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Babes in Arms

Play trailer Poster for Babes in Arms 1939,  1h 34m,  Musical Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist 90% 39 Reviews Tomatometer 70% 1,000+ Ratings Popcornmeter
90% Tomatometer 39 Reviews 70% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
Mickey Moran (Mickey Rooney) and Patsy Barton (Judy Garland) are aspiring entertainers and the children of vaudeville performers. Vaudeville is losing its popularity due to the success of the movie business, and Mickey and Patsy's parents are struggling to revitalize its popularity. After deciding to produce their own show in a bid to reach their dreams of stage stardom, the young couple runs into problems, including Mickey's jealous girlfriend and the threat of being sent to a work camp.
Babes in Arms

What to Know

Critics Consensus

With all the adorable gumption of its young stars, Babes in Arms pays thoroughly entertaining tribute to the magic of show business.

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Critics Reviews

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Mildred Martin Philadelphia Inquirer Feb 19, 2021
If the film lacks something of the engaging freshness Babes in Arms had on the stage, it retains the bounce and the breezy comedy. Go to Full Review
Edwin Schallert Los Angeles Times Feb 19, 2021
Babes in Arms wouldn't be so much of a film for the back stage story fundamentally is trite were it not for the animated work of its stars, and the incidental doings. Go to Full Review
Frank S. Nugent New York Times Feb 19, 2021
We definitely don't like the screen play by Jack McGowan and Kay Van Riper. If we must have hokum, let us at least disguise it gracefully, even when it's with music. Go to Full Review
Cinelandia Staff Cinelandia Sep 1, 2022
A first rate musical comedy. [Full review in Spanish] Go to Full Review
Ada Hanifin San Francisco Examiner Feb 19, 2021
Babes in Arms is more than "box office" entertainment. It is the triumphant cry or youth that will carry on when today's stars pale into memories. Go to Full Review
Charles E. Ward Miami Herald Feb 19, 2021
The film has lavish scenes elaborate song and dance numbers and a plausible narrative to string it together. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Jan 27, 2019 The best inspiring musical movie ever made!
Luke M May 2, 2017 My real-time thoughts while watching the movie: - Garland and Rooney were so talented even at a young age - Music performances are great, both the vaudeville and Busby Berkley numbers. - Its philosophy is childish (telling Native Americans to dance away their sadness), but it's kinda fitting for its juvenile subjects. - What kid wouldn't like this, young people rebelling against ignoring & discouraging parents? - ....AAAAANNNNNNDDD, a parade of blackface. So offensive and insensitive it's almost laughable...almost. See more
Finn L Apr 23, 2017 Mickey Rooney steals the show in Babes in Arms, a energetic and charming Rooney/Garland film.
Harry R Apr 17, 2017 A feel good musical tribute to vaudeville and the changes they went through with motion pictures. 1001 movies to see before you die. See more
Draco W Jun 22, 2011 Once you get past that the actors that are suppose to be Teenagers, including Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, look, dress, and sing like 40 plus year olds, this is a great film See more
Theodore M May 7, 2010 It is a joy to see a young Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney together. That is the big draw as otherwise it is a little outdated. My favorite part of the film is them singing "Good Morning". (First and only viewing - 10/29/2010) See more
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Babes in Arms

My Rating

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Cast & Crew

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Busby Berkeley

Director

Mickey Rooney

Michael C. 'Mickey' Moran

Judy Garland

Patsy Barton

Charles Winninger

Joe Moran

Guy Kibbee

Judge John Black

June Preisser

Rosalie Essex

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Babes in Arms

Babes in Arms (1939) Babes in Arms (1939) Babes in Arms (1939) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Mickey Moran (Mickey Rooney) and Patsy Barton (Judy Garland) are aspiring entertainers and the children of vaudeville performers. Vaudeville is losing its popularity due to the success of the movie business, and Mickey and Patsy's parents are struggling to revitalize its popularity. After deciding to produce their own show in a bid to reach their dreams of stage stardom, the young couple runs into problems, including Mickey's jealous girlfriend and the threat of being sent to a work camp.
Director
Busby Berkeley
Producer
Arthur Freed
Screenwriter
Jack McGowan, Kay Van Riper, Anita Loos, Richard Rodgers, Annalee Whitmore
Distributor
Warner Home Vídeo, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Distributing Corp.
Production Co
Metro Goldwyn Mayer
Genre
Musical
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
Oct 13, 1939, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Sep 1, 2008
Runtime
1h 34m
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