Life with Judy Garland – Me and My Shadows

Based on the book by Garland's second daughter, Lorna Luft, this is no Mommie Dearest. Given that Garland (née Frances Gumm) lived her life in the public eye from the age of three, including her breakdowns and battles with addiction, there aren't many beans left to spill - and the tone here is mostly affectionate and understanding. Ackerman leaves nothing much out, which makes for a long haul, and the cheesy voice-over won't boost sales of Luft's memoir. Davis is impressive in the later scenes, but the decision to have her play the 22-year-old Judy of Meet Me in St Louis is almost Baby Jane time - quite enough to distract you from Laurie as Vincente Minnelli.