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"JUDY AT CARNEGIE HALL" DOCUMENTARY PLANNED
"STAY ALL NIGHT" FILMAKERS LOOKING FOR TESTIMONIALS FROM SURVIVING ATTENDEES
[December 14, 2009]
John Fricke has announced a new film project focused on Judy's historic concert at Carnegie Hall on April 23, 1961:
"Within the past few months, respected New York-based filmmaker Steven Lippman has begun preliminary plans for a documentary film project, “Stay All Night,” celebrating the 50th anniversary of Judy's Carnegie Hall concert. I've been asked to pass along his thesis and request to the Greater Garland Community:
Dear Judy Garland Fans,
On behalf of myself and my creative team, we’re grateful to be introduced to you, and to reach out to you as a community in such a personal and direct way.
"Stay All Night" is a documentary about the legendary Judy Garland Carnegie Hall concert of April 23rd, 1961. The film will stand as an oral history of that night, as told by those who were there. Through contemporary first-hand recollections, the film will be a celebration of Garland’s enduring triumph. It will also create a mosaic portrait of New York City, revealing personal stories of lives, aspirations and dreams.
For this one night, in one luminous city, in one famous concert hall, a diverse group came together and shared the unique, precious experience and communal fervor of Judy Garland at her peak. It’s the shared experience that binds these people -- and us -- together forever.
To those who were there at Carnegie Hall on April 23rd, we're looking for you to be potential on-camera subjects, sharing your valuable memories, as a part of the film. And if you weren't’t there, but know someone who was, we encourage you to pass along this information and request.
Or write to us at: “Stay All Night”
c/o New York Office 15 West 26 Street, 5th Floor
New York, NY 10010
Please make sure to include all your contact info including telephone and address so we can follow-up.
To all, your help spreading the word is much appreciated. We’re excited and honored to gather these personal recollections, and look forward to sharing them with everyone in “Stay All Night.”
With thanks,
Steven Lippman a/k/a Flip
Director
Mary Wharton
Producer"
Per Fricke, the filmmaker's goal is to find as many people who were a part of the audience on that historic night on April 23, 1961. If you were there, please contact the filmmakers at the email and/or address noted above.
With your help, this could become the best Garland documentary (or any Garland-related film) made since 2004's "By Myself".
JUDY AND LIZA LIVE AT THE PALLADIUM
TO BE RELEASED ON CD BY DRG RECORDS
The 1965 album Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli - "Live" At the London Palladium" will be released on CD for the very first time on February 9, 2010 by DRG Records.
CD producer Hugh Fordin has told me that: "[The CD] is presently being remastered from the original tapes in the Capitol vaults and digitally transferred using the highest quality equipment.
Everything that was contained on the four sides on SWBO 2295 (original cover art will be used) will be included. Nothing more will be added as agreed between DRG and the estate. New liner notes will be written by Will Friedwald and additional photographs will be included as well as documentation concerning the recording information."
In other words, this will be a restored and remastered CD of the 2 LP release from 1965, not the 2 CD "complete" concert with rehearsals that was planned for release September 17, 2002 and then again on May 19, 2009 but aborted for assorted reasons.
CLICK HERE to read the detailed article about the album and its subsequent releases "The Plagued History of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli "Live" at the London Palladium, 1965-2009" - it's a fantastic article by Lawrence Schulman.
This is the last of Judy's original Capitol albums to be released on CD. Finally!!
A new book is out, this time tracing Judy's family history as far back as possible. It's a "Volume 1", so look for a second volume out next year. Should be an interesting book!
The Recording Academy Announces 2010 Grammy Hall of Fame Inductees
Selections Represent Some of Music's Lasting and Legendary Recordings
SANTA MONICA, Calif., Nov. 24 -- The Recording Academy announced the newest
additions to its Grammy Hall of Fame, adding 25 recordings to a timeless
list that now includes 851 titles. The Hall of Fame serves as a celebration
and reminder of the triumphs and achievements of the recording arts.
Selections are drawn from all categories of music, acknowledging the
diversity of musical expression for which The Recording Academy has become
renowned. The list and recordings now reside as a collection on display at
the Grammy Museum.
"This year's Grammy Hall of Fame inductees highlight a diverse array of
masterpiece recordings that have had a profound impact on our musical
history," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "The
selections are timeless staples that span six decades and represent a wide
range of genres from comedy to rock, reggae, jazz and R&B. They all greatly
deserve to be memorialized. "
The selected recordings range from 1923's "Dipper Mouth Blues" by King
Oliver and His Jazz Band to 1977's "Birdland" by Weather Report. Other
recordings also chosen this year include Louis Armstrong's "Lazy River," the
Beach Boys' "California Girls," James Brown's "It's A Man's Man's Man's
World," George's Carlin's Class Clown, the Doors' "Riders On The Storm," Jose Feliciano's "Feliz Navidad," and Bob Marley and The Wailers' Catch A
Fire. Other artists with selections include the Isley Brothers, Bo Diddley,
Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, Mahalia Jackson, Harry James and His Orchestra,
Janis Joplin, Johnny Mercer, Jelly Roll Morton, and the Nitty Gritty Dirt
Band.
The Recording Academy's National Trustees established the Grammy Hall of
Fame in 1973 to honor recordings of lasting qualitative or historical
significance that are at least 25 years old. Hall of Fame recordings are
reviewed annually by a special member committee of eminent and knowledgeable
professionals from all branches of the recording arts, and final approval is
made by The Recording Academy Trustees. For more information about the Hall
of Fame or the 52nd Annual Grammy Awards (to be broadcast live on Jan. 31 at
8 p.m. ET/PT on the CBS Television Network), please visit
http://www.Grammy.com.
Great news from Gary Horrocks - The Judy Garland Club is back!
Click on the image at left to download the PDF which includes instructions for joining.
The new Club Website will be up and running soon.
From Gary:
The easiest, quickest and preferred way to join is via PayPal (www.paypal.com). You can easily set up a free and secure personal PayPal account that directly links to either your bank account or credit/debit card. Payments using PayPal can be accepted in GBP, Euro, USD and AUD and should be made to the e-mail address: judygarlandclub@googlemail.com. To make your payment please follow the instructions at the end of this letter. It is important that you state in the notes section your name, postal address, email and telephone number. If you are paying for additional memberships for friends please remember to provide us with their full details. If you do not have access to the internet or e-mail please follow the instructions on the subscriptions page about how you can join and pay by cheque.
