Product Details

• Actors: Doris Day, Louis B. Mayer, Bing Crosby, Cary Grant, Jimmy Durante
• Format: Black & White, Color, EP, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Delta
• VHS Release Date: January 1, 1998
• Run Time: 58 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304749139
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #491,383 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

This is one of a series of Judy Garland videos recently rereleased on VHS. While in many ways it's the most fascinating, it also has the least to do with Garland, and really it's only half-good. The better half (the first half-hour) consists of a long-lost TV broadcast live from the gala 1954 premiere of A Star Is Born, the film that reignited Garland's movie career. Like some ancient predecessor of the E! network, this show features some of the biggest and brightest of Hollywood, gamely stepping before the TV camera to say hello and then being whisked away, only to be replaced by other famous faces. You get a glimpse of everyone from Kim Novak to Jack Palance to Alan Ladd to Garland herself, all gushing about how Garland will win the Oscar for this performance. (In fact, she lost to Grace Kelly.) You can skip the second half of the tape, the home movies of little-known actor Ken Murray. He would film his costars behind the scenes on movie sets or at their homes, then appear on Garland's TV show and show his little movies. While it's interesting to see the candid footage of ancient stars, the patter between Murray and Garland is grating. Better to watch it with the sound off. --Marshall Fine

From the Back Cover

"A Star Is Born" Hollywood Gala Premiere - Judy Garland's greatest film role came in 1954 in the magnificent remake of "A Star Is Born." The film was her first in four years after leaving Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and triumphing at the London Palladium and New York's Palace Theatre. Produced by her husband, Sid Luft, and released by Warner Bros., "A Star Is Born" won Judy an Academy Award nomination and a Golden Globe Award...and remained Judy's own personal favorite of all her films.

As one of the most anticipated and exciting film events of the decade, the premiere opening on September 29, 1954 was Hollywood's biggest ever, with more than one hundred stars turning out for the film. Newly discovered and restored, here is that exciting premiere presented "live" from Hollywood's famed Pantages Theatre. Judy and Sid Luft, along with other screen legends and "A Star Is Born" co-star Jack Carson celebrate one of the most exciting, magical nights in show business history in the rare, fascinating look at a glamorous era long gone but never forgotten.

Hollywood Home Movies - In 1964, Judy Garland invited Ken Murray and his famous "Hollywood Home Movies" to be a guest on her television program. Murray was known throughout Hollywood for his vast collection of movie footage taken from the silent era to the 1960's, featuring Hollywood's greatest stars at play. Judy, of course, personally knowing many of the stars in the films since her early years at MGM, gives a running commentary with Murray that is both delightful and amusing...

Here is a fascinating "bonus" glimpse of some of Hollywood's great stars in candid moments...including Mickey Rooney, Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, Bing Crosby, John Barrymore, Bob Hope, Gary Cooper, Frank Sinatra, Cary Grant, Marlene Dietrich, Charlie Chaplin, Jimmy Durante, Gloria Swanson and even MGM studio president, Louis B. Mayer...Hollywood stars as you've never seen them before!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a wonderful gem for Judy Fanatics!, August 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Judy Garland's Hollywood [VHS] (VHS Tape)

Though some may say that this is a boring video, I on the other hand thoroughly enjoyed it! The first half of the video brings you live coverage of the opening of A Star Is Born! Many well knowns are on hand to give Judy rightly desserved praise for the film which at that time was still in its entirety. It's a real treat to hear from all the wonderful stars as they talk about Judy and the rest of the wonderful Star Is Born cast! Judy herself also makes an appearance at the microphone and speaks of her movie and her husband, Sid. GREAT! Judy is marvelous! The second half of the video deals with Ken Murray's home movies and he has wonderful rare footage of Judy playing tennis and watching tennis. :) Also showcased are Dick Powell, June Allyson, Eleanor Powell, Mickey Rooney and many more! This really is a great addition to anyone's collection.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Fun Trip Down Memory Lane!, December 3, 2001

By 

David Von Pein (Mooresville, Indiana; USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Judy Garland's Hollywood [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This video is really two programs for the price of one, both featuring the legendary Judy Garland!

First up is a special treat for those of us who love to look back at the "old days" of Hollywood! It offers up some original footage of the premiere of Judy's great motion picture "A Star Is Born", circa September 1954! We get to see lots and lots of famous (albeit younger) faces as they file by the camera before entering the famed Pantages theatre for the premiere. Lots of nostalgic fun!

Second, we're treated to some of Ken Murray's "home movies". Miss Garland is by Ken's side (as a sort of co-host here) as we look at several decades' worth of images featuring many of Hollywood's biggest stars, including some of Judy herself.

Running time is 58 minutes for this VHS video.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Hollywood of the Fifties, May 10, 2000

By 

John C. Shaw (HOUSTON, TEXAS USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Judy Garland's Hollywood [VHS] (VHS Tape)

What is the most interesting thing about this video is how fake all the celebraties, besides Judy were. No wonder she didn't get her academy award, given the obvious jealousy that surrounded her.