Judy Garland : Her beauty was very underrated

Her beauty was very underrated

I've heard constant reports of studio executives and so fourth saying Garland felt like the "ugly duckling" during her time with MGM. I am baffled at such reports because to me she was probably the most beautiful star in her day. Forget Lana and co., most of them lacked screen presence and were really just boring vapid blondes... there was something different about Judy that could not be found in the other stars of her time. It's a shame that the insecurities about her looks destroyed her ultimately, because she was one of the most beautiful women. I look back on photos of her in her younger years, and she was a total vision.

Re: Her be
5b4
auty was very underrated

It's true that Judy compared herself unfavorably with the stars of the day.

MGM didn't help, when as an impressionable young girl, they wanted to make her over and didn't know what to do with her. Plus, as a young g 5b4 irl, she was hardly ever cast as the "love interest," but usually the plain "buddy." Her lack of self-esteem was innate, but all these things conspired to reinforce it.

Judy had a special beauty that I cannot even describe.

Perhaps it was more than just her physical appearance, but more her vulnerability; the girl underneath the appearance.

To me, she was always "real." And, I find that very attractive and appealing.

Those eyes could knock you dead !

Re: Her beauty was very underrated


(Sigh) Why is it that every time someone has to write about Garland's
underrated beuaty, they feel the need to attack Lana Turner?? I don't
get it. And while I agree with the poster for the most part (I think
Garland was quite plain pre-"Oz" and looked hard and much older than her
years in "A Star is Born"), Lana Turner was a gorgeous woman and had TONS
of screen presence. As for underrated, what about Turner's strong
performances in several films? Just last night I watched "The Bad and
the Beautiful" and she is terrific in this film.

I do not believe that technically Garland was as beautiful as Lana Turner,
but I find Judy lovely in many of her '40's films.

Oddly, the studio system did them BOTH wrong. Judy was told she wasn't
anything to look at, and was only valued for her voice, while Turner
was told she was only something to look at and nothing more. Considering
they were still minors when this kind of studio abuse was doled out, it
was probably quite damaging to both these special stars.

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Re: Her beauty was very underrated


For once we are in agreement! And I look just like her, hahaha, kidding

Anyone who appreciates Judy can't be all bad -- even you!

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Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Love Judy's look at 1:00 in this scene from STRIKE UP THE BAND [1940].

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSqHJfic0eQ

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Harold Arlen's home movies on THE WIZARD OF OZ captured Judy's unique beauty.

http://images4.fanpop.com/image/photos/21100000/Judy-gif-judy-garland-21199329-485-234.gif

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

I love this comment about Judy on THE WIZARD OF OZ board:

"Just the most perfect, charming, adorable, innocent and beautiful 112 minutes. It has never been equaled."

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Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Bored, Jim ?

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Re: Her beauty was very underrated

I've heard constant reports of studio executives and so fourth saying Garland felt like the "ugly duckling" during her time with MGM. I am baffled at such reports because to me she was probably the most beautiful star in her day. Forget Lana and co., most of them lacked screen presence and were really just boring vapid blondes... there was something different about Judy that could not be found in the other stars of her time. It's a shame that the insecurities about her looks destroyed her ultimately, because she was one of the most beautiful women. I look back on photos of her in her younger years, and she was a total vision.
--

I agree 100%

There was absolutely nothing wrong with how Judy looked. Louis B. Mayer was one who enforced this idea that Judy was not attractive. This was NOT a viewpoint that was shared by many of her peers, her children, critics or audiences. As early as 1940, critics were complimenting Judy on her beauty. I was struck by how often this occurred. Why Mayer did not understand this is a mystery. The truth was, there were many struck by her beauty. This was enhanced by her bubbling and appealing personality [on screen and off]. Lana Turner was considered a beauty, but as a person she was said to have been self-absorbed. dull, humorless and with no real personality. All that showed up in her work. With Judy I find that no matter what era she was always beautiful. She had a smile that just lit up a room.

Judy affected those she came into contact with. Those who were lucky to have had romances with her never forgot that. Some like Tyrone Power took a while to get over her, while Johnny Mercer probably never did. It was said that Mercer wrote at least six songs inspired by his aborted affair with Judy.

