Sid y Judy

The title of this documentary grated on me, with Luft taking first billing, but I stuck with it as a huge fan of Judy. What can't be disputed is Luft, in a way, did reignite Judy's career. She received her first Oscar nomination, and played to millions live. However, Judy was born with a God given talent ,which even when she duets with Barbra Streisand, who went on to star in an inferior version of A Star is Born, it is Judy you are drawn to. What I learned was how funny Judy was. When she describes the media frenzy when she is nominated for Star at her hospital bedside it is genuinely hilarious! I also learned Luft was a two faced chancer who promised to look after and not hurt Judy, but like most in her life, milked her for funds and kept her on pills to perform. Judy couldn't respond to how Luft rewrote her history but it is she who will be remembered forever. Watch this for Judy and take Luft with a giant pinch of salt. Best thing about him is he was voiced well by Jon Hamm.

This is a fascinating documentary on Judy Garland's career and marriage to Michael Sidney Luft. What I most loved about this documentary was its presentation of rare, rare, rare footage showing Judy from A Star is Born and her 1963-1964 tv series not shown before. For example, alternate takes of Judy's second attempt (wearing a brown dress) singing "The Man That Got Away" were shown. Also shown was with an alternate take and the final version of the song where she is wearing the black dress. There are also scenes of Judy on the set of A Star is Born interacting with the crew or getting ready for a take.

As for her tv series, there were scenes of her not shown presented here that might be found on the dvds of her tv shows as shots edited out from the televised sequences. Some with guests Martha Raye, Lena Horne, and herself solo are examples.

Also presented are color home movies of Judy at her Hollywood home with Sid at the time, one of Liza as a child, and one of Judy getting out of a car she was driving and then greeting some fans.

Judy was a genius when it came to her singing talent, acting ability, and dancing skills as well. She was one of the most talented people the world has known. She was a bright woman with great incite, but she was also a woman who never seemed to grow up and face reality and accept responsibility. She allowed her mother, business managers, agents, and husbands to manage her affairs. Now I totally understand that she was busy with everything she had to do and dealing with her drug habit which kept her health in jeopardy. Emotionally, at many times in her life, she seemed to remain a child, despite being a grown adult.

However, after being burned a few times, one would think she would herself take a look at contracts, for example, and make demands on her own without anyone else there. Sid, it seems, did try to help and run her career, but what is not mentioned in this documentary is that Sid and Judy didn't file income taxes during some of those years. It has been written that Sid often spent lots of time at racetracks, but if he were really as astute and caring as he claims, how come he didn't stay on top of that? We will never know since so many people who knew them are gone forever.

In the documentary, it was stated that in 1959 Judy was told to get to a hospital immediately when she was extremely bloated and overweight with a damaged liver. If the story is true, Judy stated she would not go to the hospital without first stopping at their hotel to have a triple vodka with water. If she didn't get it, she wouldn't go. Sid gave in to her so that she would enter the hospital. As much as I admire and adore Judy's talents, I have a difficult time respecting this kind of puerile behavior. Judy was in many ways from the many, many bios I have read about her a wonderful person who loved life and laughed often. However, she turned a blind eye to things she didn't want to deal with. From Sid's words (taken from his book which I have read), he said Judy claimed she didn't want to be bothered with worrying about money. If she had had a more mature nature, perhaps she would not have ended up in the sad financial state she was in towards the end of her life.

I did learn a lot about Sid Luft and his marriage and his managing Judy's career, but I suspect that some of the more unflattering things about Sid were left out in an attempt to make him appear more faultless.

Overall, this is an excellent documentary worth seeing and buying and adding to one's own library. I recommend it without hesitation.

This documentary revealed many 'facts' about her life that I'd never know. It was very candid when dealing with her parents, and her life ups and downs. The many clips including those dealing with her films and concerts were fascinating. I was left after its ending with a very sad feeling about her tragic story. But I would highly recommend it for all fans of Judy.

This is mostly about Judy and not that much about Luft. Which is fine with me. It also has, perhaps, a little too much singing from Judy, even though it's her singing that we remember most, although it has to be said that she could be an excellent actress and this isn't explored more deeply. But the rarely seen footage across her entire career is just too precious. Not perfect, but wonderful nonetheless. Judy we miss you.

I always thought Judy was a more powerful, engaging, enigmatic vocalist compared to the mega perfect pipes of Ms. Streisand. However, the clip of their duet was most educational. Barbra was clearly more technical with stronger range and clearer vocals than Judy. I was trying to assess why I felt the opposite. Well, when you have such a tragic life it really shines through in your interpretation of any form of words and music. Judy died so very young in obvious trauma seeped life events. Meanwhile her counterpart lives on in infamy with near perfect health. How can that be felt through the air waves? I am unable to conclusively state how but the difference is palpable. Just an observation that surprised me. Judy's final song portrayed such incredible depth and energy despite severe health issues and represents one of the most amazing talents in history. Wait till you hear how long she holds that final note, almost super human. The rest of the film concerns Luft's diary notes and provides some insight to her many career struggles as well as her affable, warm nature. The rumors of his pilfering her bank accounts were white washed and assume we may never know who stole what from whom. She didn't seem to care and guess neither do I. High recommend for her fans but certainly as a unique talent that rarely manages to touch those sentimental heartstrings. What a force!