Customer Reviews

Strike Up the Band [VHS]

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This picture is about a group of High-School musicians who turn the school band into a swing orchestra aspiring to compete in a nation wide contest conducted by Paul Whiteman (who was once know as the King of Jazz). With BABES IN ARMS a major success, MGM quickly laid plans for a sequel using much the same talent. STRIKE UP THE BAND was the result. Jam-packed with youthful energy, the film once again proved Mickey Rooney to be a performer beyond comparison - singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, mugging - dominating every minute he's on the screen. Judy Garland is the perfect partner for him - demure and appealing in her acting, beautifully effective in her singing. The film contained a new song OUR LOVE AFFAIR which was to become one of Judy's standards. STRIKE UP THE BAND is a showcase for the effervescent Rooney and the dynamic Garland. The finale is built around the title song, a natural and logical piece for this picture, with the cast singing and marching through an elaborate Berkeley military routine.

Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland are great together in this movie. Rooney plays Jimmy, a high-school-band drum player who dreams of starting a modern dance orchestra. Garland plays Mary, Jimmy's good friend who does the vocals for his band and happens to have a crush on him. When the dance orchestra dream comes true, Jimmy and his orchestra play at the dance...and are an immediate success! Things start to complicate for Mary and Jimmy as well as the rest of the band when the new girl, Barbara Francis, arives in town. She steals Jimmy's heart, leaving Mary jealous and a little lonely. Barbara also steals Jimmy away from one of his number one priorities-the band. Luckily, Mary has Jimmy's back and covers up for him. When Jimmy hears about a high school band competition in Chicago, he tries to think of a way to raise money to get the band there. One of the ways was performing a melodrama skit (which I thought was quite entertaining). The day the band boards for the train, something terrible happens to one of Jimmy and Mary's friends. He needs a crucial surgery that costs the same amount of money as the trip to Chicago. Will they use the money to help their friend? And will Jimmy and Mary end up as a couple? Find out when you watch "Strike Up The Band".

WOW! What can be said? Mickey and Judy? There will never be two more talented young people in the history of films. Forget the Olson Twins, ect. Young stars today do not know what real talent is. Young stars today should take a look at Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. They were what real stars are made of. Clean, fun, energetic and talented. I love Mickey Rooney. He had energy and fun that was unmatched by anyone in the business. Judy could sing a song and touch hearts better than anyone. They will forever be remembered in the hearts of all who know and love them. I just pray the young people today will somehow be introduced to Mickey and Judy. They are good role models for today's young people. They made our dreams come true. Tears come to my eyes when I think about how the good ol' days are no longer here. The TRUE stars are almost ALL gone. Today's actors and actresses cannot compare to what we used to have in Hollywood. Hollywood is gone, it's nothing more than a sign on a hill. Talent has been replaced for nastiness, trick camera work and a lot of LOUD annoying noice. Mickey and Judy, I love you, SHINE ON FOREVER!!!! I'm only 24 years old and you are my heroes. This film is great by the way. Please check it out!!!

Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland team up again in this outstanding musical about a group of kids who adore music. Jimmy Connors (Rooney) loves playing the drums, so much so that he scorns girls and goes against his mother's ambitions for him to become a doctor. He ropes a bunch of his friend into forming an orchestra, something more fun than just the school band, and recruits Mary for a singer (Garland). Mary is in love with Jimmy, but he has no time for women, even though a new girl in town (June Preisser) tries to change his mind.

The music in this film is a lot of fun. "Our Love Affair" is a cute song, but it features an absolutely strange presentation of animated fruit playing instruments. This segment was done by uncredited animator George Pal. Very early in the movie is the famous "The Conga" number, a high energy exhibition of one of the eras dance crazes. No matter how many times you see clips of this number in documentaries, it never gets old, and that is thanks to the boundless energy of Rooney and Garland who just leap from the screen. The next best song is performed at a party; Garland sings "Let the Drummer Boy Play" while Rooney goes crazy on the drums. Some people might be a bit put off by how over the top Rooney is in these sorts of movies, but he's so lovable that even if he looks ridiculous, you can't help but laugh and enjoy it. The finale is somewhat of a letdown, though it does include medleys of the previously performed songs which saves it, but "Strike up the Band" is far too tame to end such a great film.

The best thing about this movie is that it appeals to all ages. There is nothing lewd in it to prevent small children from enjoying the performances, but it is mature enough for adults. Just another great example of how wonderful those classic films were.

This fabulous musical has acclaimed the credits of many actors, songwriters, critics, and fellow movie viewers. The movie stars the outstanding music and dance team duo Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. The plot is formed when the band-owner is holding auditions to disocover the greatest band in the United States. Both actors give their all-out performance in the movie to make this the best song and dance movie before World War II. This movie would boost the moral of many US soldiers and can boost your heart and soul into striking up the band. Buy this movie today, and you'll witness it for yourself and proclaim it theone of the best song and dance movies ever

This movie uses the cliche storyline that was typical of the time; small town kids with big-time aspirations put on a show. The pairing of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney is classic, and their on-screen chemistry is enchanting. If you're looking for a film with a deep meaning and a powerful plot, look elsewhere. But if you want great music and a good time, this is the movie for you.

Mickey and Judy are a great team when it comes to movies. In this movie they play people I can identify with even now. Small town kids with big ambitions. It's got great music too. Mickey and Judy sure can sing.

Strike Up The Band is a great movie with a great story and great music! I like the story of this film. The way the students just get up and play ispired me!

The title is all that remains of Gershwin's acidic musical anti-war satire, and Garland and Rooney are left to their own devices in this "Let's Put On A Show!" genre musical tailored to highlight their talents. Ironically, given the original play's premise, there is considerable flag-waving in this particular venture, with Garland and Rooney paying hommage to the good old USA in an unblushing effusion of sentimental patriotism. Even so, Garland and Rooney make an effective and extremely energetic team, particularly when dropped down into one of director Busby Berkley's famous production numbers, and Garland's developing talents remain astonishingly fresh even in this dated bit of fluff.

This is a classic musical with Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. Mickey Rooney really shines as a versatile actor in this film. And Judy Garland comes across as less drug-addicted than in her other films. The plot centers around Mickey Rooney's ambition to turn the high school band into a successful swing band. There are a lot of lengthy but pleasant musical numbers along the way. And actually several twists and turns, where opportunity seems to be knocking but then not quite yet. Judy Garland's character is in love with Mickey Rooney's, although, for most of the movie his character is unaware of that high school type crush. There is also a cameo of Paul Whitman, a leading band leader of the day. And lots of talented actors who can do everything from flips to singing. It is an enjoyable film with a message of loyalty. And it is a nice film that everyone can enjoy.