Over the coming months we will continue promote the Club and its rich history to help attract new members. You may like to consider gifting a membership to friends and family, or even offering a small donation that will help the Club on its way to lasting financial security. I finish with the words of the great lady herself by saying ‘Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas’ and ‘Here’s to Us’ for health and happiness in 2010.
Yours truly
Gary Horrocks
Editor – ‘Judy Garland – a Celebration’
For help and advice please phone:
UK: 020 8299 5864;
International: +44 20 8299 5864
The International Judy Garland Club
is a not for profit organisation
A few great Garland items up for auction at Bonhams and Butterfields!
Bonham's is auctioning off one of Judy's costumes from "The Judy Garland Show" (see images at right), plus a signed check from 1964.
Go to their site: www.bonhams.com and then go to "Full Sales Schedule" then type in "20 December 2009" then find "Entertainment Memorabilia". That's where you can see the whole catalog, including these two Judy lots. Good luck to all the bidders out there!
INFO:
LOT 2174 A Judy Garland outfit from "The Judy Garland Show"
CBS Television, 1963-1964. A red wool jacket with white piping worn by the star in a segment with Donald O'Connor (who wore a matching one); together with a red silk floor-length skirt (though Garland did not wear the two pieces together); included is a group of paperwork (receipts, admission ticket, etc.) from the C.B. Charles' Galleries and the original catalogue which notes this was "worn by Miss Garland on her television show, 1963." Also included is a reprinted black and white image of Garland with O'Connor.
$400 - 600
PROVENANCE:
This outfit originally sold in the C.B.Charles' Galleries Beverly Hills auction titled "Judy! An Auction of Treasured Memorabilia and Art," November 27, 1978, lot 374, page 35 of that catalogue; final hammer price was $10.60; original lot tag still attached to jacket.
LOT 2044 A Judy Garland signed check, 1964
Drawn from the star's own production company, "Kingsrow Ent., Inc.;" dated "March 19, 1964," check is typed out to her company in the amount of "$25,000;" signed in blue ballpoint ink in the lower right corner "Judy Garland, Pres;" below that is printed "Judy Garland, President."
3 x 6in
$300 - 500
The complete costume as it appears today:
Judy wearing the jacket on her show
with Donald O'Connor
“The Plagued History of Judy Garland and Liza Minnelli “Live” at the London Palladium, 1965-2009” was first published in the Fall 2009 issue of the ARSC Journal (Volume 40, No. 2). The paper edition of the ARSC Journal can be purchased at the ARSC Journal page (http://www.arsc-audio.org/journal.html) of the ARSC website.
[click on the image at right to download the article in PDF format]
WORLD PREMIERE SCREENING OF NEWLY RESTORED "A STAR IS BORN"AT TCM FILM FESTIVAL
APRIL 22, 2010
[FROM TURNER CLASSIC MOVIES]
“Hello everybody. This is Mrs. Norman Maine“ Opening night, April 22, 2010: world premiere screening of a newly restored version of A STAR IS BORN (1954). North American premiere of the restored silent sci-fi classic, METROPOLIS (1927). The fest will also screen the French New Wave film BREATHLESS (1960). Don’t miss spec...ial presentation of 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY. Plus, special guests, Leonard Maltin & Peter Bogdanovich. Learn more at http://tcm.com/festival. Keep checking for many more details in the months ahead or sign up for email updates!
[Looks like the new DVD and Blu-ray will probably come out around that same time]
For fans of Judy's films, like myself, this sounds like something akin to the "Art & Anecdote" book from a few years back as there's no doubt it will be filled with great photos. Definitely something to look forward to.
I can't reveal my source, but the 2010 release of the new 8k restoration of A Star is Born on Blu-ray and standard DVD has been moved up. Originally Warner Home Video had planned to release the boxed set (and other versions) later in the year. But now, they're going to release it "sometime between February and April 2010". The actual date hasn't been decided on. However, what has been decided is that A Star is Born is going to be their big, major Blu-ray and standard DVD boxed set release for 2010. This means lots of goodies in the boxed set (I'm sure it'll be released in "no frills" editions as well).
Warner Home Video is also currently restoring the 1937 Janet Gaynor Technicolor original. It might be included with this new release of Judy's version - maybe as a Blu-ray-only extra much like the documentary MGM When the Lion Roars was a Blu-ray only extra in the recent OZ release.
I'll post more just as soon as details, and a firm release date, are given.
In other news, Judy's 1963/64 TV series, "The Judy Garland Show", is going on the auction block. Here are two links to the recent Reuters story: www.earthtimes.org
John Fricke has confirmed on the "Everything OZ" Yahoo group, as well as this Teleflora blog, that he is in the early stages of work on a new Garland book. The book has a planned pubication date sometime in 2011.
No major details yet, aside from Fricke's note that the book will include previously unpublished art, as well as "minimally published" art. He explained that "minimally published" means "[for example] something that might have been used in a 1938 movie magazine but which has remained pretty much unseen ever since, and which has gone unused in other Garland books. Or which was printed badly or incorrectly."
The book will obviously make a great new addition to our every growing Garland book collections!
October 5, 2009 - In January 2010, NPR will launch a year-long exploration of50 of the great voices in recorded history. With the series, we're hoping to discover and re-discover awe-inspiring vocalists from around the world and across time. Through archival material, interviews and music, NPR's Morning Edition and All Things Considered will spend the year delving into the lives and legacies of these voices. But we don't know yet whose voices they'll be.
Between Oct. 5 and Oct. 16, we're asking you — NPR listeners and readers — to tell us who in the whole world possesses the most beautiful, singular voice you have ever heard. Leave your picks, along with a sentence defending each choice and a link to an audio clip if possible, in the comments below, or emailGreatVoices@npr.org.
We'll compile your nominations, along with those of our panel of experts, academics and public-radio critics. At that point, we'll name the nominees and ask you to help us winnow them down to the 50 great voices we'll profile in the coming year. We're relying on you to remind us of those voices we may have forgotten or never got the chance to hear; those voices that may sound strange to Western ears; vocalists silenced by politics or history; the singers who are only really embraced by critics and those who are heroes of the everyday listener. No voice is too outlandish, too old or too compromised. It's All Voices Considered here, and we can't wait to see and hear what you send us.
From JSP Records: JSP RECORDS will
be releasing in 2010 a box set of Judy Garland recordings that will include the
most important selection to date of radio performances, many of which have
never been previously issued. John Stedman will produce the set; Lawrence
Schulman will compile the collection, as well as provide a discography and the sleeve
notes; Peter Rynston at Tall Order Studios will be in charge of audio remastering
all tracks.
