Strike Up the Band (1940)

Director:

Busby Berkeley

Writers:

John Monks Jr. (screenplay) and
Fred F. Finklehoffe (screenplay)

Release Date:

27 September 1940 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Musical | Romance

Tagline:

THEIR SUNNIEST, FUNNIEST, DOWN-TO-MIRTHIEST HIT! (original ad - all caps)

Plot:

Jimmy Connors and his girl-friend want to take part in Paul Whiteman's highschool's band contest, but they cannot afford the fare...

Plot Keywords:

Contest | County Fair | Radio Broadcasting | Operation | Broken Arm

Awards:

Won Oscar. Another 2 nominations

Cast

Mickey Rooney	...	James 'Jimmy' Connors
Judy Garland	...	Mary Holden
Paul Whiteman and Orchestra	...	Group Performers
June Preisser	...	Barbara Frances Morgan
William Tracy	...	Philip 'Phil' Turner
Larry Nunn	...	Willie Brewster
Paul Whiteman	...	Paul Whiteman
Margaret Early	...	Annie
Ann Shoemaker	...	Mrs. Jessie Connors
Francis Pierlot	...	Mr. Judd
Virginia Brissac	...	Mrs. May Holden
George Lessey	...	Mr. Morgan
Enid Bennett	...	Mrs. Morgan
Howard C. Hickman	...	Doctor (as Howard Hickman)
Sarah Edwards	...	Miss Hodges, a Teacher

Runtime:

120 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Sound Mix:

Mono (Western Electric Sound System)

Certification:

Australia:G | Finland:S | Sweden:Btl | USA:Approved (PCA #6367)

Company:

Loew's

Trivia:

The puppet orchestra made of fruit that comes to life playing instruments for Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland on a kitchen table, was the work of animator George Pal. He had just arrived in Hollywood from Europe via New York and this was among his first projects. Pal's work was relatively unknown by American audiences, thus he was uncredited. The idea for the sequence was that of another New York-to-Hollywood transfer: Vincente Minnelli.

Goofs:

Crew or equipment visible: In the play within the movie, when the villain enters Nell's snow-covered cabin, a crew member closes the door behind him. The play's characters are wearing 19th century costumes, but the crew member is wearing contemporary clothes.

Quotes:

Paul Whiteman: Take that boy on the street. Teach him to blow a horn and he'll never blow a safe.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Alice: Alice Strikes Up the Band (#5.18)" (1981)

Soundtrack:

Home, Sweet Home

Cute Mickey-Judy musical

The musical numbers make this film. "Our Love Affair" is delightful, as is the scene where a bowl of fruit is turned into an orchestra. The first time I saw that scene, even in the year 1999, I thought it was marvelous. Computer animation can't compare. All of the other numerous musical numbers in this film are very fun to watch. One of my favorite things about this film, though, is Judy Garland. You have to love her. I love the song "Nobody" in this movie, with Judy singing of famous pairs in history, and then singing, "but I ain't got nobody". Take this film for what it is, wonderful musical numbers with Mickey and Judy!