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By
NICK ZEGARAC
"The Harvey Girls" is a rip roaring musical western. Judy Garland is Susan Bradley, a mail order bride who becomes a waitress at a Harvey House restaurant in the rambunctious town of Sandrock. But Susan's primary reason for traveling had been to marry what she thought was the man of her dreams (Chill Wills). When she discovers that the man who actually wooed her through letters is Ned Trent (John Hodiak), the proprietor of a saloon/whorehouse, Susan defiantly opposes him at first -- much to the relief of the head prostitute, Em (Angela Lansbury). Originally, "The Harvey Girls" was to be a serious melodrama starring Lana Turner and Clark Gable. Thankfully, producer Arthur Freed got his hands on the property and transformed the scenario into one of her greatest musical achievements. The film is also noteworthy for the Oscar-winning song, "On the Atcheson Topeka & the Santa Fe."
The Warner Home Video DVD transfer is stunning. Color fidelity is magnificent with vibrancy and clarity that truly amazes. Colors are exceptionally lush and vibrant. There is a very slight hint of mis-registration that occurs between certain shots, but these most certainly do not distract. Fine detail, contrast and black levels are right on. The soundtrack has been remastered and sparkles with amazing clarity.
Extras include two different versions of "March of the Doagies," a song cut from the release print because of time constraints (MGM wanted all their musicals under two hours in length). This number must have cost MGM a bundle to shoot. It is one of Hollywood's small tragedies that it is not featured in the final film. There's also a very succinct and interesting audio commentary from the director, Charles Walters and the film's original theatrical trailer.
This musical is something to get excited about. The transfer is reason alone to stand up and cheer! |
