75 years of "Meet Me in St. Louis"

Celebrating a Classic Through Pictures

One of the definitive musicals of MGM's Golden Age, as well as a holiday mainstay, "Meet Me in St. Louis" celebrates its 75th birthday this year. To commemorate this special 75th-anniversary event, "Meet Me in St. Louis" is returning to select theaters on December 8 and 11.

Meet Me in St. Louis - 00464643 — The original theatrical one-sheet poster for "*Meet Me in St. Louis*."

This classic piece of Americana, adapted from a series of nostalgic, semi-autobiographical magazine articles by Sally Benson (who later wrote "Viva Las Vegas"), was a lavish production shot in three-strip Technicolor. It was the third film directed by the great Vincente Minnelli, and this picture's massive success catapulted him to the front ranks of directors at MGM, where he would create several other masterpieces over a two-decade career at the studio. More importantly, "Meet Me in St. Louis" would become a signature role for Judy Garland, one which would cement her status as one of Hollywood's greatest talents.

Meet Me in St. Louis - fd-07141942 — An early announcement from the July 14, 1942 issue of The Film Daily – nearly two and a half years before the movie was released! *(Image courtesy of the Media History Digital Library)*

To celebrate this beloved classic, here are some production, publicity, and behind-the-scenes images from the Warner Bros. archives.

Meet Me in St. Louis - 00198123 — A set still of the Smith family living room, taken on March 9, 1944. Note the sheet music for the song "*Meet Me in St. Louis, Louis*" on the piano.

The professional relationship between director Minnelli and Judy Garland soon turned personal, and they would marry in June 1945.

Meet Me in St. Louis - 00238696 — Minnelli on the set with his leading lady, Judy Garland.

Meet Me in St. Louis - s1317-44 — A publicity still of Margaret O'Brien as Tootie Smith and Judy Garland as Esther Smith.

At Minnelli's insistence, eight Victorian homes were constructed from scratch on the MGM backlot for "Meet Me in St. Louis." This street, which would soon be fittingly dubbed "St. Louis Street," was used in countless other movies and TV shows until its unfortunate demolition in 1972.

Meet Me in St. Louis - 00198156 — Minnelli can be seen at right standing up on the camera boom while filming takes place.

Meet Me in St. Louis - 00198247 — Minnelli on the set with the Smith parents, played by Leon Ames and Mary Astor.

Composers Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane received an Oscar nomination for "The Trolley Song," one of four in total that the movie received.

Meet Me in St. Louis - 00198176 — Garland performing "The Trolley Song," one of several original songs written for the movie.

Listen to "The Trolley Song" below.

Margaret O'Brien, who plays 'Tootie' Smith, won the Academy Juvenile Award for being the "outstanding child actress of 1944."

Meet Me in St. Louis - 00198242 — O'Brien looking at the original sheet music for the 1904 song that inspired the movie.

Meet Me in St. Louis - 1317-x74 — Minnelli and producer Arthur Freed with the entire Smith family. From left to right: Lucille Bremer, Leon Ames, Mary Astor, Joan Carroll, Minnelli, Judy Garland, Freed, Harry Davenport, Margaret O'Brien, and Henry H. Daniels Jr.

Here is a stunning promotion from the Golden Age of movie exhibition. Even during World War II, gigantic displays like this one at New York City's Astor Theater were still found in America's large cities.

Meet Me in St. Louis - 00198204 — A billboard display of "*Meet Me in St. Louis*" at New York City’s Astor Theater

Get your tickets for "Meet Me in St. Louis" in select theaters near you on December 8 and 11. Watch the trailer below.