Summer Stock (35mm)

(Charles Walters, US 1950, 108 min., 35mm)

Jane Falbury (Judy Garland) is a small-town farmer who receives a surprise visit from her actress sister, Abigail (Gloria DeHaven), and Abigail’s theater troupe. After much debate, Jane allows the troupe to stay and use the family barn as a rehearsal space. The actors and actresses within the troupe, including the director, Joe Ross (Gene Kelly), repay her hospitality by doing work around the farm. However, as the troupe stays at the family barn, Joe, who is engaged to Abigail, begins to fall in love with Jane, making the situation even more complicated. Despite the memorable “Get Happy” number, Summer Stock was Garland’s final film for MGM as well as her last on-screen pairing with Gene Kelly.