Judy Garland

When you hear the name Judy Garland, you may think of ruby slippers, a blue and white gingham dress, and munchkins. Originally Frances Gumm, Judy Garland is much more than pig-tailed Dorothy from Kansas, she starred in 43 films, most of them being MGM major hits and breaking all box office attendance records (including hers).

On June 10, 1922, Frances Gumm was born in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, the youngest of three sisters. At age two, her Mother had her performing Jingle Bells in the family theater, where Frances went by the name “Baby Gumm.” Shortly after Frances’s debut, the three girls became a sister act. They performed in the Grand Rapids area, until their mother Ethel moved the family to California in 1926. The girls performed on the radio, in theaters, and at nightclubs.

In the late 1920’s the three Gumm sisters appeared in several short films together. France’s oldest sister, nicknamed Suzie, got married and the sister act broke up. In 1934, at age 12, Frances changed her name to Judy Garland after the Hoagy Carmichael song, “Judy,” and film critic Robert Garland. In September of 1935, MGM (Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer) signed her on and two months later, in November, Judy’s father died of meningitis.

Despite her personal loss she continued full speed ahead with her acting career. Her first feature film came in 1936 when she played the girl-next-door in Pigskin Parade. In 1937 she and Mickey Rooney co-starred in their first film together, Thoroughbreds Don’t Cry. After their first success, Judy and Mickey went on to star in 10 more popular films together. They became one of Hollywood’s biggest on-screen “power couples.”

In 1938 Judy Garland had just finished filming her sixth feature film, Listen, Darling, when she began f...

... middle of paper ...

...s an alcoholic, although there is no hard evidence. Judy also had frequent breakdowns and attempted suicide multiple times.

Judy Garland’s most important role during the 1920s and 30s was her movies and performances, as they were a distraction from the Great Depression. The movie, The Wizard of Oz, is probably the most important thing she brought to the era. Having Dorothy go from a black and white world into one in color could be seen as representing the United States coming of the Great Depression. Her song “Over The Rainbow” brought hope and good thoughts to a country still in a serious depression.

Judy Garland is a lasting legend. Her name is familiar to almost everyone in America, even though she died 45 years ago. Judy is remembered for her strong and clear voice, skills as an actor and performer, and, of course, her role as Dorothy Gale in The Wizard of Oz.