GENE KELLY & JUDY GARLAND: Inside Their SPECIAL BOND

THE THREE-TIME CO-STARS NURTURED A RELATIONSHIP BUILT ON TRUST, RESPECT AND LOVE

- Fortune Benatar

On a trip to New York City in 1950, Judy Garland ducked into a late-night screening of Summer Stock, her third musical co-starring Gene Kelly, at a Times Square theater. “After the film, she exited the theater to thunderous applause,” says film expert David Fantle. “Cheering fans followed her to her car, which had to give her a warm feeling because she’d been away from the screen for over a year.”

Summer Stock, which included Judy’s showstopping number “C’mon, Get Happy,” might never have made it to the big screen without the support of her great friend Gene. Now, a new book, C’mon, Get Happy: The Making of Summer Stock by Fantle and Tom Johnson, tells the story behind the film and shares new details of Judy and Gene’s special friendship.

Judy first laid eyes on Gene singing and dancing in Pal Joey, which debuted on Broadway in 1940. She was very impressed. “She recommended Gene to the studio before anyone knew who he was,” Johnson says.