Babes in Arms

film by Berkeley [1939]

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July 15, 2026

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Babes in Arms is a 1939 American musical film directed by Busby Berkeley. It was the first film to star Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland together, launching them as a popular screen team. The movie is based on the Rodgers and Hart musical of the same name and was a significant box-office success. The film is known for its energetic performances by Rooney and Garland, showcasing their talents in song and dance. Busby Berkeley was a renowned choreographer and director celebrated for his innovative camera techniques and elaborate dance numbers, which he revolutionized in the musical film genre during the Great Depression era.123

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Busby Berkeley
Later films
His inaugural project was Babes in Arms (1939), a great box-office success and the first of the Mickey Rooney–Judy Garland star vehicles, based on the Rodgers and Hart musical. Fast and Furious (1939) was the last entry in a short-lived series about a rare-book dealer and his wife (Franchot…
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His inaugural project was Babes in Arms (1939), a great box-office success and the first of the Mickey Rooney–Judy Garland star vehicles, based on the Rodgers and Hart musical. Fast and Furious (1939) was the last entry in a short-lived series about a rare-book dealer and his wife (Franchot…
Read More

Arthur Freed
…Rooney and Judy Garland, including Babes in Arms (1939), Strike Up the Band (1940), and Girl Crazy (1943). His production of Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) marked a turning point for Freed. It was the first in a string of influential musicals made with the Technicolor process and big-name…
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…Rooney and Judy Garland, including Babes in Arms (1939), Strike Up the Band (1940), and Girl Crazy (1943). His production of Meet Me in St. Louis (1944) marked a turning point for Freed. It was the first in a string of influential musicals made with the Technicolor process and big-name…
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Mickey Rooney
…series of breezy musicals, including Babes in Arms (1939), Strike Up the Band (1940), Babes on Broadway (1941), and Girl Crazy (1943). Seemingly blessed with an endless supply of energy and talent, Rooney was one of the top 10 box-office stars from 1938 to 1943, heading the list in 1939,…
Read More
…series of breezy musicals, including Babes in Arms (1939), Strike Up the Band (1940), Babes on Broadway (1941), and Girl Crazy (1943). Seemingly blessed with an endless supply of energy and talent, Rooney was one of the top 10 box-office stars from 1938 to 1943, heading the list in 1939,…
Read More