The life of Judy Garland was not an easy one. The actress, best known for playing Dorothy in THE WIZARD OF OZ, was in the entertainment business for her entire life, but constant criticism from studio executives combined with alcohol and substance abuse led to a life cut short. Renée Zellweger (HERE AND NOW) stars as the iconic entertainer in JUDY, which primarily takes place during Garland's five-week run at The Talk of the Town in 1968. Even during battles with the management and struggling with a weakened voice, Garland still manages to charm musicians and reminisce with friends and adoring fans. Zellweger is clearly giving the role her all here, and she's quite impressive, but will it mean Oscar-buzz or simply another forgotten biopic?
The official synopsis for JUDY:
Winter 1968 and showbiz legend Judy Garland arrives in Swinging London to perform a five-week sold-out run at The Talk of the Town. It is 30 years since she shot to global stardom in The Wizard of Oz, but if her voice has weakened, its dramatic intensity has only grown. As she prepares for the show, battles with management, charms musicians and reminisces with friends and adoring fans, her wit and warmth shine through. Even her dreams of love seem undimmed as she embarks on a whirlwind romance with Mickey Deans, her soon-to-be fifth husband. Featuring some of her best-known songs, the film celebrates the voice, the capacity for love, and the sheer pizzazz of “the world’s greatest entertainer.”
JUDY will hit theaters on September 27, 2019.
