I Could Go on Singing (1963)

As a total motion picture, I Could Go on Singing is only average. Essentially a backstage soap opera -- with a plot that takes in such genre-standard issues as an illegitimate child, an over-but-not-forgotten romance, the strength of a mother's love, and the harsh personal demands made on dedicated stage performers -- there's little in the script that hasn't been seen before (and often seen better). However, I Could Go on Singing has the advantage of being a musical soap opera, and of having Judy Garland, at the height of her interpretive power, as the woman doing the requisite suffering. Although her voice has lost the luster of its youth, it has gained the edge of a woman who has lived and been through it all. Her performance of the songs -- especially "By Myself," "It Never Was You," and the title number -- are remarkable, the performance of an artist at her peak. Had the script lived up to these moments, this could have been another A Star is Born. Garland is also quite good during the dialogue scenes, and Dirk Bogarde turns in another of his finely detailed characterizations. There's a surprising chemistry between the two stars, which is of great help, and their confrontation scene is excellent. I Could Go on Singing was Garland's final film. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide