Strike Up the Band (1940)

Strike Up the Band Poster

Jimmy and Mary get a group of kids together to play in a school orchestra. A huge contest between schools is coming up and they have a hard time raising money to go to Chicago for the contest.

Overview
"Strike Up the Band" is a dynamic and vibrant musical comedy-drama film launched in 1940 by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Directed by Busby Berkeley, the film stars widely known skills Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. The plot primarily revolves around a high school trainee who tries to form a big band, thereby offering young and vibrant musical performances along with an engaging story.

Plot
Rooney stars as Jimmy Connors, an extremely enthusiastic and resourceful high school student who imagines becoming a famous artist. He passionately works to form a swing band with his school good friends while concurrently nursing a crush on his good friend, Mary Holden played by Garland.

A pivotal point in the plot comes when a radio show reveals a national contest for trainee orchestras, offering a grand cash prize in addition to a chance to carry out with Paul Whiteman's band. Seeing this as his golden opportunity, Jimmy takes charge to rally his pals and their town, developing a strategy to raise cash to travel for the competitors.

Character Progression and Conflict
Jimmy encounters various difficulties along this journey, including an absence of assistance from school authorities, a background of monetary challenge, and the majority of substantially, a catastrophe casting a shadow over his musical aspirations. The latter being the major disease of his best friend and band member, Willie Brewster, who is identified with an uncommon heart disease. This emotional arc is linked with the fervently passionate musical journey, mixing well with the perky performances, and adding a touching layer of depth to the characters.

There is likewise a romantic subplot woven into the story where Jimmy is conflicically drawn in to 2 women - his childhood friend and band vocalist Mary, and new girl and rich sponsor, Barbara Frances Morgan. This triangle adds a layer of intricacy to Jimmy's life developing more obstacles for him on his pursuit of his dreams.

Performances and Music
Rooney and Garland command the phase with their fascinating performances, driving the compelling story forward while likewise delivering high-energy musical efficiencies. They impart to the characters a younger passion, ambition, and strength that is contagious and stimulating. Rooney's efficiency as a young dreamer is fascinating, and Garland's representation as a skilled singer who supports and stands by Jimmy is touching.

The music ratings in "Strike Up the Band" are vibrant, reflecting the exuberance of the youth, their aspirations, and their confident hearts. The title track "Strike Up the Band" and the duets by Rooney and Garland add an unique musical appeal to the movie, with numbers like "Do the La Conga" including perky dance routines into the mix.

Conclusion
"Strike Up the Band" is an appealing blend of teenage romance, drama, and dreams encapsulated worldwide of music. The film showcases the indomitable spirit one requires to achieve big dreams, and the power of determination against difficult odds. Coming from an age representing high-spirited younger vigour and musical overindulgence, "Strike Up the Band" stands as a statement to the strength of young dreams and the magical allure of music.

Top Cast

  • Mickey Rooney (small)
    Mickey Rooney
    Jimmy Connors
  • Judy Garland (small)
    Judy Garland
    Mary Holden
  • June Preisser (small)
    June Preisser
    Barbara Frances Morgan
  • William Tracy (small)
    William Tracy
    Phillip Turner
  • Larry Nunn (small)
    Larry Nunn
    Willie Brewster
  • Paul Whiteman (small)
    Paul Whiteman
    Paul Whiteman
  • Margaret Early (small)
    Margaret Early
    Annie
  • Ann Shoemaker (small)
    Ann Shoemaker
    Mrs. Connors
  • Francis Pierlot (small)
    Francis Pierlot
    Mr. Judd
  • Virginia Brissac (small)
    Virginia Brissac
    Mrs. May Holden
  • George Lessey (small)
    George Lessey
    Mr. Morgan