The version that seems to be most common now is not 154 minutes but a restored 176 minutes of which seven or so are production still images with original sound.
This film was way ahead of its time in its portrayal of manufactured fame and the emotional costs that come to the stars. It's got everything from loss of individual identity, to coping with a sudden loss of fame.
The film is also incredibly balanced, as it spends as much time with Judy Garland's character and her story as with Mason's. Neither the Streisand or Lady Gaga remakes have as much concern for the female protagonist as this 1954 version.
Overall, it was incredibly dark for a lavish Hollywood musical, and it's brilliant.
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hepburn
The version that seems to be most common now is not 154 minutes but a restored 176 minutes of which seven or so are production still images with original sound.pallmallandcoke
I thought I'll watch a cute old film, wasn't prepared to cry at the endfragilelabyrinth
I was not prepared for the amount of tears that rolled down my face by the end of this film.bklooney
This film was way ahead of its time in its portrayal of manufactured fame and the emotional costs that come to the stars. It's got everything from loss of individual identity, to coping with a sudden loss of fame.The film is also incredibly balanced, as it spends as much time with Judy Garland's character and her story as with Mason's. Neither the Streisand or Lady Gaga remakes have as much concern for the female protagonist as this 1954 version.
Overall, it was incredibly dark for a lavish Hollywood musical, and it's brilliant.
tommy_leazaq
Became instant fan of James Mason. Its nice irony that Mason more or less played Garland's real life character...Amy Adams
Judy Garland gave an incredible performance, and should have won an Oscar for it. James Mason also gave a fantastic performance.george4mon
by far the best musical i have ever seen. Mason and Garland were robbed of their Oscars that year!Miss Jitterbug
Awesome movie! Judy Garland is truly gorgeous! Such a pity she did not get an oscar for her performance here... Don't miss it. ;)Rohit
This is James Mason's film.Typically Thomas
It was quite good but it took three sittings to get through. It really lost me too often. It would be better if it was shorternicolaskrizan
of rising and falling starshttp://1001movies.posterous.com/1047