Judy Room Note: This CD set is planned to be 4 discs consisiting of mostly unreleased and rare radio performances, with a few extras and surprises thrown in. I'll post more once the details are finalized. At last, a comprehensive "Garland on the radio" set!
Judy's 1938 film Everybody Sing is coming to The Warner Home Video Archive. This is the first Judy Garland film to be featured at the Archive, excepting her guest appearance in Thousands Cheer.
This probably means that any pressed DVD release of "Judy Garland The Early Years at MGM" won't happen. The remaining Garland films yet to be released on DVD are: Thoroughbreds Don't Cry - Listen Darling - Little Nellie Kelly - Andy Hardy Meets Debutante and Life Begins for Andy Hardy. Pepe is unreleased as well, but it only contains Judy's voice for one song on the soundtrack.
Looks as though Warner Archive will be our source for these remaining films on DVD.
This is a friendly reminder that Michael Jensen's CD is still available. Originally released it 2005, this CD represents his work with The Judy Garland Festival in Grand Rapids, MN and of course his love for Judy.
Some folks might think this isn't the place for this, but Tom Orr's new show (going on right now in San Francisco), features a tribute to Judy.
Tom's shows are always very R rated, but also very clever, enjoyable, and fun. Previously, he did "Dirty Little Show Tunes" which was similar to the "Forbidden Broadway" shows, but much more, ummmm, adult! And quite hysterical.
I know Tom personally, and he's a great guy. I told him I'd get the word out about his show. In it, he brings up the legend of Judy being the reason for the Stonewall Riots, and also, as Tom said to me:
My act one ends with a tribute to the 40th Annivedrsary of Judy's passing and 40th Anniversary of Stonewall. I was born a year to the day from the day she died, my grandpa lived with the Gumms & my aunt Alice was chief nurse at St. Vincent's in Hollywood and took personal care of Margaret Hamilton and they became lifelong friends - Judy is in my DNA!
Tom does everything in fun, and I'm sure this show is a riot and that his Judy tribue is done with tongue placed firmly in cheek! But as I said, very adult!!! Consider yourself forewarned! :)
"THE JUDY GARLAND SHOW" VOLUME 2 & "THE JUDY GARLAND HOLIDAY SPECIAL"
COMING SOON TO DVD!
Volume Two of the recent Judy Show DVD re-releases is set for September 22nd from Infinity Entertainment Group!!
This time, we get Judy with Barbra Streisand, The Smothers Brothers, Ethel Merman, Jane Powell, and Ray Bolger (the audio of Judy's OZ duets with Jane and Ray will be available on the September 15 Savoy Jazz CD release "Judy Goes Hollywood!" - a nice tie-in, see below).
For more details, CLICK HERE to read the Infinity Entertainment Group press release. CLICK HERE
to order from Amazon.
Infinity is also releasing the Christmas episode "The Judy Garland Holiday Special" on October 22, 2009. No artwork yet, but I'll post as soon as it's available.
For more details, CLICK HERE to read the Infinity Entertainment Group press release. CLICK HERE
to order from Amazon.
Here's a fun 3-CD set from Sepia Records: "Kay Thompson - Think Pink! - a Kay Thompson Party". Most people today remember Kay as the author of the famous "Eloise" books and for her stellar film appearance as "Maggie Prescott" in the 1957 Fred Astaire/Audrey Hepburn film Funny Face. But she was also a brilliant vocal arranger at MGM in the mid to late 40's, and was the best female friend Judy ever had, alongside her make-up woman Dorothy "Dottie" Ponedel. Kay was also Liza's godmother. In fact, she was so close to Liza that she lived in Liza's apartment the last 10 years or so of her life, and Liza has recently recreated Kay's famous nightclub act of the 1950's. An amazing woman who completely deserves this deluxe 3-CD set!
Judy is featured her duetting with Kay in the only known recording of the two singing together (they used to sing together all the time at Hollywood parties), an off the cuff recording done during the sessions for The Harvey Girls. The two sing "In The Valley" - which is on the out of print Rhino CD soundtrack for the film.
If you haven't checked out the wonderful CDs Sepia Records offers, you're in for a treat!
Click here or on the image above to go to their site.
THINK
PINK!
A
KAY
THOMPSON
PARTY
- SEPIA
1135
CD #1 “The Studio Recordings”
