I’m sensing a theme… I’ve been musically minded lately (see here and here), so I thought I’d come full circle. So here’s a round-up of fun musical clips from librarian films to perk up your day… or night.
Note: Some of the films are musicals (Good News, Strike Up the Band), some are not (Party Girl, You’re a Big Boy Now). Clips arranged below in chronological order.
Strike Up the Band (1940):
Sample lyrics from the song “Nobody,” performed by Judy Garland as she closes up the public library. The uplifting (!) lyrics include:
I’m just living in a lull / And I’ll confess it’s mighty dull / … But I ain’t got nobody and nobody’s got me
Good News (1947):
I had to search a bit to find an online clip of “The French Lesson,” performed by June Allyson and Peter Lawson. This song also takes place while closing up the library, this time a college library. Interestingly, the film’s original theatrical trailer includes just about every song in the movie EXCEPT the one in the library.
The Music Man (1962 and 2003):
Of course! Repeat after me now:
Marian. The. Librarian.
You’re humming this tune right now, right? No, just me? Ok, sure. ♪ ♫ ♪ And, sorry, not able to confirm nor deny any accompanying toe-tapping. 😉
You’re a Big Boy Now (1967):
A peppy number — “Girl, Beautiful Girl (Barbara’s Theme)” performed by The Lovin’ Spoonful — for the start of this oddball comedy about dysfunctional father-and-son reel librarians. Go-go boots, roller skates, and the public library, oh my!
Fun fact: This film was Frances Ford Coppola’s master’s thesis for UCLA film school
Party Girl (1995):
“If You Believe” (E-Smoove Believer Mix) by Chantay Savage. Gets me going every time! Should be required viewing for all library science majors. 😉
Yes, mama, I know what’s going on! Yes, I do!
