Easter Parade | Hollywood Yesterday

BOTD, the Legendary, Beautiful, Talented, and ICONIC Judy Garland

June 10, 2021 By Joi

In the Good Old Summertime, Van Johnson and Judy Garland

Frances Ethel Gumm was BOTD in 1922 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The adorable little girl would go on to become “Judy Garland,” one of the brightest and most-loved stars of all time.

While Judy’s angelic voice and charismatic stage performances are legendary, I actually think of her primarily as an actress – and an extraordinary one, at that.

While I love all of her films, my personal favorites are In the Good Old Summertime (1949), The Pirate (1948), The Wizard of Oz (1939), Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), and Easter Parade (1948).

Judy Garland and Gene Kelly in The Pirate

Judy exuded warmth, charm, humor, and EVER SO much talent in each of her roles. She also had a natural rapport and chemistry with everyone she came near. I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that everyone was sincerely thrilled to be working with her.

Fred Astaire and Judy Garland, Easter Parade

Beautiful Ann Miller: Gorgeous in Red!

April 1, 2019 By Joi

Ann Miller: Easter Parade Promotional Photo

I remember the first time I saw Easter Parade – I had only seen Ann Miller in “likable” roles and was completely taken off guard by her being so nasty! I quickly realized, however, that she was delicious in the role and enjoyed every second of her and the film. I always get a kick out of watching a star when they’re given a chance to branch out from their usual screen personas. Sometimes the star makes the most of it (like Ann Miller in Easter Parade) and other times they fall smack on their face.

If you’ve never seen Easter Parade (1948), I could not recommend it more. Judy Garland, Fred Astaire, Ann Miller, and Peter Lawford are wonderful in this beautiful musical. It’s a lot of fun and visually gorgeous.

You can find Easter Parade (link to the dvd) on Amazon.

Picture of the Day: Judy Garland (Behind the Scenes of Easter Parade)

March 1, 2019 By Joi

Judy Garland – Behind the Scenes of Easter Parade

Adorable, lovely, uncommonly talented, vivacious, mesmerizing… there aren’t enough adjectives for the wonderful Judy Garland, are there??

This adorable photo was taken behind the scenes of one of her most memorable musicals, Easter Parade. My favorite Judy Garland pictures are the ones where she is smiling.

And what a beautiful smile it was.