Mickey Rooney has been disgracing papa Henry O'Neill by hanging out in night clubs instead of the Yale Quad, so he ships him out west where he encounters Judy Garland. There are some subplots, but it's mostly about Miss Garland singing Gershwin songs and Rooney mugging.

It's a transitional musical from the Freed unit. MGM had been doing musical extravaganzas in the 1930s, and operettas starring Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy. The Arthur Freed unit was evolving the musical into the new Broadway style, in which the songs advanced or expounded on the plot, instead of stopping the horse race while Jolson did bird imitations. This one has some big musical numbers involving the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, and it has some numbers that comment on the characters' states of mind like "Could You Use Me?", and the lovely "But Not For Me". It also has numbers more suited for a revue like "Biding My Time." So musically it's a mixed bag, except for the fact that it's all Gershwin tunes.

You can't fault any music by George Gershwin, but you can raise your eyebrows at some of the self-indulgent lyrics by Ira Gershwin, full of all-too-clever feminine rhymes instead of honest sentiment -- and some unfortunate arrangements, like an orchestral swing version of "Fascinating Rhythm" that reduces the rhythm to nothing under the Dorsey syrup.

Even so, the enormous energy and talent of Rooney and Garland carry this movie easily over the finish line, and if the production number of "I Got Rhythm" is directed by Busby Berkeley is over the top, the starring pair triumph over its rigorous and meaningless spectacle.

Of the four backyard musicals they shared, the other three being Babes in Arms (1939), Strike up the Band (1940), and Babes on Broadway (1941), this one was definitely the best. Why you may ask? Well, for several different reasons.

One: Mickey was more restrained. His acting always involved extreme mugging to the camera that quite frankly got on my nerves, especially in Babes on Broadway. But he's a little more reserved here. His announcer routine was still annoying and far too long, but it's the only glaring example.

Two: Judy Garland. Her voice and acting ability had reached a new level of maturity in this movie. I loved her sharp wit and clever facial expressions. And she was more beautiful than ever. The best I've ever seen her. You could tell her popularity was rising as she had more presence in this movie than in the other three, and more solo performances.

Three: The plot was better. The other three films had very similar plots, but this one actually took some more liberties and went in a different direction. Instead of putting on a show to form careers, they were trying to save a college. However, the plot is still pretty standard.

Four: The music. An almost entire Gershwin soundtrack, what more could you ask for? All of them were great, but "Embraceable You", my god. I've never heard a more perfect performance. It's most definitely my favorite Garland performance ever.

It's not perfect. There are many parts in the movie I feel are either rushed or not developed enough, and some of the comedy routines get tiring, but despite it's predictable plot, it's a pretty clever and enjoyable movie. And for Garland, she's definitely a Girl I go Crazy over whenever I see her perform.

The plot is virtually the same as in all the other Garland/Rooney movies: Rooney is a ladies man (stop laughing!)and, to tame him, is sent to a dude ranch out west. There he meets mail carrier and (it seems) cook Judy Garland. She hates him, he loves her and after all the predictable complications occur they fall in love leading to the big, elaborate number.

The plot is predictable but the movie is still a lot fun. The script is sharp and quite funny; Garland and Rooney always played off good against each other; a very young Nancy Walker has a bit role and is hilarious whenever she's on screen and it moves fairly quick.

Also seeing Rooney and Garland so young and full of life is always great and the songs are good. There are no real bad ones but "Embracble You" and "I Got Rhythm" are standouts. And the final number is just incredible (although I question the cowboys shooting off round after round of ammunition).

A great little musical. Worth seeing.