Director Vincente Minnelli
First released 1944 (Cert U)
The story of the Smith family - the lives and loves of the four Smith daughters, growing up in St Louis at the beginning of the 20th century.
Story
A story of the Smith family living in St Louis just after the turn of the century. Split into seasons and filmed in incredible Technicolor the film follows the family, in particular the four daughters to showcase a heart-warming and nostalgic snapshot into midwestern American life.
Why we chose it
Fundamentally Meet Me in St Louis is a coming of age story, and a story of family – with the glossy Hollywood sheen. If you take away the glamour it’s something we can all relate to – fear of moving, worries about growing up, first loves, and sticking together when things get tough. In 1994 the film was deemed “culturally significant” by the Library of Congress in the USA.
Where it came from
The film was adapted from a series of short stories written by Sally Benson called 5135 Kensington which was published in New Yorker.
Where it went next
The film was remade for television in 1959 and again in 1966. The song Have yourself a Merry Little Christmas remains in current circulation.
Associated stories
Minelli directed a number o hugely successful Hollywood film including An American in Paris and Brigadoon.
Director Vincente Minnelli
First released 1944 (Cert U)