Review

Made-for-television biographies aren't especially known for their artistic merits unless they happen to be, of late, from HBO. Network movies tend to be glossy, homogenized trite -- which makes this extraordinary biography of legendary singer/actress Judy Garland all the more startling. Perhaps being based on daughter Lorna Luft's memoirs gives it the authenticity and vitality that sets it apart. Perhaps it's Davis' virtuoso, Emmy Award-winning performance as Judy. Whatever it is, the film contains -- as explained in A Star Is Born as to what makes a star -- that undefinable "little something extra." The film traces the rise of Judy from child star (with domineering stage mother) to one of Hollywood's biggest movie stars, and her various, often rocky relationships with her five husbands. Davis is a natural lipsynching Garland's best-loved songs, to the extent that it's easy to forget you're not actually watching the real Judy! Whether phoning JFK at the White House for a little spiritual pick-me-up, or "singing them all" at Carnegie Hall, Davis has the moves, the voice, the temperament, the attitude, the weariness, in fact, everything, that defined America's first multi-medium diva. Young Blanchard sets the story in motion quite nicely as young Judy.