You and I (duet) Meet Me In St. Louis

One of my favorite scenes from "Meet Me In St. Louis". Mary Astor and Leon Ames simulate the duet, You and I. What a wonderful homey atmosphere this clip exhibits....oh and let me not forget to mention the yummy looking Hickory Nut cake.

[@k6musicteacher]

As an elementary music teacher, I have noticed over the years that families don't sing together anymore. When I was young, my family would sing together on road trips in the car, there is something about singing together, a bonding that can't be simulated or reproduced in any other way. This is such a lovely scene of a bygone era in more than one way! Thanks for posting this!

[@poetcomic1]

They don't eat together either.

[@Nikodymus]

My mom, brother and I always sing together. I wish my dad joined us though. I hope he isn’t embarrassed.

[@jfk226]

We did as well. Sad if families don't continue that tradition.

[@sunshinebaconandmusic416]

I’m almost 38, used to watch this classic with my mom. Now, every Christmas, it’s become tradition to watch with my daughter. 💜

[@richarddavis8863]

I love that this movie has scenes from several times of year. Playing lawn games in summer, the trick or treat scene, iconic Christmas song, and it ends in a beautiful spring sequence with them going to the World's Fair. It's like its a movie for every holiday, any time of year. It's one of my all time favorites. Just so touching

[@benjamingreaney2722]

My wife and I watch it together every year on Christmas eve! I'm from St. Louis and she's from Canada. Meet me in St. Louis has a special meaning to us both.

[@RichardBriggs89]

awww what's really funny is Mary Astor was 37/38 when this film was made! Dunno why that you're around that age just made me cry even more! HEHHEEH! Getting soft me!

[@broadwaymelody33]

It's such a touching scene. She's probably the angriest out of all of them, but she brings the whole family back together with this. It makes me tear up.

[@headedsomewhere]

+broadwaymelody33 I love it when Tootie reaches to take a hunk of cake, and her sister feeds it to her.....little sisters are like that

[@headedsomewhere]

most kids are annoying sooooo I liked her, having said that you're entitled to your opinion

[@headedsomewhere]

you don't have any kids do ya? or better yet, you've never raised any

[@headedsomewhere]

it shows :0

[@headedsomewhere]

no you didn't, treat her like one, that old seen and not heard stuff, again #ToEachHisOwn

[@homeagain1028]

I love this movie...and especially this scene....My husband and I watched it on tv on Christmas Eve together, two nights before he died. So lovely...such a precious memory. He had a beautiful tenor voice...I always accompanied him on the piano. We loved this movie. This scene reminded us of ourselves!

[@Keedeeg]

Very sorry for your loss. I think it's the sweetest scene in the movie.

[@homeagain1028]

@@Keedeeg….thank you so much.~

[@viktorfrick3275]

​@@homeagain1028😢 Mein tiefes, herzliches Mitgefühl 🙏, auch nach längerer Zeit vergisst man es nicht und schöne Erinnerungen bleiben im Herzen ❤️. Herzliche Grüße, Andrea 👋

[@mca1218]

The understated beauty of mom Mary Astor and dad Leon Ames- and the way the family is wordlessly drawn back into the scene (all eating the dessert that they rejected a few minutes earlier) is breathtaking. I actually teared up as it zoomed in on the last shot of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

[@Keedeeg]

It really is quite touching,.

[@johnlorenzen4633]

So true.

[@Kiku91]

Also I love the detail of Grandpa setting up the game, since the father asked to play...cribbage was it....can't remember as the moment,. This is definitely one of my favorite movies.

[@dwa22204]

This is the most touching scene in the whole film 😢

[@moso299]

Just watched the movie for Xmas. This is my favorite scene, with the dad trying to do the right thing to provide for his large family and then it blows up on him, and his wife consoles him (as much as she dislikes his decision) and the kids slowly gather around as a family, eating the cake they had just rejected from him (great symbolism).

[@valr561]

Judy never eats a piece of the cake which makes me even sadder knowing what went on behind the scenes. What a beautiful talented person. RIP

[@richarddavis8863]

I love all of her movies and her voice but when I hear and see her it is always tinged with sadness knowing about her life. She was cursed by her talent

[@meezermex]

She is such a great example! She puts aside her right to be "in the right" and supports her husband in front of her kids. Because she didn't fight he calmed down and saw that what he was doing was not best for the family. She smooths down all the ruffles with her song about unity, she even lowered the key of the song so it would be easier for him! By being selfless and humble she reaffirms her position as queen of the house and of his heart. How things have changed!