'Skylark'
'One For My Baby'
'That Old Black Magic'
'Come Rain or Come Shine'
'This Time the Dream's On Me'
'I Remember You'

Besides, how can anyone say Judy wasn't sexy after seeing this photo?

http://www.laopride.com/pictures2/beautiful-judy-garland-3.jpg

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

You lose ALL credibility when you - as always - feel the need to attack
Turner "and co." (what company would that be, you idiot? 5b4 I didn't know
Turner RAN a company for beauitful women. News to me).

You are so mentally ill in your absortion and lengthy, pointless, postings
on Garland (the only responses are from you!) that it's truly difficult to
take you seriously.

I would truly love to hear you explain why attacking Turner benefits Garland?
You won't, of course, because that would require some sort of humility and
logic that you clearly do not possess. Ridiculous.

Turner was a beautiful star and gave some wonderful performances, when
given a script and director of merit. Her work in "Johnny Eager", "The
Postman Always Rings Twice", "The Bad and the Beautiful" and several others
was commented on then and now. Bosley Crowther remarked that "Lana Turner
is remarkable" in his 1946 review of "Postman." All other reviews were
similar. As for "Ziegfeld Girl" it is TURNER's film, not because she was
AS gifted as Garland (far from it) but because she COULD act and had the
biggest and most noteworthy role. That she walked away with this film is
a testament to her ability and star quality. If you're interested in looking
at totally bad actors, look at Hedy Lamarr or Cyd Charisse. But even here,
what do THEY have to do with Garland??

You are truly one sick man. And probab b68 ly a very lonely one.

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Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Did Louis B. Mayer ever look in the mirror? He was ugly as a sin with his bird nose and overweight figure, but men got away with it.

I think the Lana Turner comparisons and hatred stem from the fact that Artie Shaw left Judy for Lana, which resulted in Judy being heartbroken and depressed, as well as probably deeply insecure.


Garland was quite plain pre-"Oz"

I have to disagree. I think she always had a pretty face, even if those looks faded when she became a drug addict alcoholic in her 40's. But even before her MGM/Wizard of Oz makeover, she was gorgeous. Look at her in 1938, with those deeply expressive eyes:

http://www.laopride.com/pictures2/judy-garland-performing-as-judy-bell aire-in-everybody-sing-1.jpg

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

It has nothing whatsoever to do with Shaw "leaving" Garland, as they were -
by both accounts - NEVER a couple.

Brush up on your Shakespeare.

If anything, the Turner comparison stems from the fact that Garland
(along with millions of others) viewed Turner as a great beauty.

While it's highly subjective, I don't think Garland was technically a
great physical beauty. She had great beauty that came from within, and
lovely features, but a perfect face and body eluded her.

In any case, it is ridiculous to attack Turner in an effort to bolster
Garland. Only the most childish (and tweaked) of the Judy-can-do-no-
wrong following do this. Sadly, at least one of these nuts is a
frequent poster here (and "frequent" is putting it mildly).

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Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Garland was quite plain pre-"Oz"
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http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/252/PreviewComp/SuperStock_25 2-363.jpg

What a joke!

Judy really felt beautiful when she appeared in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS, but there were plenty who thought that before. The critics said it all.


BABES IN ARMS [1939]

"....a pug nose little Irishman, name of Mickey Rooney, steps right out and establishes himself as the greatest all-around performer the cinema has ever trained its cameras on... JG, everyday becoming less the chubby child, and more the streamlined young lady, treads closely on the Rooney's heels. Giving her most versatile performance to date, Judy again demonstrates her power for poignancy in both speaking and singing roles, and shows an unexpected flair for comedy... BABES IN ARMS has everything. It's the sort of film you'll want to see twice- the second time because you were sorry to see it end the first time."


ANDY HARDY MEETS DEBUTANTE [1940]

"Mickey gets his first taste of having a scene stolen from under and all around him.... That scene stealing JG is the cutest package of oomph the screen has to offer. When Judy was singing 'I'm Nobody's Baby', a couple of Andy Hardy prototypes seated alongside your movie reporter registered almost as much adoration as did the screen's million-dollar baby Casanova." [BOSTON EVENING AMERICAN]


STRIKE UP THE BAND [1940]

"It's BABES IN ARMS again, but bigger and better... safe and sane entertainment for everybody. Amazing Mickey Rooney struts, sings, plays the drums, and tears your heart out... Judy Garland, growing into a beauty, is more appealing than ever." [SCREENLAND]


STRIKE UP THE BAND.

