A G.I. en route to Europe falls in love during a whirlwind two-day leave in New York City.
Direction
Minnelli's debut—Penn Station becomes romantic cathedral.
Acting
Garland sans musical numbers, proving she didn't need them.
Cinematography
Shadowy midnight milk truck ride: pure American neorealism.
Director
Vincente Minnelli
Judy Garland
Alice Maybery
Robert Walker
Corporal Joe Allen
James Gleason
Al Henry
Keenan Wynn
The Drunk
Lucile Gleason
Emily Henry
Marshall Thompson
Bill
Ruth Brady
Helen
Chester Clute
Michael Henry
Dick Elliott
New Jersey Man at Penn Station
Moyna MacGill
Patron at Diner
Ruby Dandridge
Milk Customer
Ray Teal
Policeman
Robert Emmett O'Connor
Policeman (uncredited)
Terry Moore
Girl at Museum (uncredited)
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Minnelli replaced the original director after Garland demanded someone who understood actors. She'd divorce him four years later.
Shot during actual WWII with real soldiers as extras—Garland's tears in the final scene hit different knowing the audience was full of women waiting for their own Joes.
US
