and what it aimed to do.'Girl Crazy' is not quite flawless, but the cons are far outweighed by the pros and the pros are enormous. The story is thin and silly with parts being wrapped up too easily and a few of Rooney's antics are somewhat overdone and hammy.However, even when not in Technicolor (imagine how even better "I Got Rhythm" would have been), 'Girl Crazy' still looks lovely in crisp black and white and with elegant production design. It particularly shines in Garland's "But Not For Me" which sees her at perhaps her most luminous. George and Ira Gershwin's songs are simply magnificent, especially "I Got Rhythm" (one of their most famous, iconic even, songs for a reason), "Bidin' My Time" and "Embraceable You". A big honourable mention is "But Not For Me", of which there has never been a more touching rendition of.The songs are further benefited from being staged in a great mix of liveliness and tenderness. The big finale for "I Got Rhythm" is a little overblown but extraordinary in energy, charm and spectacle, though also loved the sophistication for "Could You Use Me?". In general too, they are phenomenally performed, the prime examples being "But Not For Me" and the dynamite contribution from Tommy Dorsey.Scripting is suitably witty and there is tremendous energy and charm throughout. Rooney is more restrained than usual yet still has his boundless energy, even better is luminous and affecting Garland in magisterial voice. Their chemistry is wonderful and gels very well indeed and more. Rags Ragland and Nancy Walker are standouts in support.Overall, hugely entertaining and while not quite a masterpiece 'Girl Crazy's' a must watch. 8/10 Bethany Cox

This is the second-and more famous-filmed version of George and Ira Gershwin's Girl Crazy that I'm reviewing on this site. This is the Mickey Rooney-Judy Garland version and I loved this when I first saw it nearly 30 years ago and I love it even more now! Especially loved the "Embraceable You" number with Ms. Garland looking so luminous dancing with all those men. Mickey is hilarious, as usual, whether having trouble riding a horse or impersonating announcing a boxing match. Tommy Dorsey also provides some fine entertainment especially during the "Fascinating Rhythm" number with Rooney (supposedly) accompanying on piano. June Allyson does a Betty Hutton-like take on "Treat Me Rough" that's a great contrast to her usual girl-next-door image. In summary, this version of Girl Crazy is so entertaining that-in the words of the final song in the film-"Who could ask for anything more?" P.S. Also loved Rooney's introduction especially when he praises Ms. Garland and John Fricke's commentary especially when he confirms one of the players is indeed Irving Bacon who I've just watched in the first fourteen Blondie movie entries as the constantly bumped into postman!

Thanks for so many interesting reviews. Alas, wasting the talents of its stars meant I feel compelled to give it such low score despite Judy Garland's delightful number, "But Not for Me".This has badly dated both in terms of its excessive slapstick (Rooney doing a Lou Costello ride on a wild horse), silly slang gags ("snerdy") and a plethora of lame wisecracks from Rooney ("I'm free, white and ready ...") taking up almost half the dialogue.And it's little wonder that Garland agitated for Busby to be replaced as its Director, given how unimaginatively his big finale scene is staged.Remember, this was made at least a year after the Pearl Harbour attack, yet it conveys nothing of the massive changes sweeping through American society during that era.

Of the four musical comedies MGM made with Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, "Girl Crazy" and "Strike Up the Band" stand out. This film may have a slight edge over the other. "Girl Crazy" is the only one of the four that isn't in a musical revue format. Instead of a story about young performers putting on a show with the musical numbers, this is a regular story in which the music is interspersed. Songs fit into the plot here and there. That's called a musical play format – the type that Rodgers and Hammerstein would perfect in their big blockbuster stage and then movie productions in the 1950s and 60s. (Think "Oklahoma," "South Pacific," "The King and I," "The Sound of Music," etc.)The entertainment industry often alludes to the talented Garland, and properly so for her great singing voice. Rooney doesn't usually get the same attention today, because his career took a down turn after his youthful years. Yet that young actor of short physical stature (5 feet, 2 inches) was a giant of talent. He could sing, dance, play excellent piano and other instruments, and act. He was particularly adept at impersonations and other comedic skills, though these were exhibited sparingly. Rooney has one such hilarious scene in "Girl Crazy" where he uses a standing microphone to rattle off several imitations of broadcasters and announcers one after another. This film also has some other great pluses. The full musical score was done by George and Ira Gershwin. It includes hit songs from their 1930s Broadway hit by the same name, including "Embraceable You," and "I Got Rhythm." Another plus is Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra doing the music. Rooney gets to showcase his considerable piano talent when he accompanies the Dorsey band on the ivories in "I Got Rhythm." The dance numbers are also excellent, with Busby Berkley's touch quite evident. A subtle humorous aside in the film has to do with Cheyenne and Wyoming, where much of the film takes place. The state's scant population and scarcity of buildings is carried to an exaggerated level. One scene has the stars heading for the capitol in an old jalopy. A sign points to Cheyenne just a few miles ahead. But they are still on a two-wheel track dirt road with sagebrush and treeless desert all around them. "Girl Crazy" holds up well with time, and anyone who enjoys great music, comedy or just plain entertainment should like this film.