[@mca1218]

Well said. Mary Astor 'underplayed' to Leon Ames, and the result was a song which not only united them, but brought the entire family back into the parlor with their hickory nut cake and ice cream!!

[@CaroWould]

This scene always reminds me of my family - we sing together whenever we all go home. My sister and I are almost into our 30s now, and heading up to Scotland often gets harder and harder, but my parents always gather us around the piano just the same. I really hope to do the same when I have children - nothing makes us feel closer than singing in harmony. Gosh we're cheesy, but we really love it.

[@lynnplotnik2253]

I absolutely adore this song. It's beautiful and the words are so full of love. Sometimes I cry when I hear it sung.

[@ianpeddle6818]

One of the loveliest scene in one of the best musicals ever made. This last two years gave drawn me back to a simpler time with feel good films. I’m increasingly abandoning modern entertainment for films of the golden age and now I understand why it is called Hollywoods Go,den Age. Talent that makes todays stuff look like amateur hour.

[@tertyakhirana4044]

You and I Together, forever You and I Through the years Of dark and fair weather You and I From my heart a song of love beseeching Just for you my longing arms are reaching Time goes by But we'll be together You and I From my heart a song of love beseeching Just for you my longing arms are reaching Time goes by But we'll be together You and I

[@sumame47]

I love this song and how his wife shows support for him during a difficult time. That's how things were back then. The family stayed together through thick and thin. In marriages, it truly was "Till death do us part".

[@gideonstupke2257]

My family growing up was a lot like this. We grew up in a house built in 1817, and my family stuck together through everything.

[@MA-iu5hu]

For good and loving couples, it still can be today :)

[@retroguy9494]

@@MA-iu5hu But there are so few of those today. Its such a rarity.

[@MA-iu5hu]

@@retroguy9494 I think they’re as common or rare as ever; we just talk more openly about it now

[@retroguy9494]

@@MA-iu5hu I'm sorry but I disagree. The divorce rate for first marriages for the boomers and xers is currently at 68%. That's the highest its ever been!

[@FRANKTHRING1]

While Leon Ames was dubbed in this scene, I am always impressed by the lovely Mary Astor who clearly knew how to play a piano.

[@runner4life1984]

I think of my grandparents everything I watch this movie. They got married in 1939. Even though they're no longer with us. It would be 76th anniversary. This song well suits them: Together & Forever. 😃. RIP Grandpa (1912-1991) & Grandma (1915-2006). Gone But NEVER forgotten. 💍🕵🏽👰🏻💗💗💗

[@Keedeeg]

Glad it holds nice memories for you.

[@runner4life1984]

Thank You!!💗😃

[@lisafernley1282]

I love Meet Me in St Louis movie but this part always reminds me of my Grandad, he always pretended to be an opera singer he died in 1986, I was his favourite

[@vlmp11]

I was born in the 1930's. I remember this beautiful movie and this touching scene. What disturbs me is, how the hell did our social atmosphere change from what it was to where we are ?

[@Keedeeg]

I was born in the 60's and I honestly don't have a clue. Men didn't swear I'm front of women...and if they did by mistake, they apologized. That was just one very small example. Thanks for stopping by. Happy Holidays!

[@retroguy9494]

Well, its not too complicated a question. The turmoil of the late 1960's did a lot to change society for the worse. I think that's where it began. And once assimilation, as a societal norm, began to erode, that made it even worse. Then, the younger boomers and older genxers (MY generation) with their self centeredness, greed and lack of empathy put the final nail in the coffin when we began to run the country.

[@loge10]

​​​​@@retroguy9494Not to get political, but the '60s were a response, if not a totally effective one. We had the conformity expected in the '50s which ultimately resulted in a lot of paranoia resulting in government dishonesty which ended up with Viet Nam. Ironically a lot of the '60s counterculture participants went on to become affluent in the "greed decade" of the '80s and everything that has followed. This movie takes place before the demand for total conformity and when America didn't feel the need to control the world, even if covertly.

