Description

St. Louis 1903. The well-off Smith family has four beautiful daughters, including Esther and little Tootie. 17-year old Esther has fallen in love with the boy next door who has just moved in, John. He however, barely notices her at first. The family is shocked when Mr. Smith reveals that he has been transfered to a nice position in New York, which means that the family has to leave St. Louis and the St. Louis Fair. ... Read more

Reviews (106)

An American Classic In A Memorable DVD Package
Many critics consider MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS the single finest Hollywood musical of the 20th Century. Produced by Arthur Freed, directed by Vincent Minnelli, and sporting a flawless ensemble cast led by Judy Garland, the film was immediately hailed when it debuted in 1944--and time has only added luster to its name. Now, after several home market incarnations, it at last receives the edition it deserves on DVD.

Given its stature, it is ironic that both MGM and Judy Garland originally fought the project. Based on a collection of autobiographical stories by Sally Benson, the script is little more than a series of domestic adventures in the lives of the Smith family of 1903 St. Louis. But it became a thing of wonder: a careful balance of sly but gentle humor, a collection of memorable performances, an understated score shorn of the usual movie-musical affectations, and at the center of it all Judy Garland, one of Hollywood's most memorable talents.

The transfer is excellent, capturing every nuance of the film's meticulously and beautifully designed sets in full Technicolor; the sound elements, remastered in Dolby 5.1, are equally fine and Garland's unique vocal skills are undimmed by time. All in all, it seems safe to say that not even the original 1944 theatrical release could surpass the quality of picture and sound offered here.

Although the bonus package would have better without the awful pilot for a failed television series based on the film, by and large it offers a superior collection. Previously available on VHS, the Roddy McDowell-narrated "making of" documentary is worth revisiting, as is the TCM-produced "Becoming Attractions." While a number of later documentaries surpass it, "Hollywood: The Dream Factory" has never before been widely available and offers an inside glimpse of the famous 1972 MGM auction. The Martins' performance of "Skip to My Lou" a reconstruction of "Boys and Girls Like You and Me," and a collection of Vincent Minnelli movie trailers round out the offerings, all of them entertaining.

The notable audio commentary is led by film historian and Garland scholar John Fricke. I regret to say that I have several issues with Fricke, who seems to rely excessively on Vincent Minnelli's autobiography I REMEMBER IT WELL and who has a tendency to perpetuate certain myths about the film--chief among them the idea that Garland did "The Trolley Song" in a single take. (Garland prerecorded the song, the overall sequence involves at least seven unique camera set-ups, and although Garland performs most of the solo in a single take there is a change in camera set-up toward the end of her vocal.) Even so, Fricke offers considerable insight into the cast, crew, and production of MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, and the commentary is laced with remarks (some of them archival) by the likes of Margaret O'Brien, Hugh Martin, and Irving Brecher; in spite of my occasional misgivings, it really is everything one could wish an audio commentary to be.

These aside, the bonus package contains one significant and unique prize: the short film "Bubbles" and a notable audio commentary led by Hollywood and Garland historian John Fricke. Long thought lost, "Bubbles" is one of several shorts made in the early 1930s that include The Gumm Sisters, the youngest of whom would become better known as Judy Garland--a true rarity indeed.

Given the beauty of the transfer and the generally exceptional bonus package, it is difficult to imagine a better edition of this uniquely American classic. I strongly recommend it.

GFT, Amazon Reviewer

All-New 60th Anniversary Digital DVD transfer is AWESOME!!
Director Vincente Minnelli's 1944 "Meet Me in St. Louis" in TECHNICOLOR starring his future wife, Judy Garland proved to be MGM's biggest box office hit ever and proved to the world the musical with Garland ruled.

Now co-operatively Warner Brothers Entertainment Inc., Turner Entertainment Co. and distrubuted by Warner Home Video Inc continues their fantastic Two-Disc Special Edition Series with the 60th Anniversary Digital transfer from restored picture and audio elements of "Meet Me in St. Louis". This is a must have DVD set!!!!

This all-star cast; Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Aster, Majorie Main, Tom Drake and Lucille Bremer lead this special intergrated story with a perfect mix of music. The "Trolley Song" (Oscar nominated song - lost), and the infamous xmas song, "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". And of course the movie title song, "Meet Me in St. Louis".

