Parts of the television remake of Meet Me in St. Louis are quite charming, but with Technicolor, better set productions, and Judy Garland, it's tough to compete with the original. I always appreciate seeing movie stars in live shows, since they don't have the luxury of filming another take. This is definitely a live production. Myrna Loy flubs a line, and Jane Powell covers the fact that she can't hit the high note of "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" by pretending to be overcome with emotion. But, they're trying their hardest, and if you're not going into it wanting to cut them slack, you're not in the right mind frame.
At the head of the Americana family is Walter Pidgeon, and I always feel sorry for the father's character. He works hard to provide for his family and doesn't get treated very well by anyone. Still, he and Myrna take the backseat as parents. Jane and her older sister Jeanne Crain are the leads, with their turn-of-the-century slow-burning romances. Jane and Jeanne are a bit miscast, for they are both too old for their characters. It feels a little stage-y for them to pretend to be young and insecure - 30 and 35 at the time! And Tab Hunter's interpretation of being shy seems like there is almost something wrong with him. But, when you hear Jane Powell singing "The Boy Next Door" it sounds like a completely different song - it actually sounds like a pretty song! Judy Garland can sell a song and make you cry, but Jane Powell can make it sound the way it was originally written.
With Ed Wynn as the grandfather, a very young Patty Duke as Tootie, and Rita Shaw as Katie the cook, you'll see lots of effort in this production. It's not as good as the original, but if you like live productions, you can give it a shot. If you prefer flawless shows, skip it and stick with the 1944 version.
