Singin' and Dancing Back in Time.

Dan Dailey and Betty Grable

2012-02-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

Dan Dailey was a very popular musical performer during the 1940's through the 1950's. He may not have been as sophisticated as Astaire and did not have the strong personality as Kelly. Dan's dancing had a certain style all his own.

Betty Grable and Dailey's first film together was, Mother Wore Tights(1947). Betty Grable's most popular film, with Dan Daily her favorite costar. Where they play married vaudeville performers.

Their second performance together was in the film, When My Baby Smiles at Me (1948). The film is about, Bonny Kane and 'Skid' Johnson, who are vaudeville performers. They begin to have trouble in their marriage when when Skid gets an offer to perform on Broadway while Bonny gets left behind. Things get worse with Skids drinking and that he is spending more time with his beautiful co-star.

Third of four movies that paired Betty Grable and Dan Dailey. My Blue Heaven(1950). Jack and Kitty, are performing on their radio show, when Kitty, breaks the news to Jack that she is pregnant. On their way home from their baby shower, Kitty and Jack are in a terrible car accident and Kitty loses the baby and learns that she may never be able to have children.

Later, Jack and Kitty visit Walter and Janet on their farm, where they are welcomed by their 6 children. Janet tells them both that the two oldest children are adopted, as she and Walter thought they would never have children, but the other four are their own children. Kitty and Jack make the decision to adopt, so they talk to an adoption agency. Miss Gilbert, tells Kitty and Jack that they may take up to a year, while a their background is being investigated. Kitty and Jack make their first TV appearance, for their sponsor Cosmo Cosmetics. Miss Gilbert and Miss Evers, drop in unexpectedly to tell them that they have a baby boy for them, but... first they will have to meet with Mrs. Johnston. After Kitty and Jack pick up the baby boy, Mrs. Johnston decides that she will return with them to check out their apartment. Unfortunately, Mrs. Johnston does not like what she sees and refuses to allow the baby to stay there. This begins their long journey to have a career and family. Will their dreams of having children ever come true?

The last performance of Betty Grable and Dan Dailey in a film was, Call me Mister(1951). Set in Japan during the period between World War II and the Korean War. Betty Grable, performed as American USO entertainer Kay Hudson, who runs into former husband Shep Dooley, who wants to win her back.

This movie was really put together to showcase Grable and Dailey dancing skills in routines choreographed by Busby Berkeley.

Judy Garland and Gene Kelly.

2012-02-05T06:14:00.000-08:00

Even though Gene Kelly and Judy Garland, had such great respect for each other they only performed in three films together: For Me and My Gal (1942), The Pirate (1948) and Summer Stock (1950).

They met when Gene was performing in, Pal Joey on Broadway. After the show Gene, Judy and her mother, went to the Copacabana club to become more acquainted. After the club closed, Gene and Judy spent the rest of the evening walking through Central Park, talking about doing a movie together.

Gene, always gave Judy credit for helping him learn how to dance in front of a camera as opposed to dancing on stage in front of an audience. The silver screen couple, were very charming together in all their films.

George White's Scandals (1945).

2012-01-25T10:08:00.000-08:00

George White's Scandals (1945). Cast: Joan Davis, Jack Haley, Phillip Terry, Martha Holliday, Ethel Smith, Margaret Hamilton, Glenn Tryon, Jane Greer and Gene Krupa.

At a Scandals Club reunion party, comedienne Joan Mason announces her engagement to fellow performer, Jack Evans. While, everyone is congratulating them, Jill Asbury, the daughter of former Scandals dancer Molly Hogan, introduces herself. Joan invites her to the shows rehearsal.

Things, do not go so well when Jack introduces Joan to his spinster sister Clarabelle, who does not like her and reminds her brother of the promise he made to his dying mother, that he would not marry until after his sister was married.

At rehearsals the next day, manager Tom McGrath, mistakes Jill for one of the chorus girls. Jill pretends to be dancer Jill Martin and asks Joan to keep her secret. Joan, then warns Jill that Tom treats all the chorus girls like sisters. Meanwhile, Joan arranges a date for Clarabelle through an escort service.

Jack has planned a surprise birthday party for his sister and all of the shows performers head over to the Evans house to entertain. Clarabelle, throws an ax at Joan when she discovers that Joan hired at a date for her through the escort service. Joan, thinks it's best to call off their engagement.

