The Harvey Girls

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The Harvey Girls

1946

1h 41m

Musical

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

100%

Tomatometer

10 Reviews

83%

Popcornmeter

5,000+ Ratings

When Susan Bradley (Judy Garland) responded to an ad in New Mexico for a mail-order bride, she had no idea that her would-be husband was a broken-down cowhand. Instead of returning home, she takes a job at the local Harvey House restaurant. But the new establishment faces tough resistance from the local saloon owner (John Hodiak) and the town's streetwise showgirl, Em (Angela Lansbury). As Susan works with the Harvey girls to win over the townsfolk, she also searches for a new love.

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

01/21/2021

3/4

An ebullient musical with a unique premise.

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Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

01/08/2021

3/4

Garland shines as always, but it's Lansbury who steals the show, bringing emotional shading to a character that could have easily been one dimensional.

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Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

08/30/2019

2/4

A Western fantasia...

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Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

07/19/2017

B

A lively MGM Western musical.

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

04/22/2012

B

George Sidney's musical western is a joyous, fictionalized tribute to the New England femmes who went out West to bring culture and food; best song is On the Atchison, Topeka, Santa Fe, which won an Oscar.

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Nathaniel Rogers

The Film Experience

08/12/2011

B-

Though this creaky musical hasn't aged well, its peak moments are delightful: Dorothy and her Scarecrow reunited, "On the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe" and Garland's gift for physical comedy.

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Amy G

@Amytheshort Dec 16

The music , the singing the acting , all of it just wonderful. It's a must see for anyone who is a judy garland fan.

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Tim M

@tgmacman 09/20/2024

Featuring another iconic performance from Judy Garland, The Harvey Girls gets the best out of both the Western and musical genres.

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Jarrod R

@RT27243469 04/05/2024

I have been screening dozens of movies from the Golden age of cinema, and most times I go into them almost completely cold without any expectations. other than knowing it, starred, Judy Garland and her Wizard of Oz, costar Ray Bolger, I didn't really know much else about it, other than a passing knowledge of Harvey Houses, thanks to my strong interest history. This musical could easily be placed in my top 10 in that category, and one of the most entertaining movies I've seen from the golden age. Harvey Girls has an embarrassment of riches with respect to the cast. Some favorite moments? When Judy Garland, with a determined gait and two six shooters, goes across to the saloon to take back a storehouse of stolen beefsteaks. Some incredible physical comedy. Unflinching. And then there is the beloved Ray Bolger, with a dance number that is hypnotic and delightful. From top to bottom everyone in this cast is giving their all.

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Alec B

@Alec97 01/09/2024

One of the few musicals from this era that was written for the screen that stays consistently within the genre, never going too long without a song. "On the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe" is a truly great number.

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Cole T

@RT95417688 04/19/2023

An instant classic! Fun musical numbers, drama, and hardly a dull moment. This is perhaps one of Judy Garland's best performances, as well as Angela Lansbury's. Just generally an amazing movie in every way. Acting is phenomenal, music and dance numbers great, and the plot and storyline are great as well. One of my favorite older movies of all time! 100% recommend!

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CodyZamboni Z

@CodyZamboni 01/24/2023

Fun MGM musical, with one great song. Stunning color cinematography, Charming story, Empathetic characters,

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George Sidney

Director

Judy Garland

Susan Bradley

John Hodiak

Ned Trent

Ray Bolger

Chris Maule

Preston Foster

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Synopsis

When Susan Bradley (Judy Garland) responded to an ad in New Mexico for a mail-order bride, she had no idea that her would-be husband was a broken-down cowhand. Instead of returning home, she takes a job at the local Harvey House restaurant. But the new establishment faces tough resistance from the local saloon owner (John Hodiak) and the town's streetwise showgirl, Em (Angela Lansbury). As Susan works with the Harvey girls to win over the townsfolk, she also searches for a new love.

Director: George Sidney
Producer: Arthur Freed
Screenwriter: Samuel Hopkins Adams, Edmund Beloin, Harry Crane, Nathaniel Curtis, Eleanore Griffin, James O'Hanlon, William Rankin, Samson Raphaelson, Kay Van Riper
Distributor: Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp.
Production Co: Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Genre: Musical, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Jan 18, 1946, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 1, 2009
Runtime: 1h 41m
Sound Mix: Mono
Aspect Ratio: 35mm

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