Presenting Lily Mars (MGM 1943, Judy Garland, Van Heflin)

A sprightly musical with a young Judy Garland in the lead. From a Booth Tarkington novel, the story follows a girl from a small town who badgers a producer to take her to New York City. Her dreams come true when she is selected for the lead in a new show. Tommy Dorsey and Bob Crosby provide the music and Judy sings ‘Every Little Movement Has a Meaning of Its Own.’

Though Judy Garland stars in Presenting Lily Mars, Booth Tarkington’s book was originally bought by MGM as a vehicle for Lana Turner.

production details
USA | MGM | 104 minutes | 1943

Director: Norman Taurog
Producer: Joe Pasternak
Original Story: Booth Tarkington
Director of Photography: Joseph Ruttenberg
Editing: Albert Akst
Script: Richard Connell
Production Design: Cedric Gibbons
Choreographer: Ernst Matray

cast
Judy Garland as Lily Mars
Van Heflin as John Thornway
Fay Bainter as Mrs. Thornway
Richard Carlson as Owen Vail
Spring Byington as Mrs. Mars
Connie Gilchrist as Frankie
Mártha Eggerth as Isobel Rekay
Douglas Croft as Davey