MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

Film of the Day #222 - 25 Days of Christmas Movies #1

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS
1944 • Vincente Minnelli

Cast: Judy Garland, Margaret O'Brien, Mary Astor, Lucille Bremer, Tom Drake, Marjorie Main, Leon Ames, Harry Davenport, June Lockhart, Henry H. Daniels Jr, Joan Carroll
Screenplay: Irving Brecher, Fred F. Finklehoffe; Based on Meet Me in St. Louis 1942 novel by Sally Benson
Cinematography: George J. Folsey
Music: George Stoll; Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane
Producer: Arthur Freed

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer

It's our last dance in St. Louis. I feel like I'm going to cry.

Meet Me in St. Louis follows a close-knit family in suburban St. Louis through the year 1904 as they live pleasant lives and have good times with each other. Everything is perfect in this little corner of the world. There is a pall over the year, however, as the head of the family wishes to move the entire family off to New York where better financial opportunities await him. Against the backdrop of a vibrant turn-of-the-century America, the film invites viewers into the everyday experiences of the Smiths, highlighting their celebrations of holidays, romantic entanglements, and the simple pleasures that make life in St. Louis so enchanting.

Vincente Minnelli beautifully captures the essence of a close-knit family. The film radiates with the warmth and nostalgia of a bygone era, showcasing the joys and challenges of the Smith family as they navigate the various seasons of life. The Smith household is filled with love, laughter, and the ordinary yet meaningful moments that make up the tapestry of family life. As the family grapples with the idea of leaving their beloved home, the film explores themes of the bittersweet nature of nostalgia and the inevitability of change. Each family member responds to the potential move in their own way, and the audience witnesses the emotional journey of each character as they confront the idea of leaving behind the place they call home.

Unlike most of the films we’ll be talking about this month, Meet Me in St. Louis is a film that doesn't primarily take place DURING Christmas. In fact, the only extended Christmas scene doesn't happen until towards the end of the film. However, much like Holiday Inn, which we’ll talk about later this month, this film was responsible for an immortal Christmas song that you hear every year: "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." Most people don't realize that song is not a "happy" Christmas song, it's actually bittersweet as it is sung at a very sad and poignant moment in the film. On the eve of their departure, at Christmas, Judy Garland tries to comfort her younger sister by singing "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." The message of the song is, "Don't mourn the loss of your home, but cherish the memories you have."

The film seamlessly weaves in a delightful musical score, including other memorable songs other than just "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas." These musical numbers contribute to the film's timeless appeal, enhancing the emotional depth of the characters and the narrative. The film's soundtrack, composed by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane, contributes significantly to its enduring popularity. Perhaps the most well-known song from the film, other than “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is "The Trolley Song,” a joyous and upbeat musical number that captures the excitement and thrill of a romantic encounter on a trolley car. Sung by Judy Garland, who plays Esther Smith in the film, the song is a lively expression of the character's infatuation and anticipation as she rides the trolley through the streets of St. Louis. Garland's charismatic performance makes "The Trolley Song" an unforgettable moment in the movie, and it has since become a beloved standard in the American musical repertoire. "The Boy Next Door" also sung by Judy Garland, is an expression of a schoolgirl crush and the longing for a romantic connection with the boy who lives next door. In the film, Esther is infatuated with John Truett, the young man who has recently moved in next door. The song is a heartfelt soliloquy in which Esther reflects on her feelings for John and the dream of a romantic relationship with him. Over the years, these musical numbers have transcended their original context in the film and have become cherished pieces of American musical history, continuing to resonate with audiences of all generations.

In the end, Meet Me in St. Louis is not just a story about a family contemplating a move; it's a celebration of the enduring bonds of family and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of change. The film beautifully captures the magic of everyday life and the importance of cherishing the moments that make a place, and a time, truly special. This film is essential for holiday viewing not only for its classic song but also for its strong themes of the love of your family and how there is no place like home. (A message Judy Garland isn't unfamiliar with.)

Have yourself a merry little Christmas, let your heart be light. Next year all our troubles will be out of sight.

Notable Accomplishments

• 2nd Highest Grossing Film of 1944

• National Film Registry: Class of 1994

• 4 Academy Award Nominations: Screenplay, Cinematography, Music Score, Song (“The Trolley Song”)

Streaming: Not Currently Streaming
Digital Rental/Purchase: Available at most digital retailers
Physical Media: Available on Blu-Ray and DVD