The Other Side of the Rainbow: With Judy Garland on the Dawn Patrol

I adore Judy Garland. (I also appreciate Mel Torme's singing.) She is one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th Century. That said, this book is a journal of what a nightmare it can be like dealing with what the French correctly call a "sacred monster". Torme doesn't tarnish Judy's legacy. Here he harshly but honestly illuminates a dark corner of her life. She wasn't perfect. By this time of her life, she was somewhat impossible to work with: like an injured creature, wounding those around her. This isn't an easy read for many Garland fans, I know. But it is a valuable contribution to understanding her.

Supremely interesting book if you're a fan of Judy Garland and wish to know more about her acclaimed television series and simultaneous tragic mistreatment at the hands of CBS studio execs. No surprises in the book with regards to revelations regarding Judy Garland's addictions and at-times unprofessional behavior, traits well-documented by countless other sources. What was surprising, however, was the apparent extent to which Mr. Torme had bitter feelings towards Ms. Garland. "Catty" remarks (meOOOOW...pfft pfft!!) litter the pages, and Torme seems to absolutely revel in relaying some of the cruel, and at times crude comments he overheard directed towards his boss (Judy in fact owned the rights to her show). No gentleman, here. Torme also often comes off a bit full of himself. Two examples (out of many): at one point he sulks over Frank Sinatra's "insufficient" praise of his singing ability after Sinatra and Garland attend one of his nightclub performances; another time, when Judy asks him if he agreed with her that Jack Jones was the greatest male jazz singer, he decided to "play it cute" and place his hand over his heart and answer "Well, now that you ask, no, I don't"...this right after he manages to inform the reader that Jack Jones had stated in print AND on television (my emphasis) that Mel Torme was his favorite "jazz-oriented" male singer. Wow!!!! Finally, Torme's writing style tends towards the "cute" and he strives too too too hard to be hip, making extended reading sessions unbearable; for that reason this book is best read a chapter at a time. Interesting aside; this book first came out in 1970, the year after Judy Garland's death. That fact alone speaks volumes about the man.

Judy Garland's tv series of the 1960's is in the spotlight as Mel Torme tells the story of Judy & the show from his perspective. Torme tells the story with frankness and reveals both a negative side of Miss Garland and a sad one. Her middle-of-the-night calls to talk her insomnia away, her drug use, and dislike of Mr. Torme make for a juicy, nostalgic trip. How, no matter what condition she was in or how little rehearsal she had, she still performed like the pro she was is shared with readers without bias (and we thought they looked so happy together in that Christmas show!). The show has long been cancelled and both beloved performers are gone now. But luckily this piece of them remains. More than just a book, it's a piece of Americana - a piece of history - and a piece of time in the lives of all of us who remember them. A must for any Garland or Torme fan.

Torme really had a way with words (hence 'The Xmas Song'). A real shame that this book is not currently available. I think it must have made him a lot of enemies. He's honest about both the difficulties and blessings of working with the complex, troubled and gifted woman that was Frances Gumm/Judy Garland...

Mel Torme's writing skills create a fascinating and devasting tale. Although he himself was an unabashed fan of Garland's, his observations jive unfortunately with other reports of Judy's very bad, often psychotic behavior. I am a huge fan of both Torme and Garland, but truth be told Judy got sicker and sicker mentally and physically throughout the 60's.Others have described almost the same thing. If his prose tends to be a bit innocent, well he is probably painting a rosier picture of his own behavior. But that doesn't detract from the blow-by-blow descriptions of Judy's paranoia, neediness, demands, and unwillingness to cooperate and be part of a team. She is far from innocent and made life hell for plenty besides Torme.She was also brilliant, tremendously talented and capable, and Torme makes a point of giving a fair even portrait of this very troubled soul. If you like show biz books, give this book a chance and accept Judy, warts and all. Mel Torme is a terrific writer. All of his books are wonderful reading.