"Miss. Garland has grown into a provocative seducer, and the boys will next be called upon to coin her a word that vies with it, Oomph and Glamour. If there is a money prize for it, we offer mmm-gee-yum girl!" [MOVIES]



LIFE BEGINS FOR ANDY HARDY [1941]

"One of the best [of the Hardys[.... JG announced her engagement to Dave Rose while making puppy love to Andy on the screen. She objected to playing the role, claiming audiences would not accept her as a sweet young thing of sixteen. She was wrong. She has never been more charmingly youthful." [LIBERTY]


LIFE BEGINS FOR ANDY HARDY

"The opening drew a big audience. Those Hardys have grown into the heart of America; each new episode proves a bit of a classic of native family life, and everyone sees himself or his brothers and sisters or his parents right there on the screen. Fun is still there, but this time it is of a quieter sort. The philosophy of life is now more apparent.... Andy has three pretty girls... One is the appealing JG." [SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER]


BABES ON BROADWAY [1941]

"There is a love scene between Mickey and Judy that is one of the classics of the age. By far their best show to date... about the only thing to do is stand up and cheer. BABES ON BROADWAY is enough to make anyone shout, 'Oh baby'" [SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER]



One magazine wrote in 1940, "There's no denying that the Garland gal is turning into one delectable eyeful."


It's a little strange to find Judy's beauty is seldom mentioned in films that were supposed to highlight it. Look at these comments. I do not agree with them, but here they are.

The best thing we get from the LONDON NEWS CHRONICLE for PRESENTING LILY MARS [1943] is this,

"It has a quiet charm but threatens to break away from all tradition by making its characters, at odd moments, talk like adult minded people. JG is a sweet girl, and she sings charmingly. She is getting more angular as she grows up but should be quite an actr 5b4 ess if she learns some of the lessons that are vaguely hinted at."


From FOR ME AND MY GAL [1942]

"JG has gone a long way... [and] has developed into an emotional actress of scope and power. But there's something about it that bothered me. She's too thin, too finely drawn. Slow down, Judy." [CHICAGO TRIBUNE]


THE HARVEY GIRLS [1946]

"JG is emaciated to a Frank Sinatra degree [and] needs a few square meals." [SEATTLE POST INTELLIGENCER]


THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER WROTE about her appearance in THE HARVEY GIRLS: "Judy has never looked worse... all the things, photogenically, a leading lady should not be."


Judy did get some praise for her looks in THE HARVEY GIRLS, but she also received praise unlikely roles like EASTER PARADE [1948].

"A wonderful show... sparkling, tuneful, bright. Judy Garland dances as if she had been Fred Astaire's partner all her life. On her own, she sings and performs with irresistible Garland charm. The exquisite Technicolor shows off her fresh, youthful beauty." [HOLLYWOOD REPORTER]


"The perfect screen musical. Judy makes... a fine partner with her own lightness of feet, her warm acting style, and her poignant brown-eyed way with a Berlin ballad. She looks as pretty as a china doll in the pre- World War 1 costumes." - Dorothy Kilgallen

IN THE GOOD OLD SUMMERTI 2000 ME [1949]

"JG, looking more like her pretty, perky self than she has in a long time, carries the major weight of this musical on her study shoulders. She gives a likable performance, but the story is pretty thin, and the plot lacks action. The film's brightest spots are the musical numbers." [CHICAGO TRIBUNE]
--

According to Rita E. Piro's book, MGM may have wanted her to lose weight, but it wasn't a view supported by critics, fans or friends. I also remember stories about men in the audience for a Garland/Rooney film who would shout something to the effect of, "Judy's good enough for me', in response to how Rooney treated Judy on screen. It's understandable why Judy felt so insecure with her looks when they were criticized on such a grand scale while making films that refer to her as an "ugly duckling" or having to insert discs in her nose or wearing caps on her teeth. Going from childhood to adolescence is bad enough without all that drama.
--

Did Louis B. Mayer ever look in the mirror? He was ugly as a sin with his bird nose and overweight figure, but men got away with it.
--

He didn't have to. He had power and that's all that mattered. He FAILED to look too closely into a lot of things unrelated to Judy's looks. Her well-being was one of them. Sure he gets credit today for paying Judy's expenses and gets a pass because SOME contract players liked him. He only payed Judy's expenses because he was afraid of public opinion. Judy had loyal supporters at MGM, in Hollywood and all over the place and Mayer knew it. If Judy's popularity had been waning he would never have bothered at all.

