Rainbow is a 1978 American made-for-television biographical musical drama film which chronicles the early years of singer-actress Judy Garland, portrayed by Andrea McArdle. Directed by Jackie Cooper, it was written by John McGreevey based on the 1975 book Rainbow: The Stormy Life of Judy Garland by Christopher Finch. It originally aired on NBC Monday Night at the Movies on November 6, 1978. The casting of McArdle as Judy Garland was heavily criticized at the time, as the actress did not resemble nor sound remotely like Garland.

Rainbow
GenreBiography
Drama
Music
Based onRainbow: The Stormy Life of Judy Garland by Christopher Finch
Written byJohn McGreevey
Directed byJackie Cooper
StarringAndrea McArdle
Don Murray
Michael Parks
Piper Laurie
Rue McClanahan
Music byCharles Fox
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
Executive producersGreg Strangis
William Hogan
ProducerPeter Dunne
CinematographyHoward Schwartz
EditorJerry Dronsky
Running time97 minutes
Production companyTen-Four Productions
Original release
NetworkNBC
ReleaseNovember 6, 1978 (1978-11-06)

Synopsis

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The film depicts the life and struggles of Judy Garland during her early years in vaudeville, and follows her through her illustrious and highly publicized rise to stardom at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer studios; her trials as a youngster in dealing with the movie studio system that held her back while her mother was pushing her to excel; and the backstage joy and heartbreak during the filming of The Wizard of Oz (1939).

Cast

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Award

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Emmy Award

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