Twelve Hidden Yuletide Gems
Meet Me in Saint Louis is a tale of four seasons, spanning the adventures of the quirky, loving Smith family at the turn of the 20th century. The whole family is eagerly waiting for 1904, the year of the St. Louis World’s Fair (aka the Louisiana Purchase Exposition), but must suddenly make a choice between home and a new life in New York. Based on the book by Sally Benson, it is both a classic musical, a delightful piece of eye candy, and a droll family comedy-drama. And yet it should not be ruled out by classic film fans who dislike musicals or “family pictures” – like Singin’ in the Rain, this is one of the few films that truly has something for everyone.
Above all, it is treasured every winter for the classic rendition of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” featured at the poignant climax of the story. Meet Me in Saint Louis was released during 1944, and Judy Garland’s plaintive cry that “next year all our troubles will be far away,” held great meaning in the last full year of World War II. This popular tune has been covered by other artists, as a hopeful reminder of better days ahead, but Garland’s version remains the definitive: beautifully performed, with heartfelt emotion.
“Merry Little Christmas” is far from the only song of note – the variety is broad, from Garland’s unrequited crush on “The Boy Next Door” to the gentle nostalgia of “You and I,” written and performed by Arthur Reed. (Reed was dubbing for Leon Ames, who plays the papa of the Smith brood). Meanwhile, “Step to my Lou,” featured at the Smith teenagers’ party, crackles with youthful enthusiasm. No matter how many times you’ve heard this song, it’s impossible not to tap, sway or at least smile at the sheer energy of the young performers. “Clang Clang Clang (The Trolley Song)” is another impossibly perfect tune sung by Garland – which she performs with an easy exuberance. Like “Merry Little Christmas” and “Over the Rainbow,” “The Trolley Song” tends to turn audience members into full-fledged fans of Judy.
And yet, this family-friendly film of bright colors and sound has an intriguing undercurrent of loss and change. Partly, this is because of our own knowledge of Judy Garland’s complicated and tragic life – somewhat mirrored by the troubles of her on-screen mother, Mary Astor. This edge, along with the strong performances, make this family – who initially appear to be as clean-cut as The Aldrich Family or Ozzie and Harriet – more believable. Garland, as second daughter Esther, naturally remains the main attraction, but lesser actors would have been upstaged by the young Tootie (Margaret O’Brien) and Agnes (Joan Carroll). The performances by these talented tykes are more interesting, and have more dimension than your average musical or comedic character. Tootie has a doll with “four fatal illnesses” which she plans to bury in the yard, and Agnes longs to receive a hunting knife for Christmas. Both little girls are morbid, but only a bit – their reckless curiosity and courage are delightful to watch, and create much of the humor in the picture.
Among a number of strong performances, the always-terrific Mary Astor plays the Smith matriarch with more than a little wisdom and restraint. As the narrative unfolds, the family must decide whether to leave their hometown, and we see Astor’s performance subtly change. To a modern American audience, many of whom relocate repeatedly over a lifetime, a move to another city seems less like a big deal. But in Mrs. Smith’s eyes, and quiet expressions, we see more complex feelings of disappointment, loyalty, and the desire for things not to change. The romances of her eldest children, we see, must also be bittersweet, as it means their departure from home, to start their own family. Even as one of her daughters expresses anger at the planned move, though, she also scolds the child, “Don’t talk to your father that way,” with her face faltering. Then, in a touching scene with Leon Ames, she demonstrates that whatever may happen, she and the family will be together, supporting each other. For this and many other reasons, this film is a wonderful gift the whole family can enjoy.
Interestingly, the answer to the Smith family quarrels always seems to be a generous helping of ice cream and cake – which is just as welcome at Christmastime as at any other time of year. The next film also features a fervent belief in the transformative effects of ice cream, no matter how bleak the day is…
