I can understand why Judy was not considered a stunning beauty, in the same league as Hedy, Lana, Ava etc. She was a pretty looking average girl, the mousy type that was never considered too attractive. On several occasions she looked beautiful:
Till the Clouds Roll By (1946) where she looked the most glamorous and closest to a blond bombshell.
The Pirate (1948) where she was hot in this scene. Love that hair and gypsy look on her.
The Clock (1945), where she looked most natural and like real Judy, no heavy make up, hairstyles or MGM glam treatment. Also one of my favorite Judy movies and romantic stories in general.
Judy's struggles and drama at MGM are well known, and told so many times , I don't feel like going into it too much. Just wanted to point out that sometimes, too much blame is put on Metro people. IMO they treated Judy the same way they treated all of their other stars. She just couldn't deal with it as well as others. Yes, the pills did not help but it was also her own demons, insecurities and love life struggles that lead to her becoming dependent on them. Later on, when she was offered help, many times, she would not cooperate. When it all became too much and too late, she was fired.
It's a shame she did not make more movies during the 50s. She was robbed of that Oscar for A Star is Born (1954), we all agree on that. I think she deserved a best supporting award for Judgment at Nuremberg (1961) as well. That was another powerful, poignant performance.
Recently, I saw her last movie , I Could Go On Singing (1963), which was ok, nothing too spectacular but it has those trademark, big Judy performing moments, that became her trademark in later life and career.
I'm yet to see A Child is Waiting, also from 1963, which sounds like an interesting drama.