1. I LOVE A VIOLIN
2. HOW DEEP IS THE OCEAN
3. IT’S ALL RIGHT WITH ME
4. BASIN STREET BLUES
5. QUEL JOIE
6. KATIE’S BLUES
7. MOONGLOW
8. BLUE MOON
9. I MUST HAVE THAT MAN
10. I HADN’T ANYONE TILL YOU
11. BACK HOME IN INDIANA
12. I SEE YOUR FACE BEFORE ME
13. (Where Are You?) NOW THAT I NEED YOU
14. ’BOUT YOU ’N ME
15. THAT OLD FEELING
16. WAS THAT THE HUMAN THING TO DO?
17. LIGHT UP THE CANDLES ON THE BIRTHDAY CAKE
18. BAZAZZ
19. BONJOUR, PARIS! with Audrey Hepburn & Fred Astaire
20. ON HOW TO BE LOVELY with Audrey Hepburn
21. CLAP YO’ HANDS with Fred Astaire
22. THINK PINK* (extended version)
CD #2 “Rarities and Live Performances”
1. HELLO, HELLO* with the Williams Brothers
2. JUBILEE with the Williams Brothers
3. LOUISIANA PURCHASE with the Williams Brothers
4. DON’T TELL LOUELLA* with the Williams Brothers
5. ON THE CARIBBEAN
6. OLD FASHIONED HAMMOCK
7. JUST ONE OF THOSE THINGS
8. 3:00 A.M. IN THE PERSIAN ROOM*
9. THE STEAM IS ON THE BEAM
10. YOU’RE MINE, YOU
11. COQUETTE The Kay Thompson Singers
12. HIGH ON A WINDY HILL
13. AY, AY, AY
14. THE WISE OLD OWL
15. DOLORES
16. THE LADY IS A TRAMP
17. YOU TOOK ADVANTAGE OF ME
18. YOU’RE A LUCKY GUY*
19. STOP! IT’S WONDERFUL* with Tony Martin
20. ’S WONDERFUL* with Tony Martin
21. Medley: 51 EAST 51* / A ROMANTIC GUY, I*
22. THESE ARE THE THINGS I LOVE*
23. DADDY with Erik Rhodes
24. BALI BOOGIE* with Danny Kaye
25. YES, INDEED*
26. I’M IN LOVE WITH A SOLDIER BOY*
27. THE TROLLEY SONG*
28. LOVE*
CD #3 “Demos, Covers, Comedy, and Eloise”
1. Screen Test: THINK PINK / ’S WONDERFUL*
2. WEEK-END AT THE WALDORF*
3. I’VE GOT THE SUN IN THE MORNING*
4. IN THE VALLEY with Judy Garland
5. MADAME CREMATANTE* Ann Miller
6. LOVE ON A GREYHOUND BUS Pat Kirkwood
7. ’E PINCHED ME
8. BEAUTEE SOAP, JINGLE #1*
9. BEAUTEE SOAP, JINGLE #2*
10. LIFE CAN BE LIFE* (comedy sketch) with Jim Backus
11. PSYCHIATRIST’S OFFICE (comedy sketch) with Bing Crosby
12. MYRTLE (of Sheepshead Bay)
13. POOR SUZETTE
14. I LOVE A VIOLIN* (party rendition)
15. LET’S TALK ABOUT RUSSIA (party chit-chat)
16. DASVIDANYA (Until We Meet Again)
17. MOSCOW CHA CHA CHA
18. ELOISE
19. ELOISE ON THE GO* (radio chat) With Willard Espy
20. ELOISE’S ALL-STAR SNEAK PREVIEW* (commercial)
21. ELOISE IN NYACK* (radio chat) with Helen Hayes
22. IT’S ABSOLUTELY CHRISTMASTIME*
23. HOLIDAY SEASON*
24. WHITE CHRISTMAS*
25. KAY THOMPSON’S JINGLE BELLS
*Previously Unreleased
Click here or on the image above to go to the Sepia Records site.
Savoy Jazz is releasing another CD compilation of performances from Judy's TV series, this time with the theme "JUDY GOES HOLLYWOOD!". The planned track listing is:
Keep Your Sunny Side Up
Moon River
Medley: If I Had a Talking Picture of You / Toot, Toot, Tootsie!
Dirty Hands, Dirty Face
They Can't Take That Away from Me
Little Drops of Rain
Puttin' on the Ritz
More
Love of My Life
Alexander's Ragtime Band
Paris Is a Lonely Town
Love
I'm Old Fashioned
Last Night When We Were Young
That's Entertainment!
BONUS TRACKS:
If I Only Had a Brain (duet with Ray Bolger)
We're Off to See the Wizard (duet with Ray Bolger)
The Jitterbug (with Ray Bolger & Jane Powell)
On August 6, TCM's "Summer Under the Stars" series featured a full day of Judy's movies. They created this great faux poster for The Pirate. Click on the image above for a detailed large version of the poster.
Hugh Fordin, producer of the CD, has notified me that the final track listing is as follows:
Lucky Day (London Session)
I Happen To Like New York(London Session)
Comes Once In A Lifetime (New York single)
Judy At The Palace (Medley) (London single)
Happiness Is A Thing Called Joe (London single)
Sweet Danger (New York single)
You’ll Never Walk Alone (London Session)
Do I Love You (Judy In Love)
More Than You Know (Judy In Love)
It’s A Great Day For The Irish (London Session)
Why Was I Born? (London Session)
Stormy Weather (London Session)
It’s Lovely To Be Back In London (recorded in Los Angeles with Gordon Jenkins October 5, 1957)
Come Rain or Come Shine (London Session)
Chicago (London Session)
San Francisco (London Sessions)
Note: We will not be using the master from “The Garland Touch” album, but going back to the original sources on each of the track masters. In some cases alternate takes have been found.
[07-01-09]: UPDATE
The DRG Records website has been changed to read:
"Description: Plus 6 bonus tracks from Judy's London recording sessions with Norrie Paramour. They are: "Why Was I Born?" and "Stormy Weather;" a Nelson Riddle arrangement: "Come Rain or Come Shine;" two Roger Edens arrangements: "Chicago" and "San Francisco;" and "It's Lovely to be Back in London" (Edens)."
No more mention is made of the "previously unreleased Manhattan Center" session recordings. Not sure what happened there. Between this and the aborted Collector's Choice "Judy & Liza at the Palladium" release, who knows what's going on with these Garland CD releases?
[06-20-09]:
June seems to be "Judy Garland News" month, what with all the news and updates on Garland releases and happenings.
DRG Records has announced that they're releasing Judy's 1962 Capitol Album "The Garland Touch" on CD. The album was originally a compilation comprising of tracks from Judy's 1958 studio album "Judy In Love", some unreleased tracks from "The London Sessions", as well as her 1961 45rpm "single" which contained "Comes Once In A Lifetime" and "Sweet Danger".
This new CD will have two bonus tracks new to this compilation: the previously unreleased Manhattan Center session recordings "76 Trombones" and "Tonight".
What with all of the various news events of late, I forgot to remind people (as if you needed reminding)
that the annual Judy Garland Festival is a short week away!
Gary Horrocks has asked me to post the following update about the status of The Judy Garland Club, and I'm happy to do so. The club has been around since the early 1960's and I encourage everyone to join!
See the info below to join. An example of the Club's publication, the "Rainbow Review" is at right.
Dear Judy fans,
I’d like to thank you for the amazing upsurge of support and
groundswell of enthusiasm and encouragement over the last few days. I
guarantee hand on heart that the future of The Judy Garland Club is
secure and will take on a new phase under my tenure. I have not had
the opportunity to discuss the handover with the current management;
but will do so during next week. I have already lined up three
trustworthy volunteers to take on the management of all funds (your
cheques will be overseen by a London city financier!), copying typing
for the new magazine (to reduce the load on me as editor) and somebody
to manage the membership database (which I hope will grow over the
next few months with your support.)
I am absolutely delighted that Eleanor Lyon has agreed to continue her
role as US representative; which means that all North American fans
will be able to send her cheques directly rather than bother with
international postage. We are both really excited about the renewed
collaboration and are keen to take the Club forward in your name.
Steve Sanders has been brilliant in rallying the troops on my behalf
and I am absolutely amazed at the number of Garland stalwarts who have
come forward in support. John Fricke, Elly, Susie Boyt, Kim Lungreen
in Denmark, Ken Sephton, Brian Glanvill, Joan Coulson, The Judy
Garland Experience’s Daniel– and many members who had lapsed
membership and are keen to return to the fold.
