Coney Island (1943).

Coney Island (1943). Musical. Cast: Betty Grable in one of her biggest hits. A "gay nineties". George Montgomery, Cesar Romero, and Phil Silvers. Director: Walter Lang. Betty Grable also starred in the 1950 remake of Coney Island, named Wabash Avenue. In 1944, the year after the film was released, it was nominated for an Oscar for Alfred Newman in the category of Best Music, Scoring of a Musical Picture.


Katie Farley, is working as a saloon entertainer in turn-of-the-century New York. Eddie Johnson, believes that Katie is destined to be a star, comes up with a plan to turn the song-and-dance girl into a refined entertainer, even handcuffing her wrists and ankles so she would be forced to rely on her voice. Soon, Katie becomes a Broadway star, with the help of Willie Hammerstein and she and Eddie grow apart. After a brief romance with saloon owner Joe Rocco, Katie returns to the man she truly loves, Frankie. One of the musical numbers of Coney Island is Betty's version of the "Cuddle Up a Little Closer". The film was remade, again with Grable, as Wabash Avenue (1950).


This cute little film is a wonderful musical experience. One of my favorite performers, Betty Grable is not always given her due. I feel her dancing in this film is perfect. Grable's personality combined with her talent create a special magic. Grable gets good support from George Montgomery, Cesar Romero, and Phil Silvers.


Soundtracks:
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"Take It from There"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin

"Beautiful Coney Island"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin

"Miss Lulu from Louisville"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin

"Get the Money"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin

"There's Danger in a Dance"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin

"Old Demon Rum"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin

"Put Your Arms Around Me, Honey (I Never Knew Any Girl Like You)"
Music by Albert von Tilzer
Lyrics by Junie McCree


"Cuddle Up a Little Closer"
Words by Otto A. Harbach (as O.A. Hauerbach)
Music by Karl Hoschna (as Karl L. Hoschna)

"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"
Music by Ernest Ball
Lyrics by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff Jr.

"Pretty Baby"
Music by Egbert Van Alstyne and Tony Jackson
Lyrics by Gus Kahn

"The Darktown Strutters' Ball"
Written by Shelton Brooks