[@kennethwayne6857]

@@loge10 Quite an astute assessment.

[@patriciailges6213]

I’m watching this movie now and this part makes me cry every time, along with Judy Garland singing “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas “. This is such a beautiful movie about good old-fashioned decency and the love a family has for each other.

[@Keedeeg]

It really is a moving scene and a heart-warming movie.

[@bernadettewilkie5996]

I love this movie I watch it like 5 times a year. I lived in a victorian growing up in a town like theres (I'm one of 9 kids, im 30 and have my own family) but every time I watch this it makes me think of home. :(

[@toddmaniatoddmania9844]

One of the great scenes of Meet Me In St. Louis, and Mary Astor is one of my favorite actresses of all time!

[@jezebel324]

My mother always watched this with me as a girl, it was my first Judy Garland movie and I memorized all of it. I never appreciated this scene until now, especially since I'm away from mom. It's beautiful.

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

XOXXXO

[@windstorm1000]

the scene is perfect miniature of the conflict--to move or not to move--they are singing a song of 'you and i'--and everyone comes down the stair case to show solidarity with father. its incredibly beautiful, heart warming, very moving and real.

[@Loupadron2010]

A time in America when everyone looked out for each other generally speaking. Also their was etiquette, respect, morals. Now America and the world is very cold, cruel, callous, inmoral, depraved and anti family, anti God, anti Bible, anti principles, anti respect, anti law and order. Just heathens and savages. So sad and a pity.

[@dragons8822]

Love the way the family comes down stairs to listen to their parents singing because they sound amazing together.

[@mariaroses9225]

Thank you so much for posting this beautiful song and happy family moment ~ we need each other.

[@mjc63]

Always love when Mary Astor would play..she was such an accomplished pianist! “The Great Lie” with Bette Davis also features her playing!

[@tubetube443]

This was always one of my favorite scenes from this movie. A very moving tune!

[@poetcomic1]

It has the true flavor of family singing. They start out and then start over lowering the key to his voice and later on he forgets a verse (pretends to) and she cues him.

[@tessiemae4038]

I am from St. Louis and of course I love this film. But even as a kid, I thought this was one of the most poignant scenes ever. When he takes the piece of cake, his look is saying "you believe in me, don't you"? And her kiss is the answer. You and I was probably meant as a Victorian song, popular when they were courting. They began as "you and I" and became "you and I and all of us". My husband and I attended a St Louis production at the Muny outdoor theater and hundreds of couples sang along. Not a dry eye in the house!

[@windstorm1000]

The movie is a tribute to the Smiths--and St. Louis-- so glad you have a film for your great city!

[@PatroniFan]

Meet Me In St. Louis was the closing show of the 100th anniversary season of the Muny this year. Unfortunately, due to work out of town I couldn't go. This show is kind of short on plot but the music is outstanding. I can picture my parents singing this song to each other.

[@PatroniFan]

Maybe I'm wrong but I took his look to mean, "Oh, no, I'm screwed for making such a big decision without any input from her". She verbally backs him up but you can tell she's working on him to get him to consider every one else's feelings about the movie.

[@munrosmum]

Do you know where we could find the music for this song?

[@PatroniFan]

I'm not sure how many places sell sheet music anymore but start at Barnes and Noble to see if they can point you in the right direction. Tess Eldridge

[@rick0e295]

Beautiful song 🎵 from a classic film. Incredible cast, wonderful ❤ 👏 story,timeless! 🏆. Those were the days! 👑

[@jimbuchelt307]

I really like Mary Astor: I like this scene here with her playing the piano. She was a talented piano player. I still wish she had continued upon acting.

[@kelseyk530]

I was wondering if Mary Astor could really play the piano. Same with the actress that played Rose when they were singing the title song in a duet and then she played again during the young people's party the threw. As a piano player of 11 years myself, I was looking at both of their hands and how the keys on the piano were actually being pressed...instead of fake playing.

[@jimbuchelt307]

@@kelseyk530, no she did indeed play the piano here in the movie. She could dance, sing, play the piano 🎹 and write, not to mention garden.

[@BooNube]

All I can say is though it's gone, be glad you had it. Some of us see scenes like this and can only mourn that we never did and likely never will. It is, without doubt, a beautiful connection.

