The trick with this film is not to look for anything serious or complicated in it. It is an engaging early 20th century bit of Americana - a charming costume drama peppered with gentle comedy, some fantastic songs, and Judy Garland probably the most comfortable in any role that I have sever seen her play (except, perhaps in "Easter Parade" released 4 years later in 1948). The story is set across a year in the life of the well-to-do "Smith" family from St. Louis. Mary Astor and Leon Ames try to raise their daughters "Esther" (Garland), "Rose" (Lucille Bremer) and the youngest, "Tootie" (Margaret O'Brien), whom I have to say stole most of the scenes the she was in (and I really don't like children in films). It tackles courtship - and a fairly clumsily carried out courtship at that - with Tom Drake ("Truett") and the poor men in the family - son "Lon Jr." (Henry Daniels) and "Grandpa" (Harry Davenport) are consistently run rings around... "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas", "The Trolley Song" and "Skip to My Lou" keep the toes-a-tapping - well maybe not the first one, so much - and the ensemble provide for a colourful, entertaining piece of cinema that Vincente Minnelli can be proud of. Sure it is a bit gloopy at times, but that's part of the overall sentiment of the film so if you have any cynical bones in your body - perhaps this is not for you.