At this time of the year, there are a few movies that are absolute classics.  Doug touched on one last week with “A Charlie Brown Christmas”.  I do love that cartoon, but there is one movie that always makes me think of being all wrapped up in blankets with the snow falling outside.  That movie is “Meet Me in St. Louis”.  When I was living at home, my Mom and I watched it at least once a winter, especially around Christmas time.  For those who are not familiar with the story, it takes place in St. Louis in 1903.  The story is centered around the lives of the Smith family, more specifically their daughters, and the craziness that ensues once it is learned that the family must move to New York.  One of their daughters, Esther, is played by Judy Garland, so of course there is music.  For me, she has the most beautiful voice ever.  I can listen to her sing for hours.  If I could time travel, seeing her in concert would be on the top of my list, along with Elvis.  Anyway, back to the movie, for me, the most memorable song, is Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.  Esther sings the song to her younger sister Tootie as they look out into the yard at their snow people.  I am not the only person who likes that song, it is ranked as #72 by the American Film Institute as one of the 100 songs in American Films. 

The film is a great mix of drama, music, and comedy.  Towards the end of the movie, Esther and her sister Rose are at the social event of the year, which is the Christmas dance.  Rose and Esther are upset with Lucille Ballard (played by June Lockhart) for breaking their brother’s heart, as well as going to the dance with Warren, who is Rose’s true love.  The sisters fill out Lucille’s dance card with all of the social rejects.  Well, as it would turn out, Lucille would set everything right by telling Warren to be with Rose, and being Rose’s brother, Lon, date for the evening.  This leaves poor Esther with Lucille’s terrible dance card since her Grandfather makes her give hers to Lucille.  Watching Judy tossed around the dance floor with the social misfits is pretty amusing, and a favorite part of the film for me.  “Meet Me in St.  Louis” is just simply a wonderful movie that everyone can enjoy.  It’s not campy.  It’s well written, and the costumes are wonderful.  So, if you find yourself trapped inside on a cold, snowy day with a cup of hot cocoa, give this film a try.  I absolutely promise you will not be disappointed.

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