C/MD/32. The idea of "home" as utopia in war time musicals with reference to Vincente Minnelli's 'Meet me in St Louis' (1944).

The study focuses on the nature and characteristics of war time musicals that seem to have a conspicuously dramatic content and exaggerated show of emotions. Some of the common features of all war time musicals are highlighted although special focus here is on Vincente Minnelli's Meet Me in St. Louis which is marked by its use of colour and luxurious settings. The central theme of the movie is a sense of nostalgia with overt sentimentality that seems to be revealed through the visuals and the music and several songs that are theme based contextual and express colourful and sometimes joyous emotions. The analysis here is however on the central concept and them of the movie which is based on relocation or change when the family shown here decides to leave St. Louis for New York. The deep disappointment at having to move to a different place and the possibility of breaking relationships and friendships pervade through the movie and are seen in all characters suggesting the deep psychological needs for a stable home life. Other psychological dimensions of the human mind such as childhood repression and hidden wishes are also used successfully in the movie. Although the story of the movie could have been more inspiring, the handling of the themes reveals Minnelli's expertise in visual presentation of musicals.