I’m happy to be participating in Love Letters to Old Hollywood‘s Van Johnson Blogathon! I first saw him with Judy Garland in In the Good Old Summertime, so when I saw the number below, I was surprised at his singing and dancing skills! Of course later on I learned that he had been in shows on Broadway before this. I had no idea he was Gene Kelly’s understudy when he’d performed in Pal Joey.
Singin and Dancin!
The Story
Tommy (Gene Kelly) and Jeff (Van Johnson) are on a hunting trip in Scotland. They get lost and happen upon a strange little town that is missing from their map. It is called Brigadoon. They discover that the inhabitants are living as if it is 1754 instead of 1954, due to a sacrifice to keep the town safe from witches. The town only appears for one day each century. Tommy falls in love with an inhabitant of the town (Cyd Charisse) and doesn’t want to leave.
When a disgruntled townsperson tries to leave and ruin their miracle, the townspeople chase him through the woods. Boozed up Jeff accidentally shoots him, thinking he’s a bird. Problem solved, even though he technically murdered someone.
Then his friend Tommy tells him he’s staying in the town. See ya! Jeff convinces him to return with him after telling him what happened in the woods.
The two return to New York, only to go back to Scotland because Tommy is unhappy with his life and wants the girl. He reunites with his love and leaves his friend alone in the woods. End movie.
While the ending seems romantic, I feel bad for Jeff.
Jeff Douglas’ Fate
I often wonder what would have happened to Van’s character after Tommy leaves him. We already know that he’s torn up over accidentally killing someone. That’s never fully explored, but he struggles with how little it matters since the town disappears. Then his best friend abandons him. Seems like he’s going to continue to wrestle with some strong demons between the alcoholism, murder and abandonment.
What’s Lacking
Both Gene Kelly and director Vincent Minnelli pushed hard to film this movie on location, but got stuck with the studio instead to save money. The scenery leaves something to be desired. Minnelli also admitted to losing some enthusiasm for the movie itself since they couldn’t go to Scotland.
The Wit of Jeff Douglas and Van’s Line Delivery
Van’s character in this is so much fun. He’s funny and kind of snarky. He offers a great dynamic to help balance out Gene’s character’s sappy personality.
The exchange between these two is great:
Meg Brockie: I’m highly attracted to you. Why, when I look at you I feel wee tadpoles jumping in my spine.
Jeff Douglas: That’s about as repulsive an idea as I’ve heard in years!
It isn’t only the lines themselves, but Van’s delivery that makes almost everything he says gold. He’s a lot of fun to watch.
What’s in it for Kids
This is a good musical for kids. Mine are particularly fond of all of the animals in this movie. Classic movies that have animals are usually a hit with kids.
Well, that’s about it! Happy Birthday, Van!
You can check out all of the entries for the Van Johnson Blogathon on Love Letters to Old Hollywood’s post.
[mc4wp_form id=”583″]
Buy Brigadoon!
Amazon Video
Nice review! I was lucky enough to see this on the big screen last year and it instantly became one of my favorite moviegoing experiences. I’ve always loved this film, but it became so magical projected in a dark theater. And the audience loved Van! I’m glad you pointed out his line readings because they absolutely killed with the audience I was in.
You do have to wonder what Jeff’s fate was. I used to assume that he joined Tommy in Brigadoon, but I’m not sure anymore. After all, he never could embrace the town like Tommy was able to.
Thanks for contributing to my blogathon!
This film is a treat, but would’ve been so much better if they could have filmed in Scotland. Even so, Van Johnson makes the film for me. As terrific as Gene Kelly is, I feel the film loses something when Van J. isn’t on screen.
Brigadoon is underrated–that Heather On the Hills sequence was so gorgeous. And Van was such a good foil for Gene. Wish they could have made more movies together.