Lorna Smith, the founder of the Club, has been a friend and supporter
from the start. We have been working on a new Garland magazine over
the past year: ‘Judy Garland In Retrospect – the new Rainbow Review’ and would launch that in July/August as part of the new Club
portfolio. I envisage that we will offer two glossy magazines a year– of no more than 48/52 pages; with an interim bulletin. Lorna and I
have nearly completed the first two magazines already – we just need
to assess the subscriptions before we move forward. Please send Elly
your cheque for $35 to support this initiative – we cannot do it
without you.
Daniel and I have had a brief email communication. He is fully
supportive and I am keen to collaborate with him to offer an
integrated experience for Club members that comprises his brilliant
web and multimedia presence with a high quality journal; the perfect
solution marrying 'traditional' with virtual. I am hoping we will
transition the currently out of date Judy Club pages to the TJGE so
that fans have clear information on how to join the Club. Daniel
already has some ideas about how best to take this forward.
A few additional thoughts.
I have access to a stunning digital archive of photographs that the
community has never seen. Lorna Smith’s collection alone is of immense
historical value – and you will be able to share in that by
subscribing to the magazine. Each issue will be rich in new and rare
images of Judy. I have also been working with Lorna to capture her
memories on video for posterity and we hope to have that project
completed by the end of the year. Similarly, I have been working with
a colleague Andy on filming all senior Club members, and we have
nearly completed that as well. We hope to produce a special video
capturing the history of the Club for all members.
The first magazine due for publication is a 40th anniversary special
issue. In 1969, as the world mourned the loss of Judy after her death
in London in June that year, Lorna Smith, in mourning for a person who
had become a friend and confidante over the years dusted herself down
and in true Garland style, rallied the troops in order to compile a
66-page memorial tribute to Judy. We celebrate the best bits of that
magazine forty years on and include Lorna’s superb essay ‘Judy – With
Love’. There are also over 100 photographs!
Those of you who know me are aware that I also juggle a busy work life
with Judy commitments. I am now in a much better position to ensure
that the magazine keeps to a regular publication pattern. I have
decided to resurrect articles from the original Rainbow Reviews that
started publication in 1963. Bringing this archive back to life will
be of immense benefit to younger members who have not experienced the
wealth of superb writing that they capture. I’m also keen to work with
guest writers like John, Steve and Susie to offer complementary
journalism.
Over the next few weeks I will be taking stock of the current Club
situation, rectifying the nose dive and pushing heavily for new
members. Would you all please find it in your hearts to join or re-join the Club? Would all US fans pleaseCLICK HERE to email Elly
Judy's TV series is being newly remastered and being re-released on DVD!!
This is a project that the late Scott Schechter was working on at the time of his untimely death. It's a fitting tribute to him that the series is being re-released. The original Pioneer (and then Geneon) releases have been out of print for quite some time. These new DVDs have been remastered using the latest technology - the first volume in the 13 volume series is due out July 28th.
[June 10, 2009 - Press Release]
Infinity Entertainment Group Proudly Presents
The Judy Garland Show: Volume One Judy Will Move You Like No One Else!
First of 13 DVD Releases of Special Collector’s Set in Stores July 28th
LOS ANGELES — For Immediate Release — From ingénue darling to legendary star of stage and screen, beloved songbird Judy Garland was at the height of her fame and popularity during the television run of The Judy Garland Show. Now Volume One, the first in a special collector’s set of 13 volumes coming to DVD, will be in stores July 28 from Infinity Entertainment Group.
The Emmy-nominated variety program ended its critically-acclaimed CBS-TV run after just one season (1963-64). Today, those 26 shows are revered by many as the entertainment icon’s finest work. Singing then-new material as well as the classics expected of her, this is the legendary Judy at her peak. Also featured in volume one of this 13-volume collector’s set is daughter Liza Minnelli, now a legend in her own right.
Then just 17, Liza sings her off-Broadway hit “You Are for Loving” and displays her renowned ability as a dancer on “Put on a Happy Face.” Liza and Judy shine in the duets “Together,” “We Could Make Such Beautiful Music Together,” “The Best is Yet to Come,” “Bye, Bye, Baby” and “Bob White”; and revive the “We‘re a Couple of Swells” tramp characters from Easter Parade.
Also featured in a dazzling display of song, dance and comedy are jazz greats Count Basie and his band and Mel Tormé, who perform solo and join the great Garland on such stunners as “I Hear Music,” “The Sweetest Sounds,” “Strike Up the Band,” “April in Paris” and “Memories of You”; folk singer Judy Henske; and series regular Jerry Van Dyke who trades quips with Soupy Sales.
Judy also sings “A Cottage for Sale,” “Hey, Look Me Over,” “Liza,” “As Long as He Needs Me,” and “Come Rain or Come Shine,” a highlight of Judy’s 45-year career.
Restored and digitally remastered from the original masters, this dynamic diva will move you like no one else! Look for all 13 volumes, each featuring two hour-long shows.
The Judy Garland Show: Volume One is presented in full frame with an aspect ratio of 4 x 3 and original mono sound and 5.1 surround sound. Bonus features include outtakes.
Infinity Entertainment Group, headquartered in Los Angeles, Calif., is a multi-service home entertainment retail distributor specializing in independent films, television programming, special-interest, documentaries, anime and music. Clients include Smithsonian Networks, MOJO HD, Falcon Picture Group, Bandai Entertainment, Roxbury Entertainment, SJ2 Entertainment and Retromedia. Hit titles include the iconic Route 66 television series, now available on DVD for the first time, and Spike Jones: The Legend. The company was launched in 2006 and is a division of Infinity Resources, Inc., a privately-held, multi-channel marketing and service enterprise with general offices based in suburban Chicago, Ill.
The Judy Garland Show: Volume One Infinity Entertainment Group Genre: Classic TV/B&W Not Rated
Format: DVD Only Running Time: Approx. 102 Minutes (Plus Special Features) Suggested Retail Price: $19.98 Pre-Order Date: June 23, 2009 Street Date: July 28, 2009 Catalog #: IEG2148 UPC Code: #617742214895
New OZ book: John Fricke, the foremost OZ expert, brings us another treasure. If this new coffee table book is anything like his 1989 50th anniversary book, then you should run out and buy it. And this new book is only $20 (American).
