Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland in STRIKE UP THE BAND Available on Blu-ray From Warner Archive

Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland in STRIKE UP THE BAND is currently available on Blu-ray From Warner Archive. Ordering information can be found HERE

Among cinema’s many treasures, few are as delightfully entertaining as the musical pairings of Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney. Strike Up the Band is one of the brightest results of that talented collaboration. Brimming with youthful high spirits, Mickey and Judy are effervescent as high school kids who are ready and eager to climb the long ladder of success. He’s an energetic bandleader, she’s his lovelorn singer. Together, they sing and dance their way to the top, with a few bumps along the way! Of course, the film abounds in musical riches, from a rousing “Drummer Boy,” performed by Mickey and Judy, to Judy’s plaintive rendition of “(I Ain’t Got) Nobody.” There’s an all-out musical tribute to that forties dance craze, the conga (“Do the La Conga!”), and a stirring patriotic finale to the title song.

Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland stick their landings as one of the greatest cinema pairings in movie history with this delightful Busby Berkeley directed follow-up to their smash hit, Babes in Arms. Mickey plays Ravenwood High School student Jimmy Connors, who is confidant the Ravenwood High band is the best in the nation. Judy plays his “gal”, Mary Holden, who is confident Jimmy is right – provided she does the work to prove it! As Jimmy and Mary prepare the kids for their big break auditioning for legendary band leader Paul Whiteman (himself), life throws a curveball at the kids in the band.

Special Features: Introduction to the Film by Mickey Rooney (HD); Pete Smith Specialty Comedy Short “Wedding Bells”; Cartoon “Romeo in Rhythm”; “Do the La Conga” Stereo Remix Version (HD); “Leo is on the Air” Radio Promo; “Millions for Defense” (Audio Only); Lux Radio Theater 1940 Broadcast; Theatrical Trailer (HD)