[@davewallace8219]

the perfect song...for a perfect movie!

[@michaelspilman5220]

My favourite scene from this wonderfull film a wonderfull and emotional reminder of the importance of family unity as emphizised by the family coming down stairs and sitting around the piano eating cake. No matter what life throws at you you can make it througth lifes thunderstorms with your family nothing is more important than them. I well up when ever I see this scene . It's emotional. From Michael from Yorkshire and proud of it.

[@retroguy9494]

Wasn't that an awesome scene? As an old bachelor, I think family like this is gold. Its something I always wanted.

[@nauort23]

I love this scene. That cake looks so good, and this song always makes me cry.

[@SuperLittleoldman]

This IS a touching scene. Sentimentality such as shown here is passe now, but it still strikes a chord with me. The movie reflects back forty years before the year of release. Times were not great for everyone in 1904, but there was a certain grace and style among the middle classes now gone. Margaret O'brian aged gracefully and is a senior citizen now in her early 70s. Thanksd

[@maryjones3860]

True love is such a beautiful thing.

[@Keedeeg]

If my memory serves me right, it sure is. :)

[@retroguy9494]

Of COURSE it is a beautiful thing. It comes from God. Many years ago, I was attending Mass one day and the monsignor, who liked to call on congregants by surprise, said "if you had to sum up Christianity in one word, what would it be?" He then whiled on his heel and pointed to me. I said "love monsignor" and he replied "excellent!"

[@windstorm1000]

@@retroguy9494 amen

[@ngahuynhphuong4764]

nearly 4-min length moment but captured all their lives

[@MissCass2482]

Totally agree. My father is a singer. On long road trips to see our Grandparents in the Sault, we would practice harmonizing...I have 2 sisters and dad would tell us what notes to hit...how to breath. We loved it. He was always singing walking around the house too. We have a recording from when I was maybe 6 years old and you can hear dad singing in the background. People who grow up without music are missing out, truly.

[@mikemillson9572]

My favorite song from this movie, other than "Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas"...A precious moment in this film!

[@Nikodymus]

This...I could barely hold back my tears. This movie has such raw emotion through and through.

[@maryobanner3253]

Makes me cry every time.

[@EmilyGloeggler7984]

One of the most underrated songs in the movie and this song is so romantic and sensitive. :)

[@johnlorenzen4633]

Beautifully realized scene. So simple yet dramatically powerful. Their singing yet thinking of other things too.

[@rochellerenee2356]

Best classic movie of all time!

[@Obinn77]

not even close my friend

[@johnlorenzen4633]

@@Obinn77 its preset close. AFI. Thi is so

[@ceciledowner4504]

Love this song and the movie too

[@AmericanFlag1]

This brought my eyes to tears. I've only watched it once. I'm sure if I watch it again the tears will fall down my cheeks. There is just something about this song that really gets to me. I'm not really sure what it is, but it's really sweet.

[@ConChaz100]

One of my favorite movies of all time. St. Louis was not my home town I lived just across the river in IL. BUT Every time My family and I would go some where far from home as we neared we would see the lights of Beautiful St.Louis we knew we were home it was such a comforting feeling knowing we were home. Just like in another Judy Garland film THERE"S NO PLACE LIKE HOME. (Wizard of Oz )... I cry every time I see this film remembering all the loved ones who are no longer here with us. Thanks so much for the memories...

[@Hubert24601]

I remember how I thought this song was so awesome because it seemed very natural to everyone. Like they've done it before. Parents argued, kids went away, mum started relaxing everyone by playing the piano - like it was fine, all was forgiven, and that's when the kids come back down again to eat their cake and listen. It was a very relaxing scene to witness.

[@k6musicteacher]

Wow, this is my favorite scene from the movie as well! It reminds me of a time long gone when families used to sing together and use music to get through the tough times and celebrate the good ones. They used to show this movie every year at Christmas time. My mom and I would sing this together while we watched in front of the fire. Thanks for reminding me and posting this!

[@benjaminnorris4998]

Amazing to think that little Tootie who watched Mary Astor play the piano and was fed cake by Judy Garland is now in her eighties.

[@KCONNCOEN]

Love Love Love this movie! Love this song! Have yourself a merry little Christmas makes me cry every time.

