The Harvey Girls (1946) Review in 2025
The Harvey Girls is a classic musical romantic comedy set in the 1920s, following the story of three young women who become waitresses at a train station in Kansas, where they get caught up in a romance with a handsome young man.
Family-Friendly Rating
Is this movie suitable for family viewing?
This movie is suitable for all ages and is a great choice for families who enjoy classic musicals and romantic comedies.
CineReview Recommendation
This movie is worth watching for fans of classic musicals and romantic comedies. It's a fun and engaging film with memorable songs and a charming cast of characters. However, it's not particularly original or complex, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped.
Spoiler Alert!
Hover to reveal spoiler summary
The movie revolves around the story of Susan Bradley, a young woman who joins the Harvey Girls, a group of women who work as waitresses at a train station in Kansas. She falls in love with a young man named Steve, but their romance is complicated by the fact that Steve is already engaged to another woman. Meanwhile, Susan and her friends, including a sassy and charming woman named Vicki, get caught up in a series of misadventures as they try to navigate their relationships and find their place in the world.
Review Details
story8.00/10
The story is engaging and fun, with a clear narrative that explores themes of love, friendship, and self-discovery. However, the plot is not particularly complex or original, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped.
acting8.00/10
The acting is generally strong, with Judy Garland delivering a standout performance. However, some of the supporting actors feel a bit wooden, and the chemistry between the leads can feel a bit forced at times.
characters7.50/10
The main characters are well-developed and relatable, with Judy Garland shining as the lead. However, some of the supporting characters feel like cardboard cutouts, and the romance between the leads can feel a bit forced at times.
direction8.50/10
The direction is top-notch, with George Sidney bringing a sense of energy and enthusiasm to the film. The musical numbers are cleverly choreographed and feature memorable songs, and the cinematography is beautiful and evocative.
cinematography9.00/10
The cinematography is stunning, with beautiful shots of the Kansas landscape and clever use of lighting and composition. The color palette is vibrant and appealing, and the overall visual style is engaging and immersive.
Pros and Cons
Pros
The Harvey Girls is a fun and engaging film with memorable songs and a charming cast of characters. The direction is top-notch, and the cinematography is stunning. Judy Garland shines as the lead, and the movie is a great choice for families who enjoy classic musicals and romantic comedies.
Cons
The plot is not particularly complex or original, and some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. The romance between the leads can feel a bit forced at times, and some of the supporting actors feel a bit wooden.
Notable Quotes
"I'm not a singer, I'm a waitress!"
"I'm not a waitress, I'm a Harvey Girl!"
"You're a real sport, Steve!"
