Watch Listen, Darling

Listen, Darling is a timeless classic from the year 1938, with a notable cast consisting of Freddie Bartholomew, Judy Garland, and Mary Astor. The story is centered around a young girl, ‘Patsy’, who lives with her mother ‘Granny’ in a small apartment in New York City. Patsy is a very charming and clever girl who has an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and learning, but above all, she truly cherishes her dear Granny who is the light of her life.

As Patsy grows, her innocent misconceptions cause uproarious confusion for the adults who try to understand and follow her unique reasoning. Despite her young age, Patsy has an ear for the most important thing in life - family love. Consequently, when her mother accepts a job offer in Hollywood, Patsy pleads that they stay in New York so they won’t have to leave Granny behind.

Upon learning that their move to Hollywood is inevitable, Patsy and Granny hatch a plan to ensure that they can reunite with their family. While Patsy is upset about the move, she manages to find solace in the arms of a new friend she makes in Hollywood, Buzz, played by Freddie Bartholomew. Buzz is the handsome, resourceful son of a Hollywood producer, who has a heart of gold and an instant connection with Patsy.

As Patsy and Buzz’s friendship blossoms, they both have some hard lessons to learn about honesty, loyalty, and relationships. At the same time, Patsy is determined to find a way to get Granny to Hollywood, even if that means hacking her way onto a movie set or sneaking backstage to deliver a message.

Listen, Darling is not your typical Hollywood production from the 1930s. It is unique in its approach to the struggles of family life and the bonds that can never be broken. Despite the inevitable conflicts between the generations, Listen, Darling manages to retain an innocent, lighthearted tone throughout.

The musical numbers are simply stunning, with Judy Garland delivering her memorable performances that would become a hallmark of her career. However, these songs are not merely added for effect; they serve to enhance the storyline and add emotional depth to the film. The musical score is fantastic and helps bring the movie’s themes and messages to life.

Aside from the music, the movie’s cast is phenomenal, delivering some of the most charming comedic and dramatic performances of the era. Freddie Bartholomew, in particular, stands out for his endearing portrayal of Buzz, the Hollywood scion who finds himself hopelessly smitten with Patsy. His chemistry with Judy Garland is undeniable and adds a great deal to the film’s already impressive performances.

Mary Astor as Patsy’s vain mother adds an interesting dynamic to the film’s characters, as there is a clear generational divide between her and her daughter. Despite her superficiality at the surface level, her love for her daughter is genuine, and she learns the hard way the importance of putting family first. Judy Garland’s performance as Patsy is electric, showcasing her incredible talents as both a singer and an actress.

Overall, Listen, Darling is a classic movie that showcases the best of what the Golden Age of Hollywood has to offer. With an exceptional cast, unforgettable musical numbers, and meaningful life lessons, this film is a must-see for anyone looking to be entertained and inspired.

Listen, Darling is a 1938 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 14 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.