At rehearsals the next day, George White is so impressed with Jill's dancing that Tom offers her the closing act. When Billie learns Jill's true identity, she turns her into the British Embassy. Lord Quimby, a representative of the Embassy, comes to the theater to talk her into leaving the show.

When Tom learns that Jill has lied to him about her identity, he becomes very angry and she leaves the show. On opening night, she can not be found and Jack tells Clarabelle that he plans to marry Joan in spite of her wishes. Wanting to put a stop to his plans Clarabelle, then goes to the theater where she is knocked unconscious by a falling sandbag. Before the show Molly and her husband, Lord Asbury, go backstage to tell Mr. White how happy they are about their daughter's appearance in the show, and he let's him know about Jill's disappearance. Jack sees Jill sitting in the audience, and when she sees her parents sitting in their box seats, she decides to go ahead with her performance.

I really enjoyed the lively musical numbers, particularly the first one with Gene Krupa.

Joan Davis (June 29, 1907 – May 22, 1961), was a performer since childhood. She appeared with her husband Si Wills in vaudeville. Davis' first film was a short subject for Educational Pictures called, Way Up Thar (1935), featuring a then-unknown Roy Rogers. Educational distribution company, Twentieth Century-Fox, signed Davis for feature films. Tall and lanky, with a comically flat speaking voice, she became known as one of the few female physical clowns of her time. Perhaps best known for her co-starring turn with Bud Abbott and Lou Costello in, Hold That Ghost (1941), she had a reputation for flawless physical comedy. Her pantomime sequence in, Beautiful But Broke (1944) was a slapstick construction-site episode.

She co-starred with Eddie Cantor in two features, Show Business (1944) and If You Knew Susie (1948). Cantor and Davis were very close off screen as well.

Look for the Silver Lining(1949).

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Look for the Silver Lining(1949). Directed by David Butler. Cast: June Haver and Ray Bolger. It was nominated for an Academy Award in 1950.

After, Marilyn Miller becomes dizzy during a rehearsal, she decides to rest in her dressing room. Looking at an old vaudeville poster, she thinks back to when she was a Teenager and left school, to join her parents and her sisters, Claire and Ruth, act. Unfortunately, they all come down with the mumps.

She meets, dancer Jack Donahue and he invites Marilyn to fill in for them. Everyone, is surprised how good she is and she quickly becomes part of her families act.

While the family of dancers are playing theaters in London, Jack brings a Broadway producer to see Marilyn perform and it is not long before, she is performing in her first Broadway show.

The show is going well until, investigator from the Gerry Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, suspects that she is underage and wants to see her birth certificate. Frank, comes up with story and Marilyn is able to go on. On opening night, Frank gives Marilyn a small ceramic elephant for luck.

War has broken out and as Frank, is preparing to join the Army, Marilyn asks him to marry her. He thinks it best that they wait until after the war and when he returns, they will elope.

Frank continues the tradition of sending her an elephant on opening night, but when she opens in Sally, the lucky charm arrives late and broken. After her performance, Marilyn learns that Frank has been killed in a car accident on the way to her show.

Soon after Marilyn retires, but quickly becomes bord and she sets her sights on playing the lead in a new play called Sunny. Producer, Henry Doran, first became interested in Marilyn, while she was still a child and is more than happy for her to play the lead.

Back in the present:

Jack visits Marilyn's dressing room and admits that when he dies, he hopes it is onstage on closing night of a big hit. Learning of Marilyn's dizziness, Henry, who is now her husband, wants to call a doctor, but Marilyn, pretends that her dizzy spell is nothing serious.

Later, Marilyn admits to Jack that the doctor advised her to cut out dancing, but she knows that she can not live without the theater. She decides to continue and the play opens on schedule.

A very entertaining musical and a the perfect showcase for Ray Bolger. June Haver, was able to keep up with him and was wonderful in her dance numbers.

Ray Bolger(January 10, 1904 – January 15, 1987). Bolger's film career began when he signed a contract with MGM in 1936. His best-known film performance before, The Wizard of Oz was, The Great Ziegfeld (1936), in which he portrayed himself. He also performed in, Sweethearts, (1938), Rosalie(1937). Following Oz, Bolger moved to RKO. In 1946 he returned to MGM for a featured role in, The Harvey Girls. He continued to star in several films, including Walt Disney's 1961 remake of Babes in Toyland.

