The Harvey Girls has a narrative that’s unclear to say the least.
But it does have an accomplished cast, a number of wonderful songs and ensemble pieces, and Judy Garland.
She does not overshadow her castmates, who all have significant opportunities to shine in their own rights; the signature Atcheson, Topeka, And Santa Fe number goes for over six minutes or so and Judy does not appear until half-way through that.
But she does elevate the whole movie and provides it with an earnest emotional centre that the screenplay would not earn by itself.
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