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