Bolger's M-G-M contract stated that he would play any part the studio chose. He was unhappy when he was cast as the Tin Man. The Scarecrow part had already been given to another dancing studio contract player, Buddy Ebsen. In time, the roles were switched. The aluminum make-up used in the Tin Woodman costume coated Ebsen's lungs, leaving him near death. Ebsen's illness paved the way for the Tin Woodman role to be filled by Jack Haley. He was good friends with actress Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, until her death, and gave a eulogy at her memorial service in 1985. Judy Garland often referred to Bolger as "My Scarecrow". Upon the death of Haley in 1979, Bolger said, "It's going to be very lonely on that Yellow Brick Road now."

Strike Up the Band(1940).

2012-01-06T08:24:00.000-08:00

Strike Up the Band(1940). Directed by Busby Berkeley. Cast: Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland.

High school band drummer Jimmy Connors, decides to take some of his friends from Riverwood High School Band and start up a swing orchestra. Jimmy asks Mary, to sing with the band and then asks Mr. Judd, the school principal, if the band could perform at the school dance. Mary, becomes frustrated with Jimmy, because he is more interested in her voice than their romance.

The band sounds great and everyone has a good time at the dance. Jimmy decides to enter Paul Whiteman's school band contest in Chicago. To raise money for their traveling expenses, the band holds a Gay Nineties melodrama for the Elks Club, but they are still short fifty dollars.

If Jimmy does not have enough trouble, here comes Barbara, a flirtatious blonde, who enrolls in Riverwood High School and sets her cap for him. Jimmy takes notice in her when her father hires Paul and his band to play at his daughter's birthday party. At the party, Jimmy and his band give a spur of the moment performance. Whiteman, is impressed and offers Jimmy a job playing drums, but Jimmy refuses, not wanting to brake up his band.

On the day they were suppose to leave, Willie, one of the band members, becomes seriously ill from an injury while performing at the Elks show and needs an operation to save his life. Jimmy, uses the band's travel money to fly Willie to Chicago. Mr. Morgan sends the band to Chicago by train. At the big broadcast, Jimmy and his band are the winners.

If Strike Up The Band, is a wonderful film and has some great musical numbers. Also, the Gay Nineties spoof is very entertaining, I think that you will also enjoy the 'fruit orchestra' doing Our Love Affair.

Fun Fact:

The puppet orchestra made of fruit that comes to life playing instruments for Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland on a kitchen table, was the work of animator George Pal. He had just arrived in Hollywood from Europe via New York and this was among his first projects. Pal's work was relatively unknown by American audiences, thus he was uncredited. The idea for the sequence was that of another New York-to-Hollywood transfer: Vincente Minnelli.

June Preisser (June 26, 1920 – September 19, 1984). Was an actress popular in musical films during the late 1930s and early 1940s, many of which showcased her skills as an acrobat. When Preisser was nine years old an actor noticed the two sisters performing acrobatics on a sidewalk near their home, which landed them a job working in vaudeville, and later for the Ziegfeld Follies in 1934 and 1936.

Cherry retired in 1938 after her marriage and June was signed to a film contract by MGM. Her first film, Dancing Co-Ed (1939) provided only a small part, but her next film, Babes in Arms (1939), gave her a significant role opposite Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland. She performed with Rooney and Garland again in, Strike Up the Band (1940) and with Rooney in two "Andy Hardy" films, Judge Hardy and Son (1939) and Andy Hardy's Private Secretary (1941).

She went on to perform in the films,Gallant Sons (1940), Henry Aldrich for President (1941), Sweater Girl (1942). She played the character "Dodie Rogers" in seven "high school" comedy films with Frankie Darro and Noel Neill from 1946 to 1948. Her final film was Music Man (1948).

For Me and My Gal (1942).

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For Me and My Gal (1942). Musical directed by Busby Berkeley. Cast: Judy Garland, Gene Kelly, in his screen debut, George Murphy, Martha Eggerth and Ben Blue. The film was based on a story by Howard Emmett Rogers inspired by a true story about vaudeville actors Harry Palmer and Jo Hayden, when Palmer was drafted into World War I.

The story begins at the beginning of World War I, when Jo Hayden and Harry Palmer, perform the musical number "For Me and My Gal," both Jo and Harry think that they would be a great team, but Jo does not want to hurt her dance partner Jimmy's feelings. When they return to the hotel, Jimmy insists that Jo, team up with Harry. It does not take Harry and Jo, long to take their show on the road.

While traveling by train to Chicago, Jo reads that Harry and his partner, comic Sid Simms, are now playing on the prestigious Orpheum circuit. Harry, is jealous that he and Jo have not been as successful and when he accidentally enters the private car of vaudeville headliner Eve Minard, he is star struck.

