Movie Mondays: The Movie Musical Part 2

Now for a look a musicals from the 40s and 50s or the Golden Age of Musicals

With the boys getting ready and heading off to war, the movie musicals of the 40s were designed to lift the spirits and take people out of the misery of the day-to-day.

Bing Crosby, the crooner famous for his rendition of the classic hit White Christmas, was in his hay day in the 40s. His warm vocals and endearing personality was reassuring to a nation at war. Even though Bing is usually the main love interest along side stellar leading ladies, he is more of someone you'd want to be your super cool uncle or sweet grandfather. Bing's best include: White Christmas (the movie this time), High Society and Holiday Inn.

Judy Garland, who's performance in The Wizard of Oz launched her into stardom, appeared in 16 movie musicals and 14 feature films during the 40s. Holy cow that a lot! With her charming girl-next-door quality and stunning set of pipes, Judy Garland will forever be a household name. The best of Judy include: For Me and My Gal (Gene Kelly's Debut!), Meet Me in St Louis, Easter Parade (with Fred Astaire!) and Summer Stock.

Next up is the master of dance, musical genius and my personal favorite, Gene Kelly. Gene's magical feet, charming singing voice and lovable personality won the hearts of musical lovers the world over. Not only was he a talented performer, he also excelled as a choreographer. Some of his lesser known (but super awesome) works include: Cover Girl, Ziegfeld Follies, The Pirate (which I have actually never seen but it has Judy Garland so it must be good) and On The Town.

The 5os is referred to as both the Golden Age of musicals and the downfall of musicals. Although Elvis was king and you could make more money on a low-budget beach party flick, some of the best musicals of all time were produced during this decade.

Although Rogers and Hammerstein where teamed up before the 50s, their Broadway musicals hit the silver screen in full force during this time. Oklahoma, Carousel, The King and I and South Pacific are excellent examples of the magical music and lyrics of this duo. Don't see your favorite? Don't worry! The R & H tradition carries over into the 60s.

Perhaps the most iconic movie star of all time, Marilyn Monroe made a break through to stardom in Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. This steamy, blonde bombshell made the majority of her films in the 50s including Some Like It Hot.

However, MGM's musicals pretty much blew everyone out of the water. Among them are the sensational An American In Paris, delightful Singing In The Rain, the show within a show within a movie The Band Wagon, silly but sweet Seven Brides for Seven Brothers and the last MGM musical Gigi.

There were so many musical stars in those days, all very talented, including Donald O'Connor, Debbie Reynolds, Danny Kaye, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day and Rita Hayworth. Its impossible to cover them all but check out the links to see some of their showstopping performances

Next time: movie musicals of the 60s and 70s