Strike Up the Band (1940) in Color — Starring Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland

Strike Up the Band (1940) — Buy This Classic in Color

Discover Strike Up the Band, Busby Berkeley’s 1940 musical comedy starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland, now available as a professionally colorized version. Own this classic movie in color as a DRM-free MP4 digital download for just €15.00.

Plot Summary

Jimmy Connors is a talented, irrepressibly energetic young drummer who dreams of leading his high school band to victory in Paul Whiteman’s prestigious national radio contest in Chicago, a competition that could launch their musical careers and put their small town on the map. With his best friend, the enormously talented singer Mary Holden, faithfully by his side providing encouragement and her beautiful voice, Jimmy rallies his fellow students with infectious enthusiasm to transform their modest, underfunded school orchestra into a swinging, professional-caliber big band worthy of the national spotlight. But the road to Chicago is paved with every obstacle imaginable: the school has no money for the expensive trip, their well-meaning but cautious principal believes the contest is an irresponsible distraction from academics, and Jimmy’s devoted, protective mother desperately wants her son to abandon his musical dreams and pursue a safe, respectable career in medicine rather than gamble everything on the uncertain, heartbreaking world of show business. Adding emotional complexity to the situation, Mary has been secretly in love with Jimmy for years, but the oblivious young drummer is too consumed by his musical ambitions and too distracted by his flirtation with a glamorous, sophisticated older woman named Barbara Frances to notice the devoted girl who has been his most loyal supporter all along. Undeterred by every setback, the resourceful students devise increasingly creative and hilarious schemes to raise the travel money, organizing shows and dances and benefit concerts that provide the spectacular showcase for Busby Berkeley’s trademark extravagant musical numbers — including an astonishing animated fruit sequence that was revolutionary for its time. When personal tragedy unexpectedly strikes close to home, Jimmy faces his most difficult choice: pursuing the dream he has worked so hard for or doing the right thing and sacrificing everything for someone he loves. This classic movie is a joyous, irresistible celebration of youthful ambition, the bonds of true friendship, and the transformative, healing power of music.

Cast & Crew

Director: Busby Berkeley

Stars: Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, Paul Whiteman, June Preisser, William Tracy, Larry Nunn, Margaret Early, Ann Shoemaker, Francis Pierlot, Virginia Brissac

Mickey Rooney is a whirlwind of energy, talent, and charisma as Jimmy Connors, delivering a performance of such explosive vitality that it practically leaps off the screen. His drumming sequences are genuinely impressive, and his ability to seamlessly combine comedy, drama, and musical performance in a single scene was unmatched by any performer of his generation. Judy Garland is heartbreakingly lovely as Mary Holden, bringing her incomparable voice and genuine emotional depth to a character whose unrequited love provides the story’s most touching and relatable thread. When Garland sings, the entire film stops breathing. Paul Whiteman lends authentic musical authority appearing as himself, June Preisser contributes dazzling acrobatic dancing, and the young ensemble casts an irresistible spell of youthful optimism.

Why Buy This Classic in Color?

Strike Up the Band was originally filmed in black and white, its spectacular Busby Berkeley musical sequences, energetic dance numbers, elaborate stage settings, and the infectious youthful performances all captured in polished MGM photography. This professionally colorized restoration brings frame-by-frame precision to the vibrant stage costumes, the elaborate production numbers that are Berkeley’s trademark, and the infectious energy of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland at their most charming and most talented. The colorized version adds dazzling warmth and visual excitement to this restored classic film, making the already spectacular musical numbers even more vibrant and thrilling. Now also available in colour.

Buy Strike Up the Band in color today for just €15.00. Your DRM-free MP4 download is available for instant access.

Historical Significance

Strike Up the Band was the second of three beloved “backyard musical” films pairing the phenomenally popular team of Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland under the masterful direction of Busby Berkeley, following the smash hit Babes in Arms and preceding Babes on Broadway. The film features one of Berkeley’s most innovative and technically ambitious sequences — an animated fruit orchestra number that pioneered special effects techniques combining live action and animation in ways that were revolutionary for 1940. The Rooney-Garland pairing was one of the most commercially successful and artistically beloved partnerships in Hollywood history, generating enormous box office returns and genuine audience affection. Through colorization, this golden age musical gem is preserved for modern audiences who can experience the extraordinary talents that made these films cultural phenomena.

Technical Details

• Format: MP4 digital download
• Resolution: HD restored
• Colorized: Professionally colorized from original black and white
• Audio: Original mono restored
• Runtime: Approximately 120 minutes
• DRM-free: Yes — watch on any device
• Instant download: Available immediately after purchase
• Price: €15.00

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Movie-Specific Questions

Q: Is this a musical film?
A: Yes, Strike Up the Band is a full-scale musical comedy with numerous elaborate song-and-dance numbers brilliantly choreographed by the legendary Busby Berkeley, featuring memorable performances by both Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland at the absolute peak of their extraordinary youthful talents.

Q: Is Paul Whiteman in this film?
A: Yes, the legendary bandleader Paul Whiteman — known as the “King of Jazz” — appears as himself, presiding over the national band contest that drives the plot. His orchestra also performs in the film, adding authentic musical credibility to the competition sequences.

Q: How does colorization enhance this musical?
A: Colorization transforms Berkeley’s already spectacular musical numbers into even more dazzling visual experiences — the bright costumes, elaborate sets, and innovative special effects sequences gain a vibrant energy that perfectly matches the film’s irresistible spirit of youthful optimism and musical joy.

Digital Download Questions

Q: What format is the download?
A: The film is delivered as an MP4 file compatible with virtually any device or media player.

Q: Is there DRM on the file?
A: No. The download is completely DRM-free so you can watch it on any device without restrictions.

Q: How quickly can I watch after purchase?
A: Your download link is available instantly after payment, so you can start watching within minutes.

Related Colorized Classics

• Born to Dance (1936)
• Follow the Fleet (1936)
• Requiem for a Heavyweight (1962)
• Song of Love (1947)
• The Lavender Hill Mob (1951)