Meet Me in St. Louis
Movie Details:
| Based on | Meet Me in St. Louis by Sally Benson |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genres | Comedy, Drama, Family, Musical, Romance |
| Release date | November 22, 1944 (St. Louis) November 28, 1944 (New York City) |
| Running time | 1hr 53min |
| Starring | Judy Garland, Margaret O’Brien, Leon Ames, Lucille Bremer |
| Directed by | Vincente Minnelli |
| Screenplay by | Irving Brecher Fred F. Finklehoffe |
| Produced by | Arthur Freed Hal Pereira |
| Cinematography by | George J. Folsey |
| Edited by | Albert Akst |
| Music by | George Stoll |
| Art Direction by | Lemuel Ayers Cedric Gibbons Jack Martin Smith |
| Set Decoration by | Edwin B. Willis |
| Costume Design by | Irene Sharaff |
| Production Company | Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer |
| Distributor | Loew’s, Inc. |
Cast & Characters:
- Judy Garland as Esther Smith
- Margaret O’Brien as “Tootie” Smith
- Mary Astor as Mrs. Anna Smith
- Lucille Bremer as Rose Smith
- Leon Ames as Mr. Alonzo Smith
- Tom Drake as John Truett
- Marjorie Main as Katie (Maid)
- Harry Davenport as Grandpa
- June Lockhart as Lucille Ballard
- Henry H. Daniels Jr. as Lon Smith Jr.
- Joan Carroll as Agnes Smith
- Hugh Marlowe as Colonel Darly
- Robert Sully as Warren Sheffield
- Chill Wills as Mr. Neely
- Dorothy Tuttle as Girl on Trolley
Storyline:
“Meet Me in St. Louis” is a classic MGM romantic musical comedy that focuses on four sisters (one of whom is the nonpareil Judy Garland) on the cusp of the 1904 St. Louis World’s Fair. The film spotlights the sisters’ education in the ways of the world, which includes, but isn’t limited to, learning about life and love, courtesy of the prototypical boy next door. In the end, love — accompanied by song, dance and period costumes, all in glorious Technicolor — conquers all.
About Meet Me in St. Louis Movie:
Meet Me in St. Louis is an American Christmas musical film produced by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM) and directed by Vincente Minnelli. The film is structured as a series of seasonal vignettes, beginning in the summer of 1903, and follows the Smith family in St. Louis as they prepare for the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (World’s Fair) set to open in the spring of 1904.
Musical Highlights
The film features several memorable songs, including “The Trolley Song,” “The Boy Next Door,” and “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” all written by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane specifically for this production. Judy Garland’s performances of these songs have become iconic, contributing significantly to the film’s enduring popularity.
Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, Meet Me in St. Louis was both a critical and commercial success, becoming MGM’s most successful musical of the 1940s and the second-highest-grossing film of 1944. It was nominated for several Academy Awards, including Best Music and Best Song for “The Trolley Song.” In 1994, the Library of Congress selected it for preservation in the United States National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”
The film is celebrated for its nostalgic portrayal of early 20th-century American life and has been recognized as one of the greatest musical films ever made. Its influence extends beyond its initial release, as it continues to be a beloved classic during the holiday season.
Conclusion
Meet Me in St. Louis remains a quintessential American musical that captures themes of family, love, and community through its charming narrative and memorable music. Its legacy endures as a hallmark of classic cinema, showcasing Judy Garland’s talent and Vincente Minnelli’s directorial vision.
Budget & Box Office Collection:
| Budget | $1,700,000 |
| Domestic Collection | $415,008 |
| International Collection | $85,377 |
| Worldwide Collection | $502,778 |