For Me and My Gal
Gene Kelly's film debut. It is known that Judy Garland got him the job after seeing him in the Broadway musical "Pal Joey".,Jo's YWCA uniform (like much of her clothing in the latter half of the film) is characteristic of World War II, when the film was released, and not World War I, in which it is set. Her uniform's shoulders are too broad and the skirt too short, and she is wearing sheer stockings and pumps instead of opaque stockings and high boots or oxfords.,Harry Palmer: Why didn't you tell me I was in love with you?,A picture of an infantry soldier in New York harbor and the text "America needs your money. Buy war bonds and stamps at this theatre.",There is a 1993 colorized version of the film that aired on TNT,Edited into American Masters: Gene Kelly: Anatomy of a Dancer (2002),For Me and My Gal
(1917) (uncredited)
Music by George W. Meyer
Lyrics by Edgar Leslie and E. Ray Goetz
Played during the opening credits and often as background music
Played on piano (with background orchestra) by Judy Garland (uncredited) and sung and danced by her and (uncredited)in a coffee shop,If this movie was simply Gene Kelly and Judy Garland exchanging quips (the "Hello Springtime!" bit is especially good) and singing and dancing in a coffee shop, then it would still be entertaining. But that's really not all it is. This movie is more like a drama/romance than a musical, in the way that there are some songs, very good ones, but there is more story than numbers. Yes, the idea is an old one, but there are a few twists that distinguish it from any other wartime romance. (Don't go expecting The Maltese Falcon though.) The little plot weaknesses are forgotten as the actors (particularly Garland) hold it all together. I cried twice, and I almost never cry at movies. I fully recommend For Me and My Gal, unless you're dead-set on a tear-free day.,