Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: VHS Tape
EAN: 9786301980500
Format: Black & White
ISBN: 6301980506
Label: MGM (Video & DVD)
Languages: Array
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: MGM (Video & DVD)
Release Date: 1992-04-01
Running Time: 120
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Theatrical Release Date: 1940-09-27

Customer Rating:
Summary: Fun For All Ages
Comment: Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland team up again in this outstanding musical about a group of kids who adore music. Jimmy Connors (Rooney) loves playing the drums, so much so that he scorns girls and goes against his mother's ambitions for him to become a doctor. He ropes a bunch of his friend into forming an orchestra, something more fun than just the school band, and recruits Mary for a singer (Garland). Mary is in love with Jimmy, but he has no time for women, even though a new girl in town (June Preisser) tries to change his mind.

The music in this film is a lot of fun. "Our Love Affair" is a cute song, but it features an absolutely strange presentation of animated fruit playing instruments. This segment was done by uncredited animator George Pal. Very early in the movie is the famous "The Conga" number, a high energy exhibition of one of the eras dance crazes. No matter how many times you see clips of this number in documentaries, it never gets old, and that is thanks to the boundless energy of Rooney and Garland who just leap from the screen. The next best song is performed at a party; Garland sings "Let the Drummer Boy Play" while Rooney goes crazy on the drums. Some people might be a bit put off by how over the top Rooney is in these sorts of movies, but he's so lovable that even if he looks ridiculous, you can't help but laugh and enjoy it. The finale is somewhat of a letdown, though it does include medleys of the previously performed songs which saves it, but "Strike up the Band" is far too tame to end such a great film.

The best thing about this movie is that it appeals to all ages. There is nothing lewd in it to prevent small children from enjoying the performances, but it is mature enough for adults. Just another great example of how wonderful those classic films were.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Simply Great, Mickey and Judy Shine Forever
Comment: WOW! What can be said? Mickey and Judy? There will never be two more talented young people in the history of films. Forget the Olson Twins, ect. Young stars today do not know what real talent is. Young stars today should take a look at Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. They were what real stars are made of. Clean, fun, energetic and talented. I love Mickey Rooney. He had energy and fun that was unmatched by anyone in the business. Judy could sing a song and touch hearts better than anyone. They will forever be remembered in the hearts of all who know and love them. I just pray the young people today will somehow be introduced to Mickey and Judy. They are good role models for today's young people. They made our dreams come true. Tears come to my eyes when I think about how the good ol' days are no longer here. The TRUE stars are almost ALL gone. Today's actors and actresses cannot compare to what we used to have in Hollywood. Hollywood is gone, it's nothing more than a sign on a hill. Talent has been replaced for nastiness, trick camera work and a lot of LOUD annoying noice. Mickey and Judy, I love you, SHINE ON FOREVER!!!! I'm only 24 years old and you are my heroes. This film is great by the way. Please check it out!!!

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Customer Rating:
Summary: Great mixture of music, romance, and high-school Hyjinks!
Comment: Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland are great together in this movie. Rooney plays Jimmy, a high-school-band drum player who dreams of starting a modern dance orchestra. Garland plays Mary, Jimmy's good friend who does the vocals for his band and happens to have a crush on him. When the dance orchestra dream comes true, Jimmy and his orchestra play at the dance...and are an immediate success! Things start to complicate for Mary and Jimmy as well as the rest of the band when the new girl, Barbara Francis, arives in town. She steals Jimmy's heart, leaving Mary jealous and a little lonely. Barbara also steals Jimmy away from one of his number one priorities-the band. Luckily, Mary has Jimmy's back and covers up for him. When Jimmy hears about a high school band competition in Chicago, he tries to think of a way to raise money to get the band there. One of the ways was performing a melodrama skit (which I thought was quite entertaining). The day the band boards for the train, something terrible happens to one of Jimmy and Mary's friends. He needs a crucial surgery that costs the same amount of money as the trip to Chicago. Will they use the money to help their friend? And will Jimmy and Mary end up as a couple? Find out when you watch "Strike Up The Band".

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Customer Rating:
Summary: PLEASANT NOSTALGIA
Comment: This picture is about a group of High-School musicians who turn the school band into a swing orchestra aspiring to compete in a nation wide contest conducted by Paul Whiteman (who was once know as the King of Jazz). With BABES IN ARMS a major success, MGM quickly laid plans for a sequel using much the same talent. STRIKE UP THE BAND was the result. Jam-packed with youthful energy, the film once again proved Mickey Rooney to be a performer beyond comparison - singing, dancing, playing musical instruments, mugging - dominating every minute he's on the screen. Judy Garland is the perfect partner for him - demure and appealing in her acting, beautifully effective in her singing. The film contained a new song OUR LOVE AFFAIR which was to become one of Judy's standards. STRIKE UP THE BAND is a showcase for the effervescent Rooney and the dynamic Garland. The finale is built around the title song, a natural and logical piece for this picture, with the cast singing and marching through an elaborate Berkeley military routine.

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Customer Rating:
Summary: I love the music!
Comment: Strike Up The Band is a great movie with a great story and great music! I like the story of this film. The way the students just get up and play ispired me!

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