This 2 - Disc set is loaded with everything about the movie, Judy Garland and the Dream makers of HOLLYWOOD. Disc 1 - Has an Introduction by daughter Liza Minnelli The Feature film in gorgeous TECHNICOLOR in Standard Format and Dolby Digital Sound. Audio Commentary by Judy Garland Biographer John Fricke with Margaret O'Brien, Composer Hugh Martin and Screen Writers Irving Brecher & Barbara Freed-Saltzman. And finally a Vincente Minnelli Trailer Gallery including 8 of his movies.
Disc 2 - 45 minute Making of Documentary hosted by Roddy McDowall. 60 minute MGM Studio Profile film "Hollywood: The Dream Factory" hosted by Dick Cavett. A 45 minute 1966 "Meet Me in St. Louis" TV series Pilot starring Shelly Fabares, Celeste Holm & Rita Shaw. 35 minute Becoming Attraction: Judy Garland hosted by Robert Osborne (a brief history through her movie trailers). 1930 Vintage Vitaphone Musical short featuring a very young Judy with her sisters (The 3 Gumm Sisters). Vintage Soundie "Skip to My Lou". Deleted Song (an Oscar / Hammerstein) "Boys & Girls Like You & Me". 60 minute Lux Soap Radio Theatre 12/2/1946 Broadcast of "Meet Me in St. Louis" starring Garland, O'Brien and Drake. and Finally a 80 photo Stills Gallery.

This is a must have for the family DVD library. See Judy Garland at her best and see why Hollywood gambled and won with her outstanding talent to act and sing flawlessly. You'll love Judy Garland, this movie, the Smith Family and Margaret O'Brien (received a special minature Oscar award for her performance). Enjoy!!!

One of America's Greatest Musicals
Meet Me in St Louis is one of the greatest musicals ever made! Combining the talent of Judy Garland and scene stealer Margaret O'Brian and wonderful songs Meet Me In St Louis is a treat for all!

excellent
This is a great dvd of "Meet Me in Saint Louis," the wonderful classic musical. It's beautifully packaged and contains so much behind the scenes and extra bonus material it's well worth the price. A great addition to any musical dvd collection. I highly recommend it and was very pleased with it. Also Judy's daughter LIza is interviewed also. Great dvd a classic to keep!

One of the great American musicals ever filmed!
This exquisitely laid out 2 DVD issue of Meet Me in Saint Louis is an absolute must have for any Garland fan, Vincent Minnelli fan as well as fans of the major American musicals of all time. The movie itself is introduced with a short talk by Liza Minnelli to whet the viewer's appetite for the film; then the film is beautifully reproduced on the DVD for the viewer. One small disappointment: the film is shown in full screen; there is no letterbox version of the film on this 2 DVD set. The set is chock full of great extras which offer the viewer a rather comprehensive introduction (or review for seasoned fans) of Judy's work in such shorts as Bubbles as well as trailers for both Judy's films and Vincent Minnelli's films. The sound quality is excellent and the video quality is equally superlative.

The movie itself is the story of the life of an American family in 1903 in Saint Louis and their ups and downs throughout one year's time. Does the father take that new job and move the family from Saint Louis to New York? Do Esther (played by Judy) and Rose find the loves of their lives? Watch and find out! A special treat is the strikingly convincing acting of Margaret O'Brien as the youngest sibling in this large family from the last turn of the century. Margaret won an award at the Oscars and she very much deserved it-she acts her little heart out!

In short, this movie is a BUY! Go get it! Order it here, or shop for it anywhere-but just get it and enjoy a great American musical and the numerous bonus extras that are very hard to find elsewhere! ... Read more

Description

Louisa May Alcott's famous novel of the March family, brought to the screen. ... Read more

Reviews (34)

Unbelievably Touching!
A sweet, charming, non-stop entertainment film. My only regret is that Rossanno Brazzi is in it, but that's okay. This 1949 ACADEMY-AWARD WINNING version of the beloved classic was incredibly done; with a script and cast to die for.

