New documents unearthed on Judy Garland's life

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Judy Garland's life was run by men. These newly unearthed recordings reveal how

Deep in the San Fernando Valley, there is an unremarkable warehouse where some of the few remaining pieces of Judy Garland’s life are stored. They are kept in cardboard boxes and film cans, never subjected to temperatures above 65 degrees. The rare concert footage and home video recordings have barely been touched since their owner — the performer’s third husband and longtime manager, Sid Luft — died in 2005.

But Luft’s archives were recently, for the first time, made available to a documentary crew that partnered with the trust on a film about Garland’s life. “Sid & Judy,” which will debut tonight on Showtime, is like many portraits of the singer’s life in that it details the struggles she faced: her substance abuse, bouts of depression, five marriages and child custody battles. But by culling from Luft’s collection, the documentary offers a more unvarnished take on Garland’s life than, say, “Judy,” the scripted film currently in theaters that is earning star Renée Zellweger Oscar buzz.

I can't say that I've ever been much of a Judy Garland fan, other than watching The Wizard of Oz as a kid, in addition to her role in Judgment at Nuremberg. But I've always found her story rather sad in her untimely demise.

Of course, she's not the only celebrity to crash and burn. This seems to be a recurring story with a number of celebrities who seemingly have it made - talent, fame, riches - yet still end up like this. I never could understand it. Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Keith Moon - and probably many more I can't think of offhand.

 

[sun rise]

How drugs mess people up was also part of the recent PBS Ken Burns Country Music series. Talent and fame attract those who would tempt people and try to tear them down into becoming drug addicts. And even worse, the pressure to use drugs to keep going due to the demands of the business.

I'm thrilled beyond measure that my lack of talent resulted in never having to face the temptation and pressure that she and others succumbed to.

 

[BSM1]

Judy Garland's life was run by men. These newly unearthed recordings reveal how



I can't say that I've ever been much of a Judy Garland fan, other than watching The Wizard of Oz as a kid, in addition to her role in Judgment at Nuremberg. But I've always found her story rather sad in her untimely demise.

Of course, she's not the only celebrity to crash and burn. This seems to be a recurring story with a number of celebrities who seemingly have it made - talent, fame, riches - yet still end up like this. I never could understand it. Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Keith Moon - and probably many more I can't think of offhand.

Along these lines, if you're not familiar with the "27 Club" you might want to look it up.

 

[Brickjectivity]

Judy Garland's life was run by men. These newly unearthed recordings reveal how



I can't say that I've ever been much of a Judy Garland fan, other than watching The Wizard of Oz as a kid, in addition to her role in Judgment at Nuremberg. But I've always found her story rather sad in her untimely demise.

Of course, she's not the only celebrity to crash and burn. This seems to be a recurring story with a number of celebrities who seemingly have it made - talent, fame, riches - yet still end up like this. I never could understand it. Jim Morrison, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Elvis Presley, Keith Moon - and probably many more I can't think of offhand.

I read a memoir by Debbie Reynolds (Carrie Fisher's mom by the way). Fascinating. She kept marrying guys who tried to steal her money. It was so...hard to believe, but it somewhat aligned with what you said in the OP. I'm not saying I didn't believe it. I'm saying it was like...why would someone let someone do that to them? I don't know how people think.