[Steve]

Wife and I really enjoyed this American Masters Judy Garland bio. Lots of information I was unaware of, including how poorly she was treated by MGM. Some great performance footage as well.

It's airing two more time on PBS. Today, Sunday 6/24, at 12:30PM EDT and overnight at 1:30AM

 

[Supramom2000]

I think I've seen something similar long ago. I remember something about how poorly she was treated for the mega star she seemed to be. And I think it factored into her depression.

 

[Steve]

According to her memoirs, as a young teen, they had her filming one movie and afterwards rehearsing the next movie the same day, often resulting in 4 hours sleep. They'd then feed the cast "pep" pills during the day to keep them going, and sleeping pills to make sure they want to sleep right away, day after day.

 

[Drew2k]

The studios in that era had all the power ... ALL of it. The studios basically owned contract performers and could dictate everything. What an amazing transformation from then to now.

 

[Supramom2000]

The studios in that era had all the power ... ALL of it. The studios basically owned contract performers and could dictate everything. What an amazing transformation from then to now.

Certainly makes me wonder if a few superstars would have lived longer: Marilyn and Judy to name two.