The Harvey Girls

Released Jan 18, 1946

1h 41m

Musical

Comedy

List

100%

12 Reviews

Tomatometer

83%

5,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

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 back 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.

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Jarrod R

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.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

04/05/24

Full Review

Alec B

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/09/24

Full Review

Cole T

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!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

04/19/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Ok so the plot, not the most complex. And the music is great but it's really that one song that really is thrilling. Mostly it's about two performers still early in their careers showing their muscles as movie stars and, yes, actors. Landsbury is just fantastic chewing the scenery in this plum role. It is the granddaughter of her first role as the cheeky maid in Gaslight lol. Total camp. Total commitment. The bad girl with a heart of gold at its peak. More subtle but no less artful, Garland in a more grownup role is beautiful, delicate, and yet makes what could be a cardboard character one of depth and humor. And then there is THAT song. It will never leave your brain.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

01/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

This is such a wonderful movie! The musical numbers and the costumes are so great. So many great actor's and actresses from back in the day are in it, including and starring the great, Judy Garland. It's hard to get 💯 Percent on Rotten Tomatoes but this movie absolutely deserves the high score! It's a fun and colorful look back in time and it's fit for the entire family, so don't exclude the kiddos. I was raised on old movies, this one included and I am so grateful to my Mom for it. There is nothing more comforting and satisfying as watching them again today. "The Harvey Girls" is the best of the best!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

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.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/13/23

Full Review

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George Sidney

Director

Judy Garland

Susan Bradley

John Hodiak

Ned Trent

Ray Bolger

Chris Maule

Preston Foster

Judge Sam Purvis

Virginia O'Brien

Alma

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Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

An ebullient musical with a unique premise.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 21, 2021

Full Review

Mattie Lucas

From the Front Row

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.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 8, 2021

Full Review

Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

A Western fantasia...

Rated: 2/4

Aug 30, 2019

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A lively MGM Western musical.

Rated: B

Jul 19, 2017

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

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.

Rated: B

Apr 22, 2012

Full Review

Nathaniel Rogers

The Film Experience

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.

Rated: B-

Aug 12, 2011

Full Review

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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 back 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
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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