Little Nellie Kelly

Watch Little Nellie Kelly

  • Passed
  • 1940
  • 1 hr 38 min
  • 6.4  (689)

Little Nellie Kelly is a 1940 musical film directed by Norman Taurog and starring Judy Garland, George Murphy, and Charles Winninger. The film follows the story of an Irish-American family living in New York City during the 19th century. The story begins with Jerry Kelly (George Murphy), a wealthy businessman, telling his daughter, Little Nellie Kelly (Judy Garland), the story of her mother, also named Nellie Kelly (played by Garland as well). The elder Nellie Kelly was a beautiful and headstrong Irish girl who fell in love with Jerry's father, Michael Kelly (also played by Winninger).

The story then flashes back to the late 1800s, where the elder Nellie Kelly is living in an Irish slum with her mother and siblings. She meets and falls in love with Michael, who is also from an impoverished family. However, Michael's father disapproves of the match, and the two are separated.

Years later, the elder Nellie Kelly is living in New York City and is engaged to a wealthy man, Dennis Fogarty (played by Arthur Shields). However, she still yearns for Michael and is torn between the two men. When Michael unexpectedly reappears in her life, she must make a choice between love and financial security.

Meanwhile, the younger Nellie Kelly is also facing her own romantic troubles. She has been in love with Dennis Fogarty's son, Jerry, since childhood, but Jerry is engaged to a high-society girl named Virginia. However, after Nellie saves Jerry from a fire, he realizes his true feelings for her and the two get engaged.

The film culminates in a happy ending for both Nellie Kellys. The elder Nellie Kelly chooses love over money and reunites with Michael, while the younger Nellie Kelly marries Jerry and the two families come together in celebration.

The film features many classic songs, including "Singin' in the Rain," "It's a Great Day for the Irish," and "A Pretty Girl Milking Her Cow." Judy Garland's singing and comedic talent are on full display, and George Murphy provides a charming and charismatic leading man.

Overall, Little Nellie Kelly is a feel-good musical with a heartwarming story and lively songs. It showcases the talents of its stars and provides a glimpse into Irish-American life in the late 19th century.

Little Nellie Kelly
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Description
  • Release Date
    1940
  • MPAA Rating
    Passed
  • Runtime
    1 hr 38 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.4  (689)