The only studio head that came the closest to being good looking was Jack Warner!! Irving Thalberg was handsome but he was a producer and head of production. One could make a claim for Howard Hughes when he ran RKO from 1948 to 1955.

I notice too that men get it easier. It's more common to hear that a rugged type appeals to women [like Van Heflin or Arthur Kennedy] than it is for a woman of "unconventional" looks like Miriam Hopkins or Jean Arthur appeals to a man. If anyone dares suggest that Miriam Hopkins was good looking the hissy fits begin and labels such as "odd" will appear out of nowhere.

--

I think the Lana Turner comparisons and hatred stem from the fact that Artie Shaw left Judy for Lana, which resulted in Judy being heartbroken and depressed, as well as probably deeply insecure.
--

Although heartbroken over this, Judy did not hold any resentment towards Lana or Artie. She eventually became a neighbor of Lana's and they remained lifelong friends.

I think Lana Turner was overrated. There were several "conventional" beauties in Hollywood who had more appeal than she did and that included the acting department.

To put it another way, not only was Judy a delightful and passionate screen presence, but she appears to have been a more exciting personality off screen than Lana Turner. Judy was exciting, tender, warm and romantic, while Turner was often thought of as boring, humorless, self-absorbed and was also a sex object.

To be labeled "unconventional" would be a compliment. Unconventional is different, unique and exciting. Conventional is dull.

And who wants dull?

Re: Her beauty was very underrated


Back for more, dimwit?

Shaw NEVER "left" Garland "for" Turner as they WERE NEVER A COUPLE!

And would you please explain to me WHY you feel the twisted need to attack
Lana Turner to bolster Garland?? In other words, why can't you simply
state your opinion that Garland was beautiful to you without tearing into
another star, who, other than being at MGM, had nothing to do with Judy.
They weren't comparable.

Turner was gorgeous, one of the most beautiful women who ever lit up the
screen. She was also an underrated actress. She was also known for her
sense of humor off screen and never really got to explore comedy on screen.

Keep the facts and your pathetic, twisted opinions separate.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

I think she was considered more "cute" than beautiful. She didn't quite have that sophisticated, high-cheekboned model look like Lana Turner or Elizabeth Taylor. She certainly wasn't ugly though and I agree it's a shame she was given such a hard time about her looks.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

I think she was considered more "cute" than beautiful. She didn't quite have that sophisticated, high-cheekboned model look like Lana Turner or Elizabeth Taylor. She certainly wasn't ugly though and I agree it's a shame she was given such a hard time about her looks.
---

It depends on who "considered" her that way. Her fans, critics, friends and lovers didn't just consider her cute. She affected people emotionally and sexually. Johnny Mercer wrote at least six songs about his aborted love affair with Judy. Tyrone Power almost divorced his wife for her. Glenn Ford was still angry at the damage caused to her image by Mel Torme.

Her beauty was appreciated by men and women alike from Margaret Whiting, Doris Day, Freddie Finklehoff, Vic Damone, Tyrone Power [as already mentioned], Ray Bolger, Jack Haley and Vincente Minnelli. Sid Luft weighed in on it,

"When we got married in the early '50s, Judy was still very beautiful. She was only 5-foot tall -- just a shrimp of a girl, really -- but she had a very sensuous body, and up close, her skin was like porcelain, pure white. I was crazy about her. She had incredibly kissable lips."

Bob Hope made a big deal on radio about his crush on Judy.

It was accepted that Judy was very attractive to men and that many wanted to go to bed with her.

Can you blame them?

http://throckmorton-nyc.com/Current/Fame/63168-C_Offer_371.jpg

http://www.laopride.com/pictures2/beautiful-judy-garland-3.jpg

http://davelandweb.com/judygarland/images/ASIB_Rooftop.jpg

Lana Turner doesn't appear to have affected people in quite this way in her personal life. As a person she was seen as self-involved, occasionally humorless and not too bright. When George Cukor was asked if there was an actress who didn't impress him he answered, "Lana Turner." It wasn't a surprise when I read that. It's not that people didn't like her, it's just that people were attracted to her because of her looks.

