Made less than 10 years after Judy Garland’s death, this biopic covers the star’s career before she arrived in the land of Oz. Nostalgically directed by Judy’s contemporary Jackie Cooper, Rainbow provides a restrained insight into the origins of the troubles that beset one of filmdom’s most dynamic entertainers. 

Some of this blame is attributed to Judy’s dysfunctional home-life. Her father’s homosexuality drives her mother to find solace in promoting her daughter's talents, and while there is a temptation to portray Mrs Gumm as the quintessential stage mother, both of Judy’s parents are depicted as being loving and supportive.

If there is a villain in this piece, it's the head of MGM Louis B. Mayer. In an argument with Judy's mother over the welfare of her daughter, Mayer states bluntly that "You are talking about a child. I am talking about a valuable property". Though 'Uncle Louie' is moved to tears when he needs to chastise his child stars, he thinks nothing of feeding Judy pills to control her weight, and other pills to combat their side-effects.  

In the role of Judy Garland, Andrea McArdle doesn’t attempt to mimic Judy’s voice, instead giving her own powerful renditions of such hits as "You Made Me Love You" and "Somewhere Over the Rainbow". Yet she fails to capture any of the star's vivacity. It seems that in the end, Judy’s ruby slippers were just too big for any one talent to fill.