MGM studio had signed Judy Garland to a contract, but didn't quite know how to use her talents, so they loaned her out to Fox for this little film. Little did they know how big an impact she would have in her first major feature-length film. (Never again would they loan her out.) Pigskin Parade concerns a invitation (by mistake) to a small college in Prairie, Texas to play Yale for charity. When they get the invitation, they're ecstatic; they're never told the truth. When their star player is injured, they're in a bind and try to get someone outside of their college to play. But in their quest, they come across Stuart Erwin who can throw a melon like no one's business. (Watch the movie to understand.) They meet him and sister Judy Garland, who are simple country people who ain't never been educated. Get the crux? Stuart Erwin apparently was so good in this film, he earned an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. While this film stretches the viewer's imagination, it sure is fun. Its cast is a virtual who's who of early Hollywood. Jack Haley is the new football coach, who was the future costar of "The Wizard of Oz" with Judy, as the tin woodman. His wife here is played comedienne Patsy Kelly, who is a riot. Betty Grable, Tony Martin, Elisha Cook, Jr. all costar, and Alan Ladd has a bit part, which if you blink you'll miss him. And, Judy has musical numbers, which she knocks out of the park and knocks your shoes off, at the same time. They had to do a retake due to the applause and bravos of "It's Love I'm After," which she sings near the end of the film. For a great old-fashioned film and to witness the beginning of Judy Garland's rise to stardom, this is the film for you.
Review of Pigskin Parade