From the publisher (Becker & Mayer):
The Wizard of Oz
An Illustrated Companion to the Timeless Movie Classic
by John Fricke & Jonathan Shirshekan
published by Barnes & Noble Books
The Wizard of Oz: An Illustrated Companion to the Timeless Movie Classic is a vibrant celebration of the story that's been dazzling audiences for generations! Inside are more than 400 images, including behind-the-scenes shots, movie stills, production memos, and original illustrations. Authors John Fricke and Jonathan Shirshekan, renowned authorities on all things Oz, have gathered a wealth of rare photos and rarely heard anecdotes and quotes. It’s a collection sure to captivate Oz fans everywhere!
Starring:
With Isabelle Georges, Frédérik Steenbrink & guests
Description:
June 22, 2009, a special evening commemorating the 40th anniversary, to the day, of the death of Judy Garland’s (The Wizard of Oz, A Star is Born, The Pirate…), one of the great voices of the 20th century.
For this one-night-only tribute, the legendary Palace will host more than 50 artists on stage.
For the first part of the evening, a new version of the musical Une étoile et moi [A Star and Me], which has already conquered thousands of theatergoers in France and beyond, with Isabelle Georges (Du Shtetle à New York, Chantons sous la pluie,…) and Frédérik Steenbrink (Irma la douce, Désaccord parfait,…).
For the second part of the evening, numerous French artists will pay tribute to Judy Garland in sketches and song.
Already confirmed to appear are: Jean-Claude Dreyfus (the unforgettable butcher in Délicatessen), René Urtreger (the French composer and pianist for Miles Davis, Stan Getz, Chet Baker and Lester Young), Victor Cuno (dancer and choreographer: Tempo), Sirba Octet (a group of eight musicians from the Orchestre de Paris who apply their virtuosity to honor traditional Yiddish music and the American musical comedy), and Quai N°5 (five virtuosi musicians who play original compositions based on famous themes by Bach, Chopin, Mozart,…).
Proceeds from the evening will go to the association Arc-en-ciel [Rainbow, an AIDS association].
Event:
TRIBUTE TO JUDY GARLAND
Address
LE PALACE
8 rue du Faubourg Montmartre
75009 Paris
Gary Horrocks, the previous editor of The Judy Garland Club's "Rainbow Review" (see image at right), has told me that he and Lorna Smith (among many others) are currently working on a new, yearly publication (independent of The Judy Garland Club) to be title titled "Judy Garland In Retrospect - the new Rainbow Review". This new publication will only be published once a year, and will focus on essays and insights 'of the "Rainbow Review". This new publication will be published once a year, and will focus on
Gary said: The Rainbow Review ceased publication in 2007 after my tenure as
editor came to an end. Many fans and members were keen to see the
continuation of a high quality journal that celebrated Judy in words
and rare photographs. The new magazine: "Judy Garland - in
retrospect......the new Rainbow Review" will do just that and preserve
the heritage of a magazine that the Garland community had enjoyed
since 1963.
Be sure to check her for updates. Gary will share cover art, release date, and ordering information just as soon as it's available. If it's anything near the quality of the preview "Rainbow Review's", it's sure to be a "must have"!!
04-28-2009: Released today in the U.S.: "My Judy Garland Life", Susie Boyt's pseudo-memoir that has garnered great reviews and was previously published last year in the U.K. (see info below).
UPDATE:
This release has been halted, once again! The week before Scott Schechter died, he was working on finalizing the liner notes for this release. Just after his death, the release date was pushed out to late June. That date came and went. Various online retailers like Best Buy and Amazon had it listed, then "backordered", then some took their listings off completely. Now, it's obvious this latest incarnation of the expanded CD will not be released. Too bad - it's the last of Judy's Capitol records and her only concert with daughter Liza.
Collector's Choice Music is advertising a new CD release of "Judy & Liza Live at the London Palladium". No details yet, except what's currently on their site. Could this be the long-awaited "complete" CD release of the concert?
I'll update this page just as soon as more details are received.
The first Garland film to be released via Warner Bros' new online only "Warner Archive Collection" is 1943's Thousands Cheer. Available April 14, 2009.
Judy has a guest spot as one of the stars featured in the big show for the troops at the end of the film. This is Judy's first appearance in Technicolor after The Wizard of Oz, and the first time she plays herself in an MGM feature.
Warner Home Video has launched it's new "Archive Collection". These are DVD-R only-available-online editions of many rare and previously unreleased on DVD films. They're "bare bones" editions, meaning that currently they will only contain the films and trailers if the trailers exist. No special extras will be included. 150 films are currently available, from silents up through our modern times. 20 films are scheduled to be added each month. 1943's Thousands Cheer, which features Judy's guest appearance singing "The Joint Is Really Jumpin' Down At Carnegie Hall" is scheduled. Probably next month, as it's part of the promo video but not the initial list of titles. CLICK HERE for announcement flyer.
Here's the official site: www.warnerarchive.com
The Home Theater Forum had a recent chat with Warner Home Video, and in that chat WHV states:
<GinnySayre> The Mickey and Judy Box set was beautifully done. Are there any plans to release
Little Nellie Kel as well as Judy's remaining earlier films?
<warnerbros> Yes. We will release the remaining five unreleased Judys....most likely when we issue
our now-being-super-restored A STAR IS BORN special edition. Tentative date Spring 2010.
BFI 23rd London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival
Judy Garland program
The British Film Institue is having Judy Garland screenings at the 23rd London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, which runs from 25 Mar - 8 Apr 2009:
We Love Judy Garland: A screening preceded by some favourite songs courtesy of the London Gay Men's Chorus.
Ronald Neame's I Could Go on Singing:
Judy's swansong as neurotic lonely singer Jenny Bowman back in London to see the son she gave up long ago.
Plus a collection entitled Judy on TV: Featuring "Impressions of Garland" an episode of Omnibus, "Judy and Liza at the Palladium" and "Get Happy", a documentary about a young boy who dresses up as Judy.
The International Poster Center is having their first auction of a wide variedy of original posters. Included in the lot is the 1968 Judy at the Lincoln Center poster. Check it out! Starting bid is very affordable at $300.00.
Also included (see link or click on the poster) are some Liza, Bette, and Babs posters. LOTS of great stuff that's fun to browse through, even if you're not interested in bidding.
Judy is one of the first exhibits you see when you walk in. The speakers play clips of her songs ("Someone At Last"; "Born In A Trunk", & "Over The Rainbow", along with some clips of songs from other featured performers in that same room such as Shirley Temple and Marilyn Monroe. A placard explains how much of a Judy fan Warhol was, and quotes him saying that it was natural for him to become friends with Liza, due to his love of Judy. Liza is featured as well, along with the album cover for her first "Liza at Carnegie Hall" album that used Warhol's Liza portrait, and she's also on the cover of one of the examples of his "Interview" magazine.
