Cast
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Mickey Rooney
as Danny Churchill, Jr.
Judy Garland
as Ginger Gray
Gil Stratton
as Bud Livermore
Robert E. Strickland
as Henry Lathrop
Rags Ragland
as 'Rags'
June Allyson
as Specialty Singer
Nancy Walker
as Polly Williams
Guy Kibbee
as Dean Phineas Armour
Frances Rafferty
as Marjorie Tait
Henry O'Neill
as Mr. Danny Churchill, Sr.
Howard Freeman
as Governor Tait
Tommy Dorsey
as Tommy Dorsey
Eve Whitney
as Showgirl (uncredited)
Noreen Nash
as Showgirl (uncredited)
Charles Walters
as Dancer (uncredited)
Crew
Director
- Norman Taurog
- Busby Berkeley
Producer
- Arthur Freed
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
Girl Crazy represents a fascinating example of Comedy/Romance/Music cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.
Director Norman Taurog brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1943, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Girl Crazy took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 99 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 126 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 1767 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 10 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1943, when this film was released:
- Television was becoming a dominant form of home entertainment.
- The civil rights movement was gaining momentum in the United States.
- The film industry was dominated by major studios, with independent cinema still in its early development.
How This Film Stands Out
While Girl Crazy shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Accepted, which focuses more on action than character development, Girl Crazy offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like The Secret of My Success and Van Wilder 2: The Rise of Taj explore similar territory, Girl Crazy stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 26, 1943
- Runtime: 1h 39m
