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MGM, 1941 (BW, 121 minutes)

Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland

A group of talented youngsters looking for their first Broadway break decide to produce their own show, staging a benefit for an orphanage.
First they give a block party to raise money for theater rental, but just as they are about to give their big show, fate throws them a curve - the theater is condemned. [MGM press release]

This was the third of the four Mickey/Judy "backyard musicals" directed by Busby Berkeley. Previously released were Babes in Arms (1939) and Strike Up the Band (1940), and still to come was Girl Crazy (1943).

Judy turned 19 as she began work on this film, which followed close on the heels of Life Begins for Andy Hardy.

Judy had two hit songs from this film. "How About You" (performed with Mickey Rooney) was nominated for the Best Song Academy Award of 1941. "F.D.R. Jones" (performed solo) was also a hit. She recorded both songs for Decca, and performed them numerous times on radio.

Shirley Temple (having just come to MGM from Fox) was to have been in the film, but declined when her mother cautioned her against it. Shirley's part was given to Virginia Weidler.

This film features the screen debut of Margaret O'Brien, who was to become the "Shirley Temple of the forties".

Donna Reed made her screen debut in this film, as Jonesy's secretary.