[@ohimthat1girl]

I LOVE this song!!!!!!!!!! My sister and I used to watch this movie at our Grandma's house and eat grilled cheese and pickles..... fond memories... :)

[@javajule]

They're actually performing that; Mary Astor had years of classical piano training and that is both of their voices on the soundtrack. Makes it even more special to know it is not dubbed in any way.

[@dazzlingdeb8427]

Julie King Actually that's not Leon Ames singing. It's Arthur Freed, the producer of the film. He also wrote the lyrics to the song. I believe that is Mary singing. However, even though Mary could play the piano, the song was recorded in a studio, even if just for quality purposes alone. I doubt she played the piano on the track. But her piano playing on this dummy piano looks realistic because she could play.

[@snikkerr1949]

Neither of them were singing.

[@mdaley4390]

There’s a warm, safe feeling in this scene. Everything will work out.

[@retroguy9494]

If you have family that you know truly loves each other, it IS a warm, safe feeling. I had that once. A long time ago.

[@overthetop52]

Beautiful song,the way life used to be...Miss those days

[@poetcomic1]

This was NOT some classic romantic tune from 1900 but was written by the great team of Nacio Brown and Arthur Freed. !Why the song is 'uncredited' in the titles is jaw-dropping. Lovely and would have been a big hit in 1900 if they had lived back then.

[@printerudell3604]

Love this movie. Love Mary Astor and Judy Garland. God bless America!

[@Mike-ye6xi]

I'm here for the 🎂 nice song too

[@dlitton123dan9]

I've loved this movie since I was a little boy. This and "The Trolley Song", were the best ! Hollywood in its heyday, for sure .

[@rachelwhiddon5343]

I really love this scene where they have had a big dramatic discussion and everyone is in a sad state. But She sings a song...and it was a reminder that all in it together...and the family comes back into the room. I know its a song but in that instant that moment...the family came back together...in it together.

[@user-xv5xt3hm2t]

I'm 61 & try to see it @ least once @ Holidays

[@lesa9891]

I think of this scene every year when October rolls around.

[@broadwaymelody33]

This scene makes me cry more the older I get. She's probably the angriest with him that they have to go to NY, but she does this and gets the family together downstairs again. God, its so sweet.

[@davidpar2]

my favorite song from the movie; love the piano accompaniment (as well as the vocal harmony, of course)

[@Keedeeg]

I used to sing with my family so I can relate to what you're saying. This scene was quite touching. Thank you for commenting.

[@dchn]

I love this song.... thank you so much for posting it!!! So tender and sweet... the way true love should be...

[@Keedeeg]

I'm sure she would have appreciated such a thoughtful gesture. She's long been a favorite of mine and I adored her in this film as well.

[@Keedeeg]

It really is the sweetest of scenes. :)

[@tabularasaconfirmed]

I like how he played a realistic father (for movies back then).

[@Keedeeg]

He was perfect for the role.

[@MsBonnieBlue]

Watch every Christmas’ miss this year was sick!

[@321abcable]

That is Arthur Freed singing but Mary Astor was a fine pianist in real life-watch her play Tchaikovsky in The Great Lie in places.

[@Keedeeg]

I knew his voice was dubbed but I never thought Mary Astor was actually playing in The Great Lie. It's nice to know she was. Thanks.

[@windstorm1000]

Keedeeg Well, she is and she isn't--a concert pianist played it--Jose Iturbi I think--it worked better for technical reasons--but Ms. Astor played a 'dummie' piano exactly matching the finguring.--as she no doubt is doing here.--amazing.

[@Keedeeg]

windstorm1000 I never thought Mary was actually playing in that movie either but it's nice to learn she was.Go figure. :)

[@dazzlingdeb8427]

sven sundquist Mary did indeed play the piano, which certainly helped her here. But she didn't play the Tchaikovsky piece in the film, The Great Lie, although apparently she could play it. Pianist Max Rabinovitch played it (not Iturbi, thank God.)

[@snikkerr1949]

She wasn't singing either... Her voice was dubbed with another singer.

[@rebeccamorrissey9520]

I simply adore this scene. It's so beautiful. Thank you for sharing it!

[@davewallace8219]

from my heart....thanks to all of you folks!

[@paacer]

Such a lovely song, many thanks for uploading .

