The issues that resulted in the mistreatment that Judy Garland experienced from the film studios (most notably, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer [MGM]) was due to a confluence of factors inherent of classic Hollywood culture and studio processes from the era. Here is a direct breakdown of how that got pitted against her:
This was during the Hollywood Golden Age when the studio system ruled like a factory spewing out movies and stars under its tight control. Stars were actually assets, meaning titles went through great trouble to profit from them boasting and tending to overlook their health. Judy Garland, not as a human being but as a consumer good.
Garland didn’t fit the typical mold of Hollywood beauty. She was often criticized for her appearance, including her weight, height, and facial features. MGM executives reportedly called her “the ugly duckling” compared to other stars like Lana Turner and Ava Gardner. This constant scrutiny led the studio to impose extreme diets and weight loss regimens on her, often involving dangerous methods.
### **3. Use of Drugs to Control Performers**
To keep actors performing at their peak, studios routinely administered drugs. In Garland’s case, she was given amphetamines to keep her energized during long filming hours and barbiturates to help her sleep. This cycle of drug dependency began when she was just a teenager and contributed significantly to her lifelong struggles with addiction and mental health.
### **4. Relentless Work Schedule**
Garland’s talent was undeniable, and MGM capitalized on it by subjecting her to a grueling work schedule. She often filmed multiple movies back-to-back, with little rest in between. The stress and physical toll of such intense work, combined with the drugs she was given, left her exhausted and emotionally fragile.
### **5. Lack of Autonomy and Control**
Garland had little control over her career or personal life. Studios dictated which roles she would take, how she should look, and even who she could date or marry. This lack of autonomy contributed to her feelings of helplessness and insecurity.
### **6. Emotional Abuse and Manipulation**
Garland faced significant emotional and psychological abuse from studio executives. They played on her insecurities, undermined her confidence, and subjected her to harsh criticism. This treatment eroded her self-esteem and left lasting emotional scars.
### **7. Societal Attitudes Toward Women**
The broader societal context also played a role. Women in Hollywood were often objectified and treated as commodities. There was little understanding or support for mental health issues, and actresses were expected to conform to rigid standards of beauty and behavior. Garland’s struggles were seen as weaknesses rather than symptoms of a toxic system.
### **8. Financial Exploitation**
Despite her immense success, Garland did not reap the full financial rewards of her work. Studios controlled her earnings, and she faced financial difficulties later in life. This exploitation was common for many stars, but Garland’s vulnerabilities made her particularly susceptible.
### **Conclusion**
Judy Garland’s tragic story is a stark example of the darker side of classic Hollywood. The studio system’s relentless pursuit of profit, combined with societal pressures and a lack of support for mental health, created an environment where young stars like Garland were exploited and discarded. Her treatment reflects broader issues of the time, including the objectification of women and the disregard for the well-being of those in the spotlight. Garland's legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting artists and advocating for their rights and mental health.