June Allyson plays the tom-boy writer, Jo March ("Look at me! Dying to go fight by father's side, and here I am--sitting and knitting...like a poky old woman."). Allyson never stopped being the character, and is such fun to watch.

Margaret O'Brien plays little Beth March, the frail and sickly child in the family ("We are a lot better off than a lot of people. Orphans, for instance. We have father, and Marmee, and each other."). I cried like a baby in the end of the film, when our poor Bethy dies from Scarlet fever.

Elizabeth Taylor made me laugh out loud so many times in this movie, portraying Amy March ("When one is in Europe, one feels that the dirt there is so picturesque!"). She can't stop eating, and she feels that her nose is unshapley. Hm.

Janet Leigh played Meg March, the most sensible of the girls, and the oldest ("I haven't changed [Jo]! But it's about time YOU had!!"). She is confused by her love for the nasal-voiced Mr. Brookes, and ends up marrying him, in spite of all Jo's begs for her not to.

Lastly, Mary Astor plays Marmee as gracefully as...well, gracefully ("God bless and keep us all."). Sometimes, I wish that she could be my mother too! (no offense, mom).

This film made me laugh hysterically (such as when the girls rehearse a play; or when Jo gets mad at Amy for eating too much), or sob uncontrallably (when Beth dies, and when Jo finds out her aunt is taking Amy to Europe instead of her). I would definitely reccomend this to ALL movie-goers, fans of the book, or fans of anyone in the cast. It is superb.

Best Ever!
This was the first Little Women video I saw, and it was-and still is-my favorite. I loved the cast they picked. Meg is so lovley, it's no wonder Mr. Brooke fell in love at first sight! Elizabeth Taylor made an eccelant Amy, although she did look better when she was older. Margret O'Brien was the perfect Beth, and played her part so well that you could harldy tell she was acting. June Allyson is my absolute favorite Jo. She was perfect! And Aunt March was as fussy and figity as you could wish.

If I were you, I would get this version instead of the Wynona Ryder one. The cast in that movie is ugly!

Boring :(
I loved the book, I loved the Hepburn version, liked the Ryder version, but this...it just bored the tar out of me! It did match the book fairly well, but it dragged on so much that I fought to stay awake through most of it! Rent it first if you must, don't waste your money.

Christopher Columbus!
I wasn't expecting to enjoy this as much as the 1994 version with Ms. Ryder as Jo March--I was surprised. The only slight scarring to this 1949 version of the film was the small appearances of Mr. March, his acting was quite horrible. But, June Allyson does fill the screen with perfection as Jo March. I thought that Margaret O'Brien portrayed a wonderful Beth also. I was very moved to tears when she shook off her shyness to thank the elder Mr. Laurence for the piano. Elizabeth Taylor played Amy March to all her selfish perfection. It was defintitely the most delightful to watch June Allyson though.

The Best Version
I loved the Little Women and after seeing this version I fell even more in love with the book. Although June Allyson wasn't the best Jo I have ever seen she is pretty close the depiction of Beth was magnificent and the version of Meg was beautiful but the star was Elizabeth Taylor's adaption of Amy although she was a little old looking for the roll but you have to admit that no one plays a brat like Elizabeth Taylor it was absoulutley perfect. This movie is a wonderful adaptation of a wonderful book that speaks to men and women of all ages because of it's timeless beauty. I hope that you enjoy this movie as much as I did! ... Read more

Reviews (1)

hollywood mortuary
The movie was not that good to be a horror movie.I will give it a 0% beause it was boring! ... Read more

Amazon.com

Made two years afterCitizen Kane, this 1943 version of Charlotte Brontë'sJane Eyre sure looks like star Orson Welles muscled his way behind the camera much of the time. (In fact, costar Joan Fontaine--who plays the title character--has maintained that Welles methodically did just that every day on the set.) Not that the film's official director was a hack: Robert Stevenson, who later had a busy career at Disney making numerous live-action hits for the studio, such asMary Poppins, gets the credit. But there's no mistaking Welles's masterful hand in the film's bold and creative look, and there's no getting away from his enigmatic charisma as Rochester, the widower who takes in Jane as a governess to his daughter. An engrossing, gorgeous film, there's even a small role for Elizabeth Taylor at the beginning as Jane's unlucky, doomed friend at a cruel boarding school.--Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (39)

Perfect Casting - Jane Eyre
This movie is one of few that the casting was impeccable.Joan Fontaine is perfect as the timid, yet strong Jane and Orson Wells is the perfect Mr. Rochester.He is gruff and endearing at the same time, no easy task to convey.It is one of my favorite movies that I love to watch with my daughters.A bonus is Elizabeth Taylor as a child in the dreary orphan school with Jane.She is wonderful.You'll love it.

