Judy
is not in this film. As most fans know, she was originally
slated to play the character of "Helen Lawson", but after
recording "I'll Plant My Own Tree", making costume tests,
and filming a few scenes, Judy was either fired because
locked herself in her dressing room and wouldn't come out,
or she walked off the set, or she was simply let go. The
true story depends on who you talk to.
The film has become a camp classic - sort of a "Showgirls"
of the 1960's, yet it's far beneath Judy's talents. It's
a blessing that this did not become her film swansong.
This long-awaited DVD released promised many great extras,
yet the elusive stereo version of Judy's song and the complete
footage of her costume tests are not included. Some of
Judy's costume test footage is included in the American
Movie Classics documentary "Hollywood Backstories:
Valley Of The Dolls", but that's it. A great opportunity
for 20th Century-Fox to feature Judy's short time on the
film is sadly unrealized.