While in Chicago, Harry starts to neglect Jo and when she is visited by Jimmy he feels sorry for her. That night, Jo goes to Eve's hotel and tells her that she loves Harry. Eve, tells Jo that Harry is an opportunist and to prove her point, asks Jo to hide when Harry arrives. Eve, asks Harry to join her act, he accepts.

Back at their hotel, Harry tries to break the news to Jo, not knowing that she over heard him and when she begins to cry, he realizes that he is in love with her and turns Eve down. They receive a telegram from their agent, Eddie Milton, saying that they are booked for the Palace in New York and Harry proposes that they get married.

After arriving in New York, they learn that the telegram was supposed to read "the Palace in Newark," they are heartbroken. Harry still wants to get married, but Jo wants to wait until they perform at the Palace. Bert Waring, manager of the Palace, sees their act in Newark and offers to book them. Unfortunately, Harry receives his draft notice and is sure that he will lose his big chance. When Harry is to report for his physical he decides to take matters in his own hands and slams a lid of a huge trunk down on his hand.

When Jo receives a telegram informing her that Danny has been killed in action, Harry tries to comfort her, but when she sees his hand, she realizes what he has done and says that she never wants to see him again.

Six weeks later, Harry learns that his hand is permanently crippled and he will never be allowed into the Army. While at a bond rally Harry runs into Sid, who suggests that Harry go with him to France as a YMCA entertainer.

When, he and his partner end up too close to the front, Harry goes off to warn the ambulance convoy heading into danger. He is wounded while destroying an enemy machine gun that was waiting for the convoy.

After the war, during performance at the Palace Theatre, Jo sees Harry in the audience and runs to him. The two reunite on stage to sing "For Me and My Gal".

This movie is a musical/drama/romance and there are a few twists that set it apart from many other wartime romance musicals.

Fun Facts:

For Me and My Gal marked the first real "adult" role for the nineteen-year-old Judy Garland. The original script had called for Harry Palmer to be involved with two women, a singer, which was to be Garland's role, and a dancer, who would have most of the dramatic scenes, but acting coach Stella Adler, who was an advisor to MGM at the time, suggested to producer Arthur Freed that the two roles be combined, and that Garland be given the part. Adler also suggested Gene Kelly for the lead.

Kelly was 30 years old at the time, and had made a mark on Broadway as the star of Pal Joey and the choreographer of Best Foot Forward. When David O. Selznick signed him to a film contract, Kelly's intention was to return to Broadway after fulfilling his contractual obligation, but he ended up staying in Hollywood for a year because Selznick didn't have a role for him. When Arthur Freed inquired about getting Kelly for For Me and My Gal, Selznick handed over the contract, and Kelly got the part, over the objections of Freed's bosses at MGM. The casting of Kelly meant that George Murphy, who was originally going to play "Harry Palmer", was switched to playing "Jimmy Metcalf".

Gene Kelly and Judy Garland got along well – she had been in favor of his getting the part, and during shooting she helped Kelly adjust his stage acting for films, and backed him in disagreements with director Busby Berkeley, who she did not like. Kelly and Garland went on to star together in two other films, The Pirate (1948) and Summer Stock (1950).

The film was also the American motion picture debut of Hungarian singer Martha Eggerth, who had appeared in over thirty films in Germany. Her career in Hollywood did not last long: she appeared in only two other American films.

When the film was initially previewed, the audience was dissatisfied with the ending: they thought that Jo (Garland) should end up with Jimmy (Murphy) rather than Harry (Kelly). This prompted Louis B. Mayer to order three weeks of additional shooting to give Kelly's character more of a conscience and to reduce Murphy's presence in the film.

Marta Eggerth (born April 17, 1912). During the early 1930s, she made more than 40 films. Some of her well known performances are: Where is this Lady (1932); Ein lied, ein Kuss, Ein Madel (Berlin 1932); Die Czardasfurstin (1934); Die Blonde Carmen (Berlin 1935); Casta Diva, the story of Bellini (Rome 1935); Das Hofkonzert (1936); Zauber der Boheme, with Jan Kiepura (Vienna 1936); as well as two films written especially for her by Franz Lehár-- Es war einmal ein Walzer (1932) and Die ganze Welt dreht sich um Liebe (Vienna 1935). It was on the set of the 1934 film Mein Herz ruft nach dir (My Heart is Calling You) that she met and fell in love with the young Polish tenor, Jan Kiepura. They were married in 1936 and together became known as Europe's Liebespaar (Love Pair) causing a sensation wherever they appeared.
Jan, toured the United States and landed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in Hollywood and during the early 1940s, made two movies with Judy Garland, For Me and My Gal (1942) and Presenting Lily Mars (1943).