On a side note, also included are many of the late 50's early 60's album covers he designed, and also items from his own collection of albums and tapes. Prominently displayed is the original box version of the 12" soundtrack to A Star Is Born (follow this link to see it at The Judy Garland Online Discography).
There is also a fantastic exhibit featuring the costumes and couture of Yves Saint Laurent that is most definitely worth browsing through as well.
This is the best photo I could get of the three canvases of Judy. Obviously no flash was allowed,
but I tried to get a few without using the flash, before one of the exhibit employees sternly said "No Photos!".
The speakers above these canvases continuously play clips of Judy singing
"Someone At Last" ["Now here come a big fat close up!"], "Born In A Trunk", and "Over The Rainbow".
The latest news from George Feltenstein at Warner Home Video, as reported here by High-Def Digest News, states that release of the new 6k restoration of A Star Is Born on Blu-Ray will happen in 2010.
The release of The Wizard of Oz will be "later this year".
...That trio, however, is just a warm-up for what Feltenstein calls a "murderer's row" of classic releases later this year that will include such AFI 100 masterpieces as 'Gone With the Wind,' 'The Wizard of Oz,' and 'North By Northwest.' Hitchcock's thriller underwent a $1 million restoration, while 'GWTW' and 'Oz' – both of which were remastered in 2K Ultra Resolution three or four years ago for splashy DVD releases – have been completely overhauled once again to make sure they meet all of Blu-ray's exacting standards. "What was perfection two to three years ago is not now," Feltenstein says. "We thought 'Gone With the Wind' would be good to go on Blu-ray with what was done previously, plus $200,000 for dirt cleaning. But to look perfect, we had to start all over from scratch at enormous cost. I took it to management and there was no hesitation. Having a film like 'Gone With the Wind' on Blu-ray will set a new standard and pave the way for more classic releases."...
...Oftentimes, 1080p remastering shines a beacon on basic rudimentary production techniques used in classic films. Mattes, backdrops, and rear projection work are more noticeable, and special effects can lose their mystique. When upgrading 'Top Hat' (1935), Feltenstein was shocked to see how dirty the floor was on which Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced. That dirty floor will be clearly visible when the Astaire-Rogers films make their Blu-ray debut in 2010, as will the wires that support the Scarecrow in certain scenes of 'The Wizard of Oz.' Age-related specks, scratches, and grit, however, will be erased...
...And Warner has plenty of those on tap. In addition to the Astaire-Rogers canon in 2010, Feltenstein said the 1954 'A Star Is Born' with Judy Garland, currently being remastered in 6K resolution, will also see a 2010 release...
...and 'Meet Me in St. Louis' also will see high-def releases in the next two to three years...
Click on image above to go to the 2008 News Page with details of the A Star Is Born restoration.
Warner Home Video has announced more titles in their "Greatest Classic Films" series, including the volume titled "American Musicals". This set of 4 films includes two Judy films: Easter Parade and Meet Me In St. Louis. The set retails at $27.92 and has a street date of: 5/5/09. Click here to pre-order from Amazon.
No word on whether these are the two disc editions as previously released, or if they're single discs with just the films themselves. More than likely they're not the two disc special editions.
(from Warner Home Video):
Synopsis: EASTER PARADE Strolling along 5th Avenue or bumming around as A Couple of Swells, Judy Garland and Fred Astaire lead a parade of music (17 Irving Berlin tunes and an Academy Award-winning adaptation score) and gotta-dance fun in this never ending delight co-starring Ann Miller and Peter Lawford.
MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS She's in love with the boy next door. And movie fans are forever in love with her Judy Garland in a nostalgia and humor-filled tale of life with the Smith family in 1903 St. Louis. Songs include The Boy Next Door, The Trolley Song and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
SINGIN IN THE RAIN Considered by many to be the greatest movie musical ever! Silent movies are giving way to the advent of sound and a Hollywood matinee idol (Gene Kelly) is caught in that bumpy transition, as well as his buddy (Donald O'Connor), prospective sweetheart (Debbie Reynolds) and vocally-challenged co-star (Jean Hagen).
THE BAND WAGON Fred Astaire dazzles in a train station (By Myself), a penny arcade (A Shine on Your Shoes), a back-lot Central Park (Dancing in the Dark) and a smoky café (Girl Hunt), the latter two with incomparable Cyd Charisse. Nanette Fabray, Jack Buchanan and Oscar Levant co-star, and as the movies hallmark song goes, That's Entertainment!
click on image to see announcement flyer
Warner Home Video has the largest selection of Garland films available!
I'll add more items and artwork as time goes on. And please give me your feedback and also what you might want for sale in the store.
The minimal (and believe me, it's VERY minimal) commission that I get will go towards the maintenance of The Judy Room site (which is several hundred dollars per year). It's not that I'm destitute, I just thought this might be a fun way to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the site, and also offset some of the cost of the maintenance.
Besides, it's kind of fun having a "Judy Room" mug! And yes, I have to buy one too! Nothing's for free these days!! But, it's something fun that I can change and add to as the year goes on.
NOTE: The mug with the current "Judy Room Homepage Cover" is a LIMITED EDITION. When the cover goes offline and is replaced with the (probably) Spring version, the mug will change too. So, get that while you can! It'll be available for the next few months (I'm a mug person - I drink coffee and just love mugs!!
Thanks everyone for making these past 10 years AMAZING!! Really! I wouldn't do all of this for The Judy Room if it were a pain in the a--!
Scheduled for release on January 13th (just in time for Valentine's Day) is the new Savoy Jazz CD "Judy Garland - Love Songs".
Track listing:
1. From This Moment On
2. That's All
3. Old Devil Moon
4. The Nearness Of You
5. Medley: Almost Like Being In Love/This Can't Be Love (Show # 17)
6. I Can't Give You Anything But Love
7. I Am Loved
8. Alone Together
9. Island In The West Indies
10. Do It Again
11. I Wish You Love
12. Come Rain Or Come Shine (Show # 21)
Per Garland Historian John Fricke, another as-yet-unnamed Savoy Jazz CD release is also scheduled for mid-June 2009, right around Judy's birthday (June 10th).
This CD clocks in at approximately 41 minutes, per Mr. Fricke on a few Garland disccussion groups:
"And if you're wondering about the absence of a number of other unreleased love song tracks from the TV series, several of these have been programmed into the "theme" attendant to the late-spring release; details forthcoming.
