In the Good Old Summertime (DVD, 2004)

In the Good Old Summertime (1949) stars Judy Garland and Van Johnson as workplace antagonists in a Chicago music store who don't realize they're also secret, romantic pen pals. The story (and a substantial portion of the dialogue) is borrowed from the James Stewart-Margaret Sullavan film The Shop Around the Corner. Both the original movie and this musical remake are charming and enjoyable.

The entire cast is very good. "Cuddles" Sakall plays the boss, and the other store employees are played by Buster Keaton, Clinton Sundberg, and Spring Byington. Keaton has a particularly funny scene involving tripping on stairs and falling backwards. It's a "pure Keaton" moment. Violinist Marcia Van Dyke is pleasing as Johnson's friend and neighbor. Also, watch for Liza Minnelli in her screen debut at age two and a half. She's the girl held by Van and real-life mother Judy in the last scene of the movie.

There are a few good songs but not as many as one would expect in a Judy Garland musical. This is because the part and the film were not intended for Garland. Judy was called in later to replace another actress. She is nevertheless lovely and sings beautifully, as always. Van Johnson makes a good foil for her.

I highly recommend In the Good Old Summertime to fans of movie musicals.