Lights

in Collaboration with the Virginia Theatre Festival + Virginia Film Festival

Judy Garland and Margaret O’Brien star in this heartwarming tale of the emotional trauma the colorful members of an early 20th century St. Louis family experience when they learn their father has been transferred—and they will have to move to New York. Based on the short stories of Sally Benson. Judy Garland sings “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “The Trolley Song.” Margaret O’Brien won a special Juvenile Academy Award For Outstanding Child Actress of 1944. Four Academy Award nominations–for Best Writing, Screenplay; Best Music, Original Song; Best Cinematography, Color; and Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture.

Image credit: Warner Bros. Classics

Did you know?

  • Judy Garland recorded “The Trolley Song” in a single take.
  • In “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” Judy Garland refused to sing the grim original lyric, “Have yourself a merry little Christmas, it may be your last” to little Margaret O’Brien. The star’s creative opposition inspired songwriters Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane to form the more optimistic lyric, “let your heart be light.”
  • While the film chronicles one year in the life of the Smith family, in actuality only six days are represented in the telling of the story: three in summer, Halloween, Christmas Eve, and one morning in spring.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO! The Paramount Theater is pleased to bring diverse programming to the stage and screen. The Theater does not provide advisories about subject matter for events, as sensitivities vary. Not all events may appeal to, or be appropriate for, every person. Patrons are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the shows offered in order to make informed decisions prior to purchasing tickets.

In addition to show synopses, trailers, and reviews on our web events, other resources about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb, and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches. For further questions, please contact the Box Office at 434.979.1333 or at boxoffice@theparamount.net, 10AM-2PM Monday-Friday + 1 hour before events.