Painting the Clouds with Sunshine(1951).

2011-12-27T18:56:00.000-08:00

Painting the Clouds with Sunshine(1951). Musical directed by David Butler. Cast: Dennis Morgan and Virginia Mayo (Virginia Mayo's singing voice was dubbed by Bonnie Lou Williams). The movie was based on an earlier musical, Gold Diggers of 1933.

The Dillon Sisters, Carol, Abby and June, decide to leave Hollywood and head for the bright lights of Las Vegas, in their travel trailer looking for millionaires. Although, Abby is still in love with her gambler/singer boyfriend Vince Nichols.

The girls park their trailer behind the Golden Egg, which is owned by Felix Hoff, who has run into financial problems. Things start looking up for Felix, when eccentric prospector, Sam Parks, rides up on a donkey and says that he wants to become partners. It is not long before Sam let's the cat out of the bag, saying that he is the heir of Felix's former business partner, who was killed after he was caught cheating in a poker game. Sam, then says he wants Felix buy out his half of the Golden Egg.

Ted, has followed Abby to Las Vegas and promises Carol that he will bring three millionaires to their opening night performance. Abby, goes out with Ted, but does not believe it when he tells her that he is one of the millionaires.

The next morning, as Abby is drowning in flowers, Carol shares with Abby and June that Ted is from a wealthy family. Ted shows up with an engagement ring and Carol makes Abby accept his proposal.

During a board meeting at the Lansing National Bank of Boston, Ted's cousin, Bennington Lansing, reads a magazine article about Abby and then makes plans to go to Las Vegas to save Ted from who he thinks is a gold digger.

After learning that Bennington is on his way, Carol comes up with a plan to change Bennington's mind. Bennington arrives early and Carol mistakes him for the interior decorator and shares all her plans with him.

June, sees Bennington take Abby's signed photograph of Vince, to use as evidence against her. She then informs Bennington, that he can find Vince singing at the Bingo Club. Part of Bennington's plan, was to pretend that he has changed his mind about Abby, by throwing them a celebration party at the Golden Egg and to pay Vince to break them up.

Vince, changes his mind and can not go through with the plan, then decides to double-cross Bennington, by gambling away the money he gave him. Abby tries to stop him.

When June finds Ted winning at the slot machines, they decide to make the round of casinos together. Carol encourages Bennington to drink too much, hoping that he will approve of Abby and Ted's a marriage. He then offers to help her with her tax returns, so she takes him to the trailer to sleep it off, where Sam has arranged to take pictures of them together.

Vince, wins a lot of money at the casino but does not win over Abby's heart. Carol, who has returned in time to hear Abby rejection of Vince, but does not believe her and tells him that Abby, is still in love with him.

The next morning, Sam tries to blackmail the Bennington with the pictures of him and Carol, but Carol tears up the picture. Not to happy on how things are going, Sam, practices his knife throwing, while Felix worries for his safety. Vince, shows up and pays the money owed Sam to help his friend Felix. At the Las Vegas Helldorado festivities, June and Ted, become engaged and Ted hands Abby over to Vince. Felix, thanks Vince, for saving his life. Bennington, proposes to Carol, Sam joins with the rest of the group and they all climb into a buggy for the Helldorado parade.

I really enjoyed this very colorful film, "Painting the Clouds With Sunshine." The clothes were glamorous and musical numbers were wonderful .. I know, I know.. The girls-looking-for-millionaires' plot is old hat, but I still loved it.. I also loved Gene Nelson's number, where he is playing the trumpet while dancing.

Lucille Norman (June 15, 1921–April 1, 1998). She performed as a singer for movie soundtracks and in 1942 she had her first film role, an uncredited part in, Personalities. She only had three film roles through the 1940s, and another three in the 1950s. Her best known role was in 1952 opposite Randolph Scott in the film, Carson City.

Luxury Liner(1948).

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Luxury Liner(1948). Romantic/musical/comedy, directed by Richard Whorf, and written by Richard Connell, Karl Kamb and Gladys Lehman. Cast: George Brent and
Jane Powell.

