Words and Music

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• In the marketplace, Judy Garland had two discs of the comically cynical "I Wish I Were in Love Again" - the first recorded at her final Decca session on November 15, 1947, a solo accompanied by the husband-and-wife piano duo, Eadie and Rack; Judy's second on MGM Records, her soundtrack duet with Mickey Rooney, prerecorded on May 28, 1948. Judy's Decca side can be compared to an alternate take on her CD box set from MCA, "The Complete Decca Masters (Plus)." The Rooney-Garland match-up shines on two CD releases: the soundtrack from Sony, along with a Rhino collection, "Romantic Duets From M-G-M Classics."
• The vocals by Perry Como and Mel Tormé were not permitted to be included on the MGM soundtrack album. Mr. Como's record label, RCA Victor, issued a single with his commercial recordings of "The Blue Room" and "With a Song in My Heart." Mel, under contract to Capitol Records, waxed another rendition of "Blue Moon." On the Rhino CD, "Mel Tormé in Hollywood," his soundtrack version now is found.
• Cut from the film was the Perry Como rendition of "Lover." However, in the movie trailer, Mr. Como partially sings the waltz. The MGM Studio Orchestra plays "Lover" as the movie's opening credits run. Bonuses on the 2007 DVD, issued by Warner Home Video, include the trailer and footage of Mr. Como's two deleted songs, "Lover" (in a reconstruction of the film's opening) and four takes of "You're Nearer." Audio-only numbers on the DVD include Betty Garrett's complete rendition of "Way Out West (On West End Avenue)," which was shortened in the release print; "My Funny Valentine," sung by Miss Garrett; "My Heart Stood Still" and "I Feel at Home With You," sung by Mr. Como; "Falling in Love With Love," sung by Gene Kelly and Vera-Ellen (probably dubbed by Anita Ellis); an extended version of "Manhattan," sung by Mickey Rooney, Tom Drake and Marshall Thompson; plus an extended version of the sequence comprised of "On Your Toes/The Girl Friend/This Can't Be Love," sung by Eileen Wilson (who dubbed Cyd Charisse), Dee Turnell and chorus.
• Movie Goof (continuity error): At the Hollywood party at Hart's home, he and Judy are singing a duet. Her dress is cinched with a belt in that scene, however, when she sings a solo just after that, the dress is beltless and her waist is a bit wider. Her hair is also longer than the previous scene.