Good 1940's movie but laughable adaptation of the book
Of all the cinematic Rochesters I've seen, Orson Welles most closely resembles him.But that's where the similarity between the book and this movie end: Welles' performance is a string of screaming fits, nothing like the multi-faceted character of the book.

Joan Fontaine is completely wrong for the part; she's absolutely gorgeous (Jane Eyre is supposed to be extremely plain.)Joan tries to portray Jane's plainness by keeping her head down and shoulder's hunched forward, so we all know that she's plain and humble.Sorry Joan!It doesn't work!You still look gorgeous and completely wrong for the part.Furthermore, Jane wasn't beaten down psychologically, as she is portrayed in this film; considering all of her negative circumstances, she should have been, but she was always able to maintain her steely self-respect.Joan Fontain looks absolutely crushed throughout the entire movie.

The relationship between the two main characters consists, then, of Orson screaming at Joan and Joan hunching down -- not exactly romantic chemistry and nothing like the book which depicts one of the greatest romances of literature.

I can understand the problem screenwriters have shortening a story for a screen adaptation, but this one really takes the cake: Jane is about to go back to Lowood School of all places (where she was starved and mistreated as a child by the sadistic schoolmaster, Mr. Brockelhurst, and later worked as a teacher) when she hears Rochester calling her back to Thornfield.Instead of verging on accepting St. John Rivers loveless proposal of marriage -- an important character who was completely cut from this movie -- she almost agrees to work for Mr. Brocklehurst again before Rochester's long distance cry saves her.It appears that the screenwriters didn't fire Brockelhurst during Jane's childhood as did Charlotte Bronte.

All that being said, a 40's movie is a 40's movie.If you generally like movies from that time period (and if you can forget about the book for a few hours), there are some very interesting and enjoyable aspects to this; it's a quality film.But if you love the book, I would recommend re-reading it instead of watching this.

Hauntingly Beautiful!
This video was the first black and white movie I had ever seen (with the exception of Lon Chaney's "The Phantom of the Opera," and Mexican Cinema star Cantinflas from the 40's). After watching this movie I became a weird teenager who was all into black and white movies.

This movie is missing some important stuff from Bronte's novel, but it is still a spectacular film with a plain but pretty Joan Fontaine and an intimidating tall dark and handsome Orson Welles. The whole plot makes the story perfect for the effects of black and white film. I've seen newer color versions and I must say that none of them come even close to this one.

I have no idea why in the world this movie isn't out on DVD over here. I've even written to the people that make the Criterion Collection and have suggested to put this movie in with all their other good stuff. Still, I keep watching the video every two weeks. I can't get bored of this one.

WOW!
I loved this movie! The beginnig DEPREESED ME THOUGH! This is movie is 10/10! It was great,suspensful and romantic!

the 1996 one is so much better
I have seen the 1996 Jane Eyre first, and then this one.

I feel that the 1996 is so much better, except for the two little girls in the 1944 version.

1. The main actor and the actress, to a lesser extent, say their lines as if they are performing in a stage play.It is not normal speaking.It feels like they are reciting.

2. the music... boy, it feels so awkward.If the scene is supposed to be a surprise, then you will hear a drum or a trumpet.If the scene is supposed to be sad, you will hear some sappy violin.In the modern movies, there is such music but it blends in with the movie.Nothing as dramatic like in this movie.

3. what's the problem with shining a light one the main actor's eyes?If you see carefully, you can see that the other parts of the actor's face is intentionally darkened, while a beam of light shines on his eyes.oh boy... the eyes are intense but not particularly attractive...

4. what's with Jane saying "I do" and then lightning strikes and thunder hits and wind blows?Do it naturally... otherwise it feels like a junior high school performance... ... Read more