Captain of a luxury ocean liner Jeremy Bradford, spends his vacation with his sixteen-year-old daughter Polly, who attends Miss Fenmoor's boarding school for girls. Before Polly has to go back to school, Jeremy takes Polly to see opera stars, Olaf Erickson and soprano Zita Romanka. Because he knows Polly, has dreams of some day of becoming being a famous opera star. Polly, learns that that Olaf and Zita, will be performing aboard her fathers ship on their way to Rio de Janiero. Polly, begs her father to join the cruise, but Jeremy insists that she stay in school and returns to his ship without her.

One of the passengers Laura Dene, whose wedding was called off at the last minute. Laura's fiancee, Charles G. K. Worton, has a change of heart and secretly makes arrangements with Jeremy to sail on the ship.

It is not long before Denis Mulvy, a young officer, tells Jeremy that a stowaway has been found. When Jeremy learns that the stowaway is his own daughter Polly, he decides to teach her a lesson by having her work in the ship's kitchen. Polly, who's feelings are hurt changes her name to, "Polly Murphy."

Later, while dining with the captain, Olaf finds a note in his meal from Polly informing him that the potatoes were peeled by the captain's daughter. Which embarrasses Jeremy and when he walks into the galley to confront his daughter, he finds her dancing with the kitchen staff. Now, Polly finds herself scrubbing floors.

When Polly, meets Olaf she tells him that he is her "Sinatra." and when Polly meets Laura, she tells her that she is a stowaway and that she is being mistreated by the captain. Laura, goes to speak to the captain and demand that he improve her conditions. Jeremy does not let on that Polly is his daughter and Laura is surprised by his unwillingness to reconsider Polly's punishment. Although, Jeremy eventually does share the truth with Laura.

A romance quickly develops between Jeremy and Laura, even though Laura still does not know that Charles, is aboard ship. Charles tells Polly, that he is still in love with Laura. Polly, realizing that her father is also in love with Laura, is not sure what to do. Polly shares her problems with Olaf, who invites her to sing a duet with him in his next performance. Later, when Laura tells Polly that she does not love Charles, Polly, is relieved to hear the news.

Jane Powell, gives a wonderful performance and the beautiful Frances Gifford, makes a wonderful leading lady. I would have loved to see her in more films. The music keeps the unbelievable plot moving along.

Mary Frances Gifford (December 7, 1920 – January 22, 1994). With a friend, she visited the studios of Samuel Goldwyn to watch a film being made and while there was spotted by a talent scout who brought her to the attention of Goldwyn, who signed her for an acting contract. After only receiving minor roles, she moved to RKO where she was cast in film, Stage Door(1937).

In 1939 landed her first leading role in the film, Mercy Plane. She played another uncredited role in, Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939). She played several more minor roles before she performed in, Jungle Girl(1941). She left RKO for Paramount Pictures where she performed in, The Glass Key (1942). In 1943 she made another jungle movie, Tarzan Triumphs.

At MGM she performed in leading roles in films, Our Vines Have Tender Grapes (1945), She Went to the Races (1945) and The Arnelo Affair (1947). She also performed in supporting roles, Thrill of a Romance(1945) and Luxury Liner (1948).

In 1948 Gifford was almost killed in a car accident, receiving severe head injuries which she never recovered from. She attempted a comeback in the films, Sky Commando (1953) and Riding High (1950).

Fashions of 1934(1934).

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Fashions of 1934(1934). Pre-Code/musical/comedy directed by William Dieterle with musical numbers created and directed by Busby Berkeley. Based on the story The Fashion Plate by Harry Collins and Warren Duff. Cast: William Powell and Bette Davis.

Sherwood Nash's, New York investment business hits hard times until he meets dress designer Lynn Mason. They quickly come up with a plan to earn a living making knock offs of beautiful Paris designs.

They learn by accident that Oscar Baroque, gets his ideas from old costume designs. Lynn, picks up on the idea and she and Sherwood sells her designs to their New York customers.

Sherwood, comes up with a new scam and becomes partners with Joe Ward, an ostrich feather salesman after he recognizes the Grand Duchess Alix, his old friend, Mabel. Threatening to expose who she really is, Sherwood suggests that she convince Baroque, to back and design the costumes of the musical in which she is performing. Wanting to please the Grand Duchess, Baroque buys Ward's entire supply of ostrich feathers. Lynn, who has grown very tired of his scams, thinks about leaving him for the piano player.

