Judy Garland – “The Balboa” – Previously Unreleased Alternate Take

Here’s another treasure from the collection of John Newton: A demonstration record that features a partial alternate take of 14-year-old Judy Garland’s first song in a feature film, “The Balboa” from 20th Century Fox’s 1936 musical Pigskin Parade.

Garland fans might have noticed that a few of the lyrics Judy sings don’t match her lip-synching. This is because after the number was filmed the studio (probably the producer or director) decided to change a few of those lyrics. They called Judy back to re-record part of the song.

In the film, Judy sings: “Shake a little bit, Swing a little bit, Break a little bit, Wing a little bit.”

In the original recording, Judy sings: “TRUCK a little bit, Swing a little bit, BUCK a little bit, Wing a little bit.” The lyrics noted in caps match her lip-synching.

“Buck” makes more sense with “Wing” being an obvious reference to “buck and wing” style of dancing.

The change is probably due to the fact that the lyrics are sung so fast that “”buck” sounds like a four-letter-word. Perhaps the Production Code caught it and made them change it or they changed it on their own. We’ll never know.

Also included in the number are the film’s stars: Jack Haley, Patsy Kelly, Betty Grable, Dixie Dunbar, Stuart Erwin, Johnny Downs and The Yacht Club Boys.

For more information about “Pigskin Parade” check out The Judy Room’s Filmography Pages on the film at http://www.thejudyroom.com/pigskinparade.html.

Thank you, John, for sharing more of your wonderful collection!