[@kennethwayne6857]

The singing of Leon Ames is dubbed by the voice of the film's producer Arthur Freed.

[@pamelamorris6708]

I always love this part of the movie

[@betsyfernYT]

The director could have had her begin playing in his key without saying anything. Having her accommodate his voice is a really important part of this scene. It's a demonstration of them supporting one another. Seeing this always makes me wish I was married, lol

[@raebean6018]

This is such a beautiful song ❤

[@Keedeeg]

I don't even think they make cake pans that big anymore..haha... but I heard Marjorie Main say it was a Hickory Nut cake (at least that's what I thnk she said. I had to play that part over & over again to try to understand her.) I'm really glad you're enjoying it. I watched the movie twice over the holidays.

[@marthahench9885]

I miss this movie. I haven't seen it i about 5 years now.

[@Keedeeg]

@CyndiLauperRules It does appear that there is genuine affection between these two characters. It's a very sweet scene.

[@Keedeeg]

Sounds Wonderful! Cherish the moments.

[@ecureuil85]

I love that moment at 2:50 with Esther feeding Tootie the cake :)

[@Keedeeg]

I know exactly what you mean. Thanks for sharing your warm and beautiful memory here. TCM shows this movie Several times a year......and I'm awfully glad! :D

[@gdubbs680]

In the movie the cake was originally iced with chocolate icing and then chsnged to white.

[@xtzyshuadog]

Beautiful.

[@williamhicks7736]

😭😭😭... Wonderful....

[@dlitton123dan9]

I cry everytime I watch this video.

[@retroguy9494]

How can you not? Its SO powerful!

[@silvershields]

thanks for posting this i love this song :)

[@kelseyk530]

Such a beautiful moment. My favorite in the whole movie as far as the subtle acting, singing, and emotion. Only thing that tops it was Judy singing Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas. Makes me tear up each time. I was wondering if Mary Astor could really play the piano. Same with the actress that played Rose when they were singing the title song in a duet and then she played again during the young people's party the threw. As a piano player of 11 years myself, I was looking at both of their hands and how the keys on the piano were actually being pressed...instead of fake playing.

[@bellasong75]

I love this movie! I love Judy! :)

[@ecureuil85]

@FilmBuffClassic It's amazing, such a great voice match. Lovely voice.

[@Keedeeg]

It is a very sweet little scene. :)

[@aminsadeghpour1549]

Here are the lyrics You and I Together, forever You and I Through the years Of dark and fair weather You and I From my heart a song of love beseeching Just for you my longing arms are reaching Time goes by But we'll be together You and I From my heart a song of love beseeching Just for you my longing arms are reaching Time goes by But we'll be together You and I

[@BM-en2xg]

Beautiful

[@suebob16]

Mary Astor and Leon Ames would play husband and wife again in the 1949 version of Little Women. Astor was Marmee and Ames had the smaller role of Mr. March as he returns home from the war.

[@DettolObsessed]

lol the father always made me laugh in this movie. He's my favorite character.

[@aminsadeghpour1549]

I always thought it was funny what he said in this scene to the mother. Aren't you afraid of staying here with a Criminal? That's what I'm being treated like. After all, I am making more money to give my grateful family everything they deserve. That's worse than murder. I'm wrecking everybody's life.

[@gideonstupke2257]

He also plays in "On Moonlight Bay, and "By the Light of the Silvery Moon". He's funny in those films as well.

[@retroguy9494]

@@gideonstupke2257 He IS funny in those films. I love the scene (I think it was in On Moonlight Bay) where he reveals that he had been at the bank longer than his boss and his boss used to be his assistant but his boss married the bank president's daughter! LOL

[@LexiDanielleRohrich]

I love how Judy smacks Margaret O'Briens hand away

[@barbarabaldwin7120]

I LIKE THE GENTLE-NESS, AFTER

[@frederickcombs8661]

This picture was a tonic cure, offered especially to Mary Astor after a long affair scandal ended with playright, George Kauffmann.

[@Keedeeg]

Ohh..I know! The movie is on TCM right now and I just watched this scene. It's very touching. :)

[@debrahitchman416]

Lovely movie , ♥

[@Keedeeg]

I'm very happy you enjoyed it!! :)

[@lynnplotnik2253]

❤❤❤