FAQ

No. Many consider this film to be part of a series of films she appeared in which allowed her to slowly portray women in their late teens and early twenties. When watching the film, Garland's character still seems a little young and innocent but compared to the roles she was being given even 18 months before production began on "Mars" the character of Lily is much older. Garland's first "adult"role came the year before in "For Me and My Gal" (1942) opposite Gene Kelly.

When viewing "Mars" it is quite clear that MGM had moulded her into a leading lady as opposed to a plain adolescent. Garland was 20 at the time of principal photography, throughout teen's she had often played roles of a "plain Jane" the girl who didn't get the guy at the end of the film; MGM now wanted her to become a full leading lady. Garland's hair was lightened from it's usual red/brown to more of a medium blonde colour, she had lost weight and her costumes and make-up were used to great effect.

One of the main reasons this charming film is popular within the Garland community is because she was at her physical peak in this film. Prior to any visible illness and given the full MGM glamour treatment.