HAPPY BIRTHDAY JUDY GARLAND!

She may have played the "underdog" in most of her movies, but when it came to careers (especially glittery ones) Judy Garland was on top of it. M-G-M's top star when she first appeared as the naive Dorothy in 1939's "The Wizard of Oz", the performances of Judy only got better and better as she received more praise and more stardom. But as she got older, Judy's unfortunate drug addiction lead to her downfall and death in the late 60s. In praise and memorial of my 2nd favorite actresses' birthday, these are her 5 Greatest Performances of all time.

01. "A STAR IS BORN" (1954)
Judy's best performance is the portrayal of movie star/singer Esther in 1954's spectacular "A Star is Born". Playing a nigh club singer, turned famous when she meets and falls in love with actor Norman Maine (James Mason), Judy gives an ultimately beautiful and magnificent performance, even though in the most depressing time of her life. She gives us a performance to remember; an Oscar worthy performance. Grace Kelly winning the Oscar that year for "The Country Girl" is a crime. 20 minutes into the movie, when Judy sings "The Man That Got Away" in a smoky bar made me realize that she did one of the best performance of ALL TIME.

02. "THE WIZARD OF OZ" (1939)
Judy's first "BIG" movie isn't only a masterpiece, but her performance was naive, sweet and totally surprising for someone her age. The voice, the expressions, no one could have been more perfect for the role of Dorothy. The song "Over the Rainbow" is absolutely immortal and her performance is full of life and fantastic. Not to mention how cute she was!!!

03. EASTER PARADE (1948)
Her charm, her wits, Judy makes me laugh, makes me feel sad for her. Her most "underdog" performance is truly, truly memorable. The songs here are absolutely fantastic, with Judy and Fred Astaire combination, we are given a wonderful, musical delight with such treats as the fluffy holiday tune "Easter Parade", the sentimental "Better Luck Next Time", the zestful "I Love the Piano", the comedic "Couple of Swells" and the stormy "Fella with an Umbrella".

04. MEET ME IN ST. LOUISE (1944)
Judy enchants again with "Meet Me in St. Louis", she giving us another colorful performance, a one to remember for it was her first "grown-up" role. Her performances in the songs were magical as always. Especially "The Trolley Song" and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". But it's Judy's bittersweet attitude and naiveness that makes us love her here so much. So great.

05. THE PIRATE (1948)
Judy's most underrated movie and most underrated performance. I don't understand why people hate this movie. It was funny, glorious and it had Gene Kelly and Judy Garland. Nothing was better to see the two in a comedy. Judy was soooo funny and sooo glorious. I'd love to see this movie again and again and it doesn't deserve all the bad bashing it's received. And the "Be a Clown" finale was just so fun to watch.