My pick for the most remarkable personality in the history of motion pictures is Judy Garland. She could do it all -- sing, dance, act in comedies or in dramas -- better than anyone else before or since.

Each time I watch one of Garland's many films, I'm amazed at her raw talent. Nobody haunts my movie memories quite like Judy singing "Somewhere over the Rainbow" in The Wizard of Oz. No one makes me laugh more joyously than Judy dressed like a tramp and cavorting with fellow bum Fred Astaire to the tune of “We’re a Couple of Swells” in Easter Parade. And nothing gets my dander up more than remembering Judy’s loss of the Oscar she should have received for her heart-wrenching performance in A Song Is Born. 

I’ve been an avid Judy Garland fan for most of my life. So because a film about Judy (starring Renée Zellweger) has now been released, I’m trying to keep an open mind about it. But I also felt motivated to write the short poem below.

Judy, Judy! We still love you.

Your talent always seems brand new.

Now comes a movie about your life

concerning your last year of strife.

No matter what the critics say,

your shining star will ever stay.

Singing, dancing and acting too –

no one performs them all like you!

*****

Photo: Judy Garland performing "Get Happy" in Summer Stock.