I also noted that Tyrone Power's letters reveal a strong and emotional feeling for Judy, but none of his letters ever mention Turner. He was willing to leave Annabella for Judy, but begged her not to divorce him when Turner wanted to marry him. While it was true that men would pay attention to Lana they would immediately turn their attention to Judy after a few minutes at a party.

It's often been said that you couldn't be bored in Judy's company, but you could be bored with Lana.

And it's those differences that come out in their screen roles.

Unless Jule Caylor has anything else to add.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated


You are no doubt the sickest poster I have ever encountered on this
board. Your constant need to over-post and paint Garland as some sort
of "saint" and "Venus" are insulting to those of us who can appreciate
Garland's flaws, along with her enormous gifts. And appreciating such
flaws is part of her incredible humanity.

Whether you wish to admit it or not, MOST people did/do not consider
Garland a flawless beauty. Probably because she was not. And this is
PART of her appeal. Other people have other gifts to bring, which is
pro 2000 bably why they became stars, as well.

The world does't revolve around Judy Garland. She wasn't perfect,
physically, mentally or emotionally.

Get over it, already. You are so twisted.

Again, MOST PEOPLE (with the exception of deranged Garland fans, like
yourself) would recognize that Lana Turner and many other women
possessed stronger physical features and were far more beautiful.
And as for George Cukor, I couldn't possibly care LESS whether he was
"impressed" with Lana Turner or not! How ridiculous is that?? WHAT
is your point? You seem angry and obsessed over Lana Turner's beauty
and stardom, as well as the fine perormances she gave in several films.
WHY do you have to attack one of Garland's peers to make her "look
better?"

Jesus, go buy some new nylons and give it a f&*&ing rest already.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

LOL -

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Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

And that wonderfully and sexy kiss between Judy and Robert Walker in THE CLOCK.

http://65.96.164.35/diss/film_by_comp-b.php?movie_id=11

Look at that smile, those eyes, those lips and tha 5b4 t eyebrow.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Judy had put on a healthy amount of weight.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7vkeUh9JFU

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Scenes like this one show that Judy had sex appeal to spare.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nd3951gwrhg

If only it were of better quality.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

One of Judy's sexiest moments from ZIEGFELD FOLLIES.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUYa-mcGnOM

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

No red blooded male would resist Judy when she was like this.

http://davelandweb.com/judygarland/images/ASIB_Rooftop.jpg

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

An intimate moment between Judy and Robert Goulet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9XKHmaVISA

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Judy with Bob Hope, Bonita Granville, Ann Rutherford, and Virginia Wielder
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_8czNcJzFkpU/TUdPanx3CBI/AAAAAAAAEXg/QcRRwic2 iAw/s1600/bobbygirls.jpg

Judy is so cute in this photo.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Sexy Judy

One magazine wrote in 1940, "There's no denying that the Garland gal is turning into one delectable eyeful."

http://www.laopride.com/pictures2/judy-garland-in-her-swimsuit.jpg

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Judy - sexy as hell- performing 'Mr. Monotony' which was cut from EASTER PARADE.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n0VnDIqlOfI

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

No wonder Gene Kelly considered Judy the brightest and the SEXIEST of his leading ladies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIiCtk9NW_k

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

"I was in an off-Broadway show called Best Foot Forward with Liza Minnelli. She was sixteen, and her mother gave her a Sweet Sixteen party at a very exclusive New York club. Very elegant. And I danced with Judy Garland. She was beautiful. Very sexy, actually." - Christopher Walken

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

There's something hauntingly sexy about Ju 2000 dy when she sings 'The Man That Got Away' in A STAR IS BORN.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UzyPMRo8ZUQ

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

'The La Conga' sequence in STRIKE UP THE BAND shows Judy at her teenage sexiest. Judy really shows off her moves as a dancer as well as some other "assets." Some critics commented on Judy's beauty and oomph.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Another amazingly sexy moment occurs in PRESENTING LILY MARS when Judy tells Van Heflin that he's afraid to think of her as a woman. There mere mention of Lily being a "naughty little girl" and subtly flirting with him is a very sexy moment. It's really surprising it got past the censors.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

JUDY GARLAND: Her rare Tony Award speech for the Palace Theater engagement, 1952.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HntpTCh34sg

Judy had a very adorable face which is clearly evident here.

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

Judy looking like a million dollars in MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS.

http://dailysoundtrack.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/12/jud y.jpg

Re: Her beauty was very underrated

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