Judy In London
Posthumous Tributes
Judy has been celebrated enourmously since her death, especially in London. Notable shows paying homage to Judy include "A Star Is Torn", in which Diva's (including Judy) X factor were explored, "Judy" a biographical musical for which leading lady Leslie Mackie received the Laurence Olivier Award, and most recently "Get Happy", where under the premise of rehearsing for a show at the London Palladium, 'Judy' totters onstage in a mink coat, confiding in the audience about her encounters with the press, unsatisfactory love affairs, and struggles with her weight.
There have also been countless Judy Film Seasons in London, including the prestigeous London Film Festival opening of the restored "A Star Is Born" with personal appearance by co-star James Mason in 1983.
The festival which perhaps had the most Judy related events in London was perhaps in June 1999 - April 2000, 30 years after Judy's death. The biggest event of which was the musical salute to Judy Garland at the London Palladium on 27th June 1999. The orchestra was conducted by Mort Lindsey (Judy's musical arranger for her famous 1960/61 world tour starting at the London Palladium).Judy's repertoire was performed by a mix of Judy's associates, younger daughter Lorna, and contemporary celebreties. As with most events like this the final line up of stars differed significantly to the flyer advertising the event. However the night was spectacular and received standing ovations for the endearing Liliane Montavecchi, and for Judy who's recorded voice performed "Over The Rainbow" to the live orchestra accompanyment, and then joined by her daughter Lorna.
The 23rd London Lesbian & Gay Film Festival hosted a series of Judy events and screenings within their season in the Spring 2009.
Among the events were:
1) The London premiere of the documentary "Get Happy"
About a 12 year old boy who is fixated with being a Judy Garland illusionist.
2) "Judy and Liza Live at the London Palladium".
This historic event was recorded for television over two nights in the fall of 1964 and was edited down to drastically fit broadcast schedules. The result is not very representative of the actual nights but does show Judy mustering the energy to wow the audience despite being very ill. Judy succeeds but the discomfort she was suffering is visible too. Liza dances, sings and almost steals the show with her powerhouse performance. Both Mother and daughter are captivating but the recording overall is somewhat dissappointing. Today there is much debate about what was going on those two nights, about Judy's health and medication abuse, and about Liza's journey to become the third legend in the Minnelli clan (Judy, Vincent and Liza). The film festival screening gave newbies the chance to see this historic concert pairing, with a 2009 appreciative audience.
And 3) A special screening of "I Could Go on Singing"
Judy's swansong is the most charming story about a mother reclaiming her son after giving him up for adoption to follow her career as a songbird. The film has a few terriffic concert numbers including the seldom sung 1930's song "Hello Bluebird", and Judy's repertoire staple "By Myself".It was Shot in and arond London in 1962 both in the studio (Shepperton) and at marvellous locations including the London Palladium and Canterbury Cathedral. During the making Judy celebrated her 40th Birthday with her three children and co stars at the sudio. Lorna and Joe can be spotted in the film on the river boat "The King" on which Judy's character (Jenny Bowman) is treating her estranged son Matt played by Gregory Philips to a trip down the river Thames. The screening gave us another chance to see the film on a big screen with other like minded fans.