Garland and Rooney appear in blackface

A Song and Dance with Controversy: Judy Garland, Mickey Rooney, and Blackface. Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney were Hollywood's golden children in the late 1930s and early 1940s. Their on-screen chemistry, a delightful blend of youthful energy and musicality, made them a box office sensation. However, their legacy is tarnished by the racist trope of blackface that appeared in several of their films, most notably "Babes in Arms" (1939).Their on-screen partnership wasn't a reflection of any deep personal connection. They were young co-stars, thrust together by MGM studios. There are reports of a playful rivalry but no evidence of a close friendship.The blackface scenes were a product of their time. Minstrel shows, theatrical presentations with white actors in blackface makeup and caricatured portrayals of African Americans, were still a part of American popular culture. Unfortunately, these scenes rely on racist stereotypes and perpetuate a demeaning image. In "Babes in Arms," both Garland and Rooney appear in blackface for an extended minstrel show sequence. This is far from the only instance. Similar scenes appear in other films like "Babes on Broadway" (1941) and "Holiday Inn" (1942). While these films were hugely popular in their day, today these scenes are rightly considered offensive.Modern audiences watching Garland and Rooney's films need to be aware of the historical context. These blackface scenes were wrong then and remain wrong today. However, appreciating the talent of Garland and Rooney doesn't require ignoring the problematic elements of their films.