Anyway, please keep an eye out for JUDY GARLAND/LOVE SONGS. The test pressing of the disc "plays" kind of like a 41-minute concert "set," I think Savoy is to be commended for their dedication to their JG material. These things aren't major best sellers, but the company continues to be genuinely proud of the fact that she's in their catalog, and they continue to utilize the tracks in as classy and creative a manner as possible, given the limitations of the market."
Warner Home Video has announced a new film series, in association with Turner Classic Movies, called ""Greatest Classic Films Collection". Beginning on February 3, 2009 (see image below), new themed collections will feature 4 films per package. See the details below.
Judy fans get to see both Meet Me In St. Louis and Easter Parade scheduled for the May 5, 2009 releases. The Wizard of Oz is not part of the series, probably because it's getting a special 70th anniversary Blu-Ray and standard DVD release of its own.
The dates and titles are subject to change.
Warner Home Video has the largest selection of Garland films available!
click on image to see announcement flyer
WAVE ONE (Release Date: February 3, 2009)
Romantic Dramas
(Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, A Streetcar Named Desire, Rebel Without a Cause, East of Eden)
Best Picture Winners
(Casablanca, An American in Paris, Gigi, Mrs. Miniver)
Romantic Comedies
(A Philadelphia Story, Bringing Up Baby, Adam's Rib, Woman of the Year)
WAVE TWO (Release Date: May 5, 2009)
Musicals 1
(Singin' in the Rain, Easter Parade, The Band Wagon, Meet Me in St. Louis)
Musicals 2
(Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Annie Get Your Gun, Show Boat, Kiss Me Kate)
We know her as "Glinda" in The Wizard of Oz, but many people probably don't know that long before OZ, Billie Burke was a huge stage star, one of the great beauties of her day, and the widow of famed impressario Florenz Ziegfeld. Her story was such that while she was a contract player at MGM, her life with Ziegfeld was dramatized by MGM with Myrna Loy playing her in The Great Ziegfeld. Probably the only time a current star was portrayed by another star at the same studio!
This new biography will be out in Spring of 2009 - don't miss it!!
NEW TO DVD! Timed to release during the height of award season buzz!
MGM: WHEN THE LION ROARS
On April 24, 1924 the movies changed forever: the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studio opened and soon assembled "more stars than there are in the heavens." Patrick Stewart hosts this enthralling Emmy® winner as Best Informational Series, a 3-part story of MGM's reign as Hollywood's class act and legendary entertainment empire. Bursting with memorable film clips, rare interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and insider info, this is a mother lode for film fans, profiling perfectionist moguls, glamorous and charismatic actors, innovative filmmakers and landmark movies. Experience the dramatic and romantic fire, singing and dancing magic, and sweeping epic adventure of Hollywood's greatest studio in this must-have 2-Disc DVD Set.
Includes amazing vintage footage and interviews with classic Hollywood insiders:
Mickey Rooney (Boys Town 1938), Myrna Loy (The Thin Man 1934), King Vidor (Director, Billy the Kid 1930), and many more!
Winner of Primetime Emmy® Award for Outstanding Informational Series (1992)
Street Date: January 20, 2009
Retail Price: $29.95
2 Discs
Only available in Standard DVD for now.
Warner Home Video has the largest selection of Garland films available!
A new and unique Garland related book was released in the U.K. in Fall 2008, and due for release in the U.S. this Spring. Gary Horrocks has provided us with a wonderful review
of the pre-release copy of the book:
I wanted to take
the opportunity to raise awareness in this forum
about a brilliant new book by novelist and journalist
Susie Boyt
entitled `My Judy Garland Life.' It is published in the
United
Kingdom on October 2nd with a US publication slated for
April next
year, and is available from Amazon UK for advance orders.
I was proud and honoured to be given the opportunity
to read an
advance draft that Susie sent over to me a few months
ago; even more
so when she indicated that she'd been an avid reader
of the Rainbow
Review under my editorship before it ceased publication
last year.
This is an intimate and extremely personal memoir that
intertwines
Susie's reflections on her own life with Judy's – an
imaginative
assimilation of autobiography and biography highlighting
the impact
and role that Garland played in shaping one person's
life. The book
encapsulates that intense intimacy and personal bond
that many of us
feel towards Judy; that `profound kinship' that unites
fans across
the world.
It's an acutely sensitive book where Susie
reflects on her own
battles to understand and master her own day-to-day life;
the
emotional world of love, laughter and loss that we all
inhabit, and
Judy's is a passive companion throughout this process.
At one point
Boyt observes: `I wasn't there at the moments of [Judy's]
greatest
triumphs and her cruellest despair. But she has been
at mine' and it
is a sentiment most of us share.
One chapter, entitled
`World's Greatest Entertainer' stands alone as
one of, if not THE most eloquent analysis of Garland's
talent that I
have ever encountered. Susie has captured the impact
of Judy: THE
voice, THE personality, THE agony, ecstasy and rollercoaster
extremities. The book is rich with anecdotes, eloquent
and evocative
childhood memories, whimsical reflections, amusing `what
if…'
speculation, humour and tears; and Judy strides like
a colossus
throughout; the key point of reference in Susie's life – omnipresent
but never really getting in the way of Susie's story.
It
is such a brave and exciting new direction in Garland
biography,
and reminds me of the Rainbow Review in the early years
when Club
members sent in essays on `Judy and Me' – adding
a unique personal
touch the Garland genre. Susie writes: `This book is
one story. Mine.
There are many others.' I hope it encourages similar
work and
contributions over the years to come.
The book is also
beautifully illustrated with some lovely and rare
Garland photographs, and I'm sure it will cause a huge
sensation on
its release in a few weeks. Reviews, articles and author
profiles
will appear in all key UK media.
Go to: http://www.amazon.
co.uk [Judy Room note: Amazon
UK does ship to the US if you don't want to wait for
April to read the book]
It is exquisite, imaginative and beautifully
crafted. A rare treat
these days.
Gary Horrocks
With an endorsement like this, who can't resist reading
what appears to be a loving tribute to "our gal"???
Thank you Gary for allowing us to reprint your review!
to order from Amazon. 
to order from Amazon.
Gary Horrocks, the previous editor of The Judy Garland Club's "Rainbow Review" (see image at right), has told me that he and Lorna Smith (among many others) are currently working on a new, yearly publication (independent of The Judy Garland Club) to be title titled "Judy Garland In Retrospect - the new Rainbow Review". This new publication will only be published once a year, and will focus on essays and insights 'of the "Rainbow Review". This new publication will be published once a year, and will focus on 
