vincentlynch-moonoi Interesting how varied our reviewers look at this film. I liked many things in it, but overall, the way it was set up in the early going, I don't think it works.What I mean by that is that in the early parts of the film, Judy Garland seems like a young kid with the typical dreams of Broadway. Okay. Along comes Broadway director Van Heflin to visit his mother in the same town. Judy has a way to get to Broadway now...albeit not a smooth ride. Okay. The suddenly she and Heflin are falling in love. He seems way too old for Judy who seemed like a kid just a few scenes back. It really bothered me. Not morally, since she was of age. But it just doesn't quite work. And, Heflin dislikes Judy way too much in the beginning of the film to then fall in love with her. In fact, I don't think this film really works for Heflin, particularly early on.Nevertheless there are some things I liked very much. Judy has several great musical numbers here. A scene with Judy and Connie Gilchrist is quite touching. The plot after reaching New York City improves, despite the off-kilter beginning.Judy Garland is very good here as the young hopeful Lily Mars. Her singing is impressive. Van Heflin (as the director) doesn't seem right for the part, but could have been; I blame poor direction and scripting in the early part of the film. Fay Bainter, a favorite character actor of mine, has a small but good part and Heflin's mother. Similarly, Spring Byington has a decent but small part as Garland's mother. Richard Carlson is Heflin's best friend and associate, and is fine. Connie Gilchrist was great in terms of singing, but I disliked her character...but I guess I was supposed to.Take away the first quarter of the film, and it's quite good. Certainly worth watching.

jfarms1956 Presenting Lily Mars is a film which is principally geared for the baby boomers and possibly those over 40. It is not a prime time movie, but would be best enjoyed either in the afternoon or real late at night. Judy Garland is charming in this film She and the remainder of the cast interplay well. I love Spring Byington in this movie and anytime I see her. I find her charming no matter what's she's in. The background music is perfect. The plot is so so, but most 1940 movies don't have good plots. Van Heflin is also good in this movie. I always enjoy the extra entertainment in the 1940s films which have big bands playing in them as an act; and Tommy Dorsey & his Orchestra certainly qualifies as a big band. Grab you popcorn and sit down for some entertainment. Enjoy.

MartinHafer I must admit, I am not a huge musical fan. Now I am not saying I dislike them--it's just that sometimes films have singing that works well and sometimes it doesn't. While Judy Garland's singing in "Presenting Lily Mars" is quite good (as always), the rest of the music really isn't all that good and slows down the film. Too often, there is operatic singing that made my ears ache--and I couldn't resist using the remote to skip a couple of them. It's a shame, as when the singing stops, the film really is a lot of fun.Judy plays the title character--a star-struck young lady who wants to make it on Broadway in the worst way. Unfortunately for a producer (Van Heflin), she decides that he is her best prospect and she spends much of the film badgering him to notice her and give her a chance. If you think about it, the film seems to endorse the idea of stalkers! Regardless, Judy is so cute that he and the audience can't resist and he decides to give her a small part in his next show. Not surprisingly, romance soon blooms between them. And, I must admit that the comedy and romance both worked very well. Too bad it was also a musical. Overall, it's well worth seeing despite the flaws--especially if you are a Judy Garland fan. I liked it and sure wanted to see more of the scenes between Judy and Van.

edwagreen In this 1943 film, Judy Garland is deemed not to be ready for the big-time yet by the man who loves her-Van Heflin. This film was certainly a big change for Mr. Heflin, especially after his supporting Oscar win the year before in "Johnny Eager."Wasn't Spring Byington too old to be the widowed mother of 5 children, with four of them appearing to look like her grandchildren?The singing and dancing are just marvelously staged but the way that the blossoming romance between Heflin and Garland was depicted left a lot to be desired. It was a Gigi-like one where a young girl is eventually swept off her feet by a charmer.