We Must Have Music (1942)

Intro to "We Must Have Music"
The short film "We Must Have Music" is a 1942 MGM musical documentary, part of the studio's effort to celebrate and showcase its history of musical films. As a classic example of wartime American movie theater, the film meant to not just captivate however likewise to advise the audience of the universal language of music, especially throughout times of turmoil such as World War II.

Plot and Content Overview
"We Must Have Music" works mostly as a retrospective, reviewing the musical contributions that MGM had made to the film market. Told by composer-conductor, Johnny Green, the movie takes the audience through a series of segments highlighting various aspects of MGM's musical legacy. It features clips from previous MGM musicals, showcasing the skills of stars like Judy Garland, Eleanor Powell, and the Marx Brothers.

In addition, "We Must Have Music" consists of behind-the-scenes video, providing a peek into the filmmaking procedure at the MGM studios. Audiences are treated to views of the orchestration, choreography, and the effort that goes into producing motion picture musicals. These segments help highlight the intricacy of producing such productions for the cinema and generate gratitude for the wide variety of artists included, from composers to dancers.

Tribute to Musical Stars and Composers
The movie likewise acts as a homage to the various MGM stars and authors who had actually affected the musical film category. Famous figures of the era, consisting of Judy Garland singing "Over the Rainbow" from "The Wizard of Oz" and the virtuosic dancing of Eleanor Powell, are highlighted. It highlights the evolution of movie music and the enduring contributions of composers like Irving Berlin and George Gershwin, whose structures became an important part of American culture.

By including these renowned performances and talents, "We Must Have Music" reminds the audience of the cheerful and escapist qualities of musicals. It emphasizes how these films and music acts served as a reassuring existence and an escape from the extreme realities being dealt with outside the theater.

Technological and Artistic Innovations
The documentary likewise pays homage to technological developments and the creative development that MGM musicals gave the market. From the intro of noise in movies to the elaborate choreographed numbers that became a staple of the genre, "We Must Have Music" describes the evolution and significance of music within cinematic storytelling. It shows how MGM continually pushed the limits of what might be performed in movie, both technically and creatively.

Showing the Era's Sentiments
In the age of World War II, when the film was released, the presence of music in individuals's lives was exceptionally poignant. "We Must Have Music" resonates with the belief that in spite of the conflict and difficulties of the times, music was something that could bring solace and unity. This message is a foundation of the film, articulated through both the visual montage of performances and the narrative verifying music's significance.

Conclusion and Impact
"We Must Have Music" might seem on the surface area to be a basic retrospective of MGM's musical achievements, but its much deeper function lies in commemorating and enhancing the function of music during tough times. As a historical piece, it is a rich tapestry that shows the cultural, technological, and psychological landscape of early 1940s America. The film remains a homage to the power of music to influence, comfort, and bring individuals together, showcasing how cinema can perpetuate that power. It is a classic journey that honors the enduring nature of the musical category and its location in Hollywood history, especially within the tradition of MGM's golden age.

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