While not a sequel to Babes in Arms, it is so similar to it in so many ways as well as Strike up the Band!, Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland's second "Let's Put on a Show!" teaming. Here, they end up in New York and after some initial squabbling and romantic troubles end up putting on a show even bigger (with the help of agent Faye Bainter), so big in fact, you could call this the bionic musical.
Mickey and Judy are exactly the same here, no different in any way. Therefore, it is the musical numbers which stand out, especially "How About You" and "Waitin' For the Robert E. Lee". Rooney scores in drag as Carmen Miranda, and Judy is touching in the otherwise patronizing "Chin Up, Pip Pip, Cheerio!", a tribute to British war orphans which comes out of left field. At least Judy doesn't have to sing a self-effacing song in this one. The other big number, "Hoe Down", is imaginative, if corny. Of the supporting cast, Virginia Weidler stands out, keeping the hammy Rooney on his toes.
Mickey and Judy are exactly the same here, no different in any way. Therefore, it is the musical numbers which stand out, especially "How About You" and "Waitin' For the Robert E. Lee". Rooney scores in drag as Carmen Miranda, and Judy is touching in the otherwise patronizing "Chin Up, Pip Pip, Cheerio!", a tribute to British war orphans which comes out of left field. At least Judy doesn't have to sing a self-effacing song in this one. The other big number, "Hoe Down", is imaginative, if corny. Of the supporting cast, Virginia Weidler stands out, keeping the hammy Rooney on his toes.