The film was originally planned as a drama starring Lana Turner. When the project's producer, Bernard Hyman, passed away MGM attempted to sell the property. The Harvey family, however, let it be known that they would not allow anyone but MGM to make the film, so the property was assigned to the Freed unit where it was seen as a perfect vehicle to use as an answer to the new Broadway sensation, Oklahoma!.

"On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe" was awarded Best Song Academy Award for 1946. The number was also recorded by Johnny Mercer, and was a chart-topper on the hit parade.

At the turn of the Century, Fred Harvey's hotels and restaurants were the epitome of American elegance. When winsome Susan Bradley (Garland) discovers that the chain needs waitresses for their new place along the tracks of the Santa Fe railroad, she eagerly answers the call of "Go West, Young Woman!"

The sparkling supporting cast features Ray Bolger (The Wizard of Oz), Cyd Charisse, Chill Wills, Marjorie Main (Ma and Pa Kettle) and Preston Foster. Directed by George Sidney (Show Boat), The Harvey Girls serves up a sprightly, rollicking banquet with the talented Judy Garland at her singing, dancing, romancing best!

Movie Songlist

In the Valley
(Where the Evening Sun Goes Down) (Judy Garland)

Wait and See
(Virginia Rees dubbing for Angela Lansbury)

On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe
(Judy Garland, Cyd Charisse, Virginia O'Brien, and the MGM Studio Chorus)

Training Montage (The Train Must be Fed)
(Edward Earle, Selena Royle, Marjorie Main, Joe Karnes, Elva Kellog, Judy Garland, Virginia O'Brien, Cyd Charisse and the MGM Studio Chorus)

Oh, You Kid
(Virginia Rees dubbing for Angela Lansbury)

Wait and See
(reprise, Kenny Baker)

It's a Great Big World
(Judy Garland, Virginia O'Brien and Marion Doenges dubbing for Cyd Charisse)

The Wild, Wild West
(Virginia O'Brien) [cut]

My Intuition
(Judy Garland and John Hodiak)

Wait and See
(Kenny Baker and Marion Doenges dubbing for Cyd Charise)

On the Atchison, Topeka and the Santa Fe
(special instrumental arrangement danced by Ray Bolger)

Swing Your Partner Round and Round
(Judy Garland, Marjorie Main and the MGM Studio Chorus) [cut]

March of the Doagies
(Judy Garland, Joe Karnes, Frank Laine, Don Ellis, Eugene Dorian, Ralph Blane, Don Williams and the MGM Studio Chorus) [cut]

In the Valley (Where the Evening Sun Goes Down)
(Kenny Baker, Judy Garland and the MGM Studio Chorus) [cut]

Hayride
(Judy Garland, Ray Bolger and the MGM Studio Chorus)