For Me and My Gal

Some actors get better with time. Others reach their peak and go down hill. Then there are those remarkable few who are good from the very beginning until the day they retire. Gene Kelly is one of those few. From his first film For Me and My Gal co-starring Judy Garland, through his career as a director, up to his last appearance in That's Entertainment III 1994, Gene Kelly was a master of his art. Or should I say arts. The man could act, sing, and dance. He could do funny and serious, romance and drama. He could be the guy who had it all together or the guy who was unsure but sweet. He could make you absolutely love him or completely despise him. There are many actors I admire for their acting, voice, or dancing. But only Gene Kelly had them all. The man was a Jedi of the screen. 

In his film debut, For Me and My Gal, Gene Kelly plays the part he was most known for. That arrogant guy who thinks he has it all together only to be put in his place by a beautiful woman. In this film that beautiful woman was Judy Garland. It to Judy that Gene Kelly owed the thanks for landing this role. The two had become friends shortly before production of For Me and My Gal and Judy got Gene the leading role. Eventually, Gene Kelly would have the opportunity to repay Judy Garland's generous friendship.

The story of For Me and My Gal follows to vaudevillians through their journey to fame. Jo (Garland) and Harry (Kelly) pair up in the beginning of the film and their popularity grows steadily throughout. For Jo, the joy of their success is not in the fame but in the time she spends with Harry. For Harry, the joy of their success is his fame. He has his own dream and is on the march to fulfill it little knowing what he is giving up for it. The point of this film is very simple. For Me and My Gal is about realizing what is really important.

Though For Me and My Gal is not the sweeping musical spectacle that is say Singin' in the Rain, the songs and vaudeville acts shown are spectacular in the simplest way. Sweet song and dance numbers make up this romantic drama and carry it fully into the great musical category. In For Me and My Gal you receive the complete package a film should be. Great music, great story, great acting. It will forever be one of my absolute favorites.

So grab some popcorn and a bag of m&ms and enjoy For Me and My Gal.

Fondly,
J.H.