Favorite Festive Flicks: In the Good Old Summertime (1949)

(photo courtesy of moviegoods.com)

Don't let the title throw you... this is a Christmas movie. In fact it is MGM's beautifully, technicolored musical remake of the 1940 classic,The Shop Around The Corner. The stage is set in turn-of- the century Chicago involving head sales clerk, Andy Larkin (Van Johnson). His bachelor life is a simple one including work at Mr. Oberkugen's (S.Z."Cuddles"Sakall) Music Store and hanging with his buddy, Hickey (played by legendary silent film star, Buster Keaton). Andy's weekly highlight,however, is receiving romantic letters from his female pen-pal.

All is well, until the pretty and driven Veronica Fisher (Judy Garland) waltzes in seeking employment. Though Andy tries to dissuade her, Veronica proves herself by selling an awkward, high-priced harp and lands the job. Now she is outselling him and stealing his thunder, but he looks past that as he will soon be meeting his lovely correspondent soon. Unfortunately, he discovers that the woman he has been eager to meet, is none other than Ms.Veronica Fisher herself! Not sure what to make of his revelation, he withholds this secret to himself . As time goes by, he continues to fall in love with face behind the letters.

                        This wonderful Holiday Romance includes a wonderful cast and songs "Put Your Arms Around Me Honey", " I Don't Care" and of course "In the Good Old Summertime". This, unfortunately, is one of the last few films Judy made with MGM, but this film will always play on In the Good Old Summertime.

Enjoy,

Neah B