Let's Do it Again (1953)

Let's Do it Again (1953). Directed by Alexander Hall. Cast: Jane Wyman, Ray Milland, Aldo Ray, and Tom Helmore.

This film is from the stage play by Arthur Richman, The Awful Truth (1924), which was previously filmed in 1925, 1929, and 1937, the last starring Cary Grant and Irene Dunne.

Broadway composer Gary Stuart learns that while on vacation his wife, Constance Stuart, spent an evening in a Country Inn with another composer, Courtney Craig. Connie reminds Gary of his own behavior with dancer, Lilly Adair. They file divorce and in the divorce papers they are issued a sixty-day waiting period.

Wanting to visit Connie, Gary asks if he can stop by to use his piano, but.. rushes out when she receives flowers from Courtney, who wants her audition the next day. Connie's performance wins the attention of young Alaskan mining millionaire, Frank McGraw.

One evening when Connie and Frank, return to Connie's apartment they find Gary and some movers trying to move his piano. Gary, bribes the movers to drag out the process as long as possible.

A few weeks later, Courtney visits Connie where she insists her divorce will go through as planned. Meanwhile, his brother Chet reveals to Gary that she has really been seeing Frank.

When Gary runs into Connie and Frank at a supper-club where Lilly is performing, he arranges an introduction between Lilly and Frank.

The next morning, Connie finds Gary composing his songs on the piano. Connie says she is committed to marrying Frank as soon as the divorce becomes final. While Connie fixes breakfast, Frank knocks on the door and discovers Gary wearing Connie's robe. Frank demands an explanation. Gary implies that Connie's interest in Courtney was the cause for their divorce.

Later, Gary's new show opens, but he does not care because Connie is not there to support him. Chet tells him that the story of the Country Inn was meant only to make Gary jealous.

As Connie is packing for her trip to Seattle to meet Frank's parents, Courtney arrives. He proposes to Connie, who admits she still loves Gary. Just then Gary, arrives to take Connie to the airport and Gary looks into the bedroom where Courtney is hiding. The two are in a huge fight when Frank drops by and leaves, soon Connie hears that he is now dating, Lilly.

Angry, Gary refuses to speak to Connie and begins dating Deborah Randolph. Connie is worried as the sixty-day waiting period nears its end and finally gets Gary to agree to meet her at the apartment, where he makes phone call to Deborah. Connie, retaliates by singing a romantic song. Gary tells Deborah that Connie is his sister. When he returns to his apartment, Deborah has arranged a large party at Gary's "sister's" request. Connie, arrives and performs one of Lilly's dance routines, but Deborah recognizes her and tells Gary he should return to Connie. Gary realizes he has been foolish and Connie admits she has always been faithful.

Let's Do it Again, is one of my favorite Jane Wyman movies. She is obviously enjoying herself and looks wonderful in her beautiful Jean Louis wardrobe.

Valerie Bettis (December 1919 – 26 September 1982). She found success in musical theatre, ballet and as a solo dancer.

She attended the University of Texas for only one year before moving to New York City to study modern dance under Hanya Holm. She performed and toured with Holm's company from 1937 through 1940.

Valerie Bettis, first musical comedy was when she choreographed and performed in, Glad to See You(1944). In 1948, she won a Theatre World Award for her performance in, Inside U.S.A., a revue that would run for nearly 400 performances at the New Century Theatre and the Majestic Theatre.

Rita Hayworth's dances to the songs "Trinidad Lady" and "I've Been Kissed Before" (in the 1952 movie Affair in Trinidad), as well as the "Dance Of The Seven Veils" (in the 1953 movie Salome) were choreographed by Valerie Bettis.