Sherwood opens a new fashion house called, Maison Elegance and Lynn's designs are very popular, until Baroque finds out about their scam. The police give him one afternoon to straighten everything out. Will he be successful or ruin everyones lives?

William Powell, is one of those witty con artiest that you can not help fall in love and root for. You will not be able to take your eyes off the very talented Bette Davis and her glamorous blonde hair. If you enjoy fashions from the 30s. This film is for you.

One of the main reasons why I wanted to watch this film, was for the production number created by Busby Berkeley. Meant to showcase 'Spin A Little Web Of Dreams' with Busby's trademark identical blonde showgirls performing complicated dance numbers.

Verree Teasdale (March 15, 1903 – February 17, 1987). Trained as a stage actress at the New York School of Expression. She first appeared on Broadway in 1924 and performed there regularly until 1932. After co-starring in Somerset Maugham's play The Constant Wife with Ethel Barrymore in 1926-27, she was offered a film contract, and her first film, Syncopation(1929). Teasdale appeared older than her physical age, which enabled her to play bored society wives, scheming other women and second leads in comedies such as, Roman Scandals (1933).

In 1935 she married actor Adolphe Menjou, and they remained together until his death in 1963. Teasdale and Menjou performed together in two films, The Milky Way(1936) and Turnabout (1940), and were also co-hosts of a syndicated radio program in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Teasdale retired after the radio program finished its run, keeping busy with her hobby of costume design.

Garden of the Moon(1938).

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Garden of the Moon (1938). Director: Busby Berkeley. Cast: Pat O'Brien, Margaret Lindsay and John Payne.

When Rudy Vallee, can not perform at the Garden of the Moon nightclub, owner John Quinn hires the young struggling band leader, Don Vincente. Don and his band fly out to California from New York, but Don is not too happy when he learns that they will be performing with a woman singer. He believes that they will only cause problems between the band members. Quinn, insists that Don use her in the band. Don surrounds her with horns so that she can not be heard. Which angers Quinn, who turns off Don's microphone so Don has to sing without it.

Thinking that they are being swindled, Toni goes looking for a new sponsor and convinces a chewing gum manufacturer to listen to Don's broadcast. When Quinn hears about their plans, he fires Don.

Knowing that Quinn is a fan of royalty, Toni plants a story about Don's friendship with the Maharajah of Sund. It's not long before Don is back at work. Quinn throws a party for the Maharajah and things are going as planned until Maurice, the materde, almost ruins them when he recognizes the Maharajah as a waiter who once worked for him.

Quinn, eventually learns the truth, but Toni convinces him not to take revenge on Don. Don has been so popular that the owners of the hotel want him to sign a contract. Which Don refuses to sign, because the gum manufacturer has offered him a radio program.

Toni, convinces Don to do the radio broadcast from Hollywood. Mistakenly, he believes that Toni is in with Quinn and quits. Quinn, has gossip columnist Jimmie Fidler, warn Quinn over the radio that gangsters are out to kill him. Quinn fakes a shooting and begs Don to stay. His plan works and soon Quinn is back to work, with Don as his bandleader.

Fun Fact:

The roles played by John Payne and Margaret Lindsay were originally intended for Dick Powell and Bette Davis. Powell took a layoff rather than make this film.

This is a fun story and the film has a lot of big band era music with some swing numbers mixed in. Payne looks and sounds great and is supported by a wonderful actress, Margaret Lindsay. The musical number, "Girlfriend of the Whirling Dervish," better known today thanks to a Looney Tunes cartoon, made its debut in this film.

Margaret Lindsay (September 19, 1910 - May 9, 1981). She is best known for her supporting work in films of the 1930s and 1940s such as: Jezebel (1938) and Scarlet Street (1945). She had leading roles in "B" films such as: Ellery Queen series in the early 1940s. Critics say her standout performance, was as Hepzibah Pyncheon in the film, The House of the Seven Gables(1940).

The Ice Follies of 1939(1939).

2011-11-23T11:41:00.000-08:00

The Ice Follies of 1939(1939). Directed by Reinhold Schünzel. Cast: Joan Crawford, James Stewart, Lew Ayres and Lewis Stone. Featuring The International Ice Follies.

The story begins, when skaters Larry Hall and Eddie Burgess, meet Mary McKay, a very poor skater. Larry, insists on including in her in their act, even after being fired from all their shows.

