Did They Really Throw Things at Judy Garland in London?

By Robert Palmer

The legendary actress and singer, Judy Garland, is well-known for her iconic role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz” and her captivating voice that earned her countless accolades throughout her career. However, there have been rumors and stories circulating for years that while performing in London in the 1960s, she was pelted with objects by the audience.

But did this really happen Let’s take a closer look.

The Allegations

It has been claimed that during Garland’s performances at the Talk of the Town nightclub in London’s West End, audience members threw various objects at her on stage. Some reports have stated that it was just harmless items like flowers and candy, while others have claimed it was much worse – with drinks and even cigarette lighters being thrown.

The Truth

While there were certainly some rowdy crowds during Garland’s performances in London, it seems that the accusations of items being thrown at her were largely exaggerated. In fact, according to biographers who have studied Garland’s time in London, it was more common for her to be met with standing ovations than anything else.

The Real Story

So where did these rumors come from It seems that they may have originated from a few isolated incidents where fans did try to get close to Garland on stage. According to one account from a member of the Talk of the Town staff, an overzealous fan attempted to climb onto the stage during one of Garland’s performances but was quickly escorted out by security.

Another possible explanation is that some people may have misconstrued Garland’s interactions with fans as hostile or uncomfortable. As one biographer noted: “She often teetered between being warm and engaging with fans and being distant and aloof.”

Conclusion

While there is no denying that Judy Garland faced her fair share of challenges and hardships throughout her life and career, it seems that the rumors of her being pelted with objects in London were largely unfounded. While there may have been a few isolated incidents where fans got a little too close for comfort, overall, Garland was met with adoration and appreciation during her time in London. It’s important to separate fact from fiction when it comes to stories like these and remember the incredible legacy that Judy Garland left behind.