The Judy Garland Show was a television staple in the early 1960's, featuring one of America's foremost talents in the singing biz. Able to garner some fabulous stars via hr celebrity icon status, Judy's shows were a potpourri of old and the new, the standards and the innovative, merging together for one enjoyable ride. This is clearly evident in her "The Christmas Show" episode from the series, released on DVD.

Guest stars of Jack Jones and Mel Torme spotlight the various numbers that inhabit this 50 minute special of song and dance. Jack's number with Judy and Liza is priceless, even though it was clearly evident he was looking at cue cards constantly. Mel's rendition of his song with Judy  "The Christmas Song", is quite touching, with Judy making a small error in the lyrics and Mel playfully pointing it out. Great television!

Lisa's "Steam Heat" dance number still rocks the house, with her partner "and beau" Tracy Everitt, and her pairing with her mother made for a terrific combo whenever the two sang together. Judy's youngest kids, Lorna and Joey, each get their own spotlight as well, although Joey's life as a singer was clearly at odds with his somewhat painful rendition of "Where is Love?". God bless him for trying that song as a seven year old!

However, it's Judy that steals her own show. Every time the camera land on her, she a delight to watch. Equally at ease singing a solo, or handing the scene over to another performer, Judy's joy of music is evident. Just watch her as her kids sing, or as Mel or Jacks sings; she's positively, genuinely radiant. Which is even more of a feat considering the country was reeling from the assassination of JFK just a week before.

Judy's Christmas special is one that I'll watch every season, once, twice, and even three times. We all miss Judy, but we can have a little piece of her, in our living rooms, every holiday season.
The Judy Garland Show was a television staple in the early 1960's, featuring one of America's foremost talents in the singing biz. Able to garner some fabulous stars via hr celebrity icon status, Judy's shows were a potpourri of old and the new, the standards and the innovative, merging together for one enjoyable ride. This is clearly evident in her "The Christmas Show" episode from the series, released on DVD. Guest stars of Jack Jones and Mel Torme spotlight the various numbers that inhabit this 50 minute special of song and dance. Jack's number with Judy and Liza is priceless, even though it was clearly evident he was looking at cue cards constantly. Mel's rendition of his song with Judy  "The Christmas Song", is quite touching, with Judy making a small error in the lyrics and Mel playfully pointing it out. Great television! Lisa's "Steam Heat" dance number still rocks the house, with her partner "and beau" Tracy Everitt, and her pairing with her mother made for a terrific combo whenever the two sang together. Judy's youngest kids, Lorna and Joey, each get their own spotlight as well, although Joey's life as a singer was clearly at odds with his somewhat painful rendition of "Where is Love? ". God bless him for trying that song as a seven year old! However, it's Judy that steals her own show. Every time the camera land on her, she a delight to watch. Equally at ease singing a solo, or handing the scene over to another performer, Judy's joy of music is evident. Just watch her as her kids sing, or as Mel or Jacks sings; she's positively, genuinely radiant. Which is even more of a feat considering the country was reeling from the assassination of JFK just a week before. Judy's Christmas special is one that I'll watch every season, once, twice, and even three times. We all miss Judy, but we can have a little piece of her, in our living rooms, every holiday season.