December 31, 1942 - Babes on Broadway released by MGM (New York City Premier).
Babes on Broadway (1941) is an American musical film starring Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland and directed by Busby Berkeley, with Vincente Minnelli directing Garland's big solo numbers. The film was the third in the "Backyard Musical" series about kids who put on their own show, following Babes in Arms (1939) and Strike Up the Band (1940).
Reviewers singled out Mickey Rooney's performance as the highlight of the film. Variety listed the elaborate production numbers among the film's assets.
This is Donna Reed's third film. Her role as a secretary is small and she does not appear in the credits.