After the couple are married, Mary, realizes that she is damaging her husband's career and convinces the head of Monarch Studios, to hire her. Mary, soon discovers that she can not marry without the permission of the studio and Larry tells her to keep their marriage a secret.

After his wife becomes a huge star, Larry leaves for New York, to meet with his former partner Eddie, in the office of producer Mort Hodges, who plans to help Larry with his dream of producing the Ice Follies.

After, Larry's Ice Follies, becomes a huge hit, Mary wants to give up her career to save their marriage. Will she change her mind after the the two are hired to work on the same show?

The best part of this movie is the ice-skating scenes. Joan Crawford, got a chance to play a much softer character. If you are like me, you will want to watch any movie with Jimmy Stewart in it..

Lew Ayres (born Lewis Frederick Ayres III; December 28, 1908 – December 30, 1996). He was discovered playing banjo in the Henry Halstead Orchestra as Halstead was recording one of the Vitaphone movie shorts called, Carnival Night in Paris(1927).

Ayres played opposite Greta Garbo in the film ayres,, The Kiss(1929), but it was his starring role in the film, All Quiet on the Western Front(1930), which made him a star. Ayres was Janet Gaynor's leading man in, Servants' Entrance (1934). He played the title role in, Young Dr. Kildare (1938) and starred in several Kildare films. During this time, Ayres also co-starred with Joan Crawford and James Stewart in the film, The Ice Follies of 1939.

Ayres made few films after the war, but in 1948 his role in, Johnny Belinda earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Seven Days Ashore(1944).

2011-11-19T03:40:00.000-08:00

Seven Days Ashore(1944). Directed by John H. Auer Cast: Wally Brown, Alan Carney, Marcy McGuire, Dooley Wilson, Gordon Oliver, Virginia Mayo, Amelita Ward, Elaine Shepard, Marjorie Gateson, Alan Dinehart, Miriam Lavelle and Margaret Dumont.

Violinist Carol Dean and Lucy Banning, are members of an all girl orchestra, both believe that they are engaged to, Merchant Marine Dan, who has been at sea for the past seven months. Dan, writes a letter to each woman, informing them that he will be in town on leave and asks them to meet him at the dock. He then puts both letters in a hat and after drawing Lucy's name, he throws out the letter addressed to Carol. The captain of Dan's ship finds Carol's letter and mails the letter to her.

After, Dan and his shipmates Monty and Orval arrive, Lucy is there to meet him. To his surprise, he also sees Carol waving from the dock. Pretending to be in pain, Dan asks Monty to take Lucy to the Indigo Club, where she performs. Just as he is about to catch up to Carol, Dan sees his parents and his former girl friend, Annabelle Rogers, also there to meet him. Pretending to be in pain once again, Dan sends Carol to the club with his friend, Orval.

That night, Dan's mother is hosting a party in his honor and he sends a message to Dot to come rescue him. It is not long, before Dot, Lucy, Carol and the rest of the band show up and liven up the party with their nightclub act.

Lucy, wanting to freshen up her makeup, opens Carol's purse, to borrow some lipstick. There, she finds Dan's letter in her purse and confronts Carol and then shows her own letter. The two women decide to teach Dan a lesson and confront him in front of Annabelle, who announces that she is going to leave in the morning.

The next morning, Dan finds two breach-of-promise suits from Lucy and Carol and Annabelle decides to stay to see what happens. Trying to find the best way to get out of the lawsuits, he asks Orval and Monty, to pose as millionaires and romance the gold-digging violinists. Unknown to Dan, Annabelle has sided with Lucy and Carol and has a lawsuit of her own.

Orval and Monty, begin their plan by taking Lucy and Carol, on a canoe ride. The two women end the date by dumping the two into the lake. Having second thoughts, they help their dates out of the water. Before, they know it.. Lucy and Carol, fall in the lake and realize that they have fallen in love, with Orval and Monty and the two couples elope.

Dan proposes to Annabelle, but when she rejects his proposal, he tells her that he plans to call Lucy and Carol's bluff by proposing to them, knowing that they are in love with, Orval and Monty.

After, Jones shares with Dan, Annabelle's role in the lawsuit, Dan becomes angry and Annabelle decides to leave. While packing her things, Annabelle hears the Arlands' servant, sing her and Dan's song "Apple Blossoms in the Rain," she realizes that she is still in love with him. With only seven hours of leave left, Dan and Annabelle rush to the justice-of-the peace to be married and are welcomed home when the band plays "Hail and Farewell," the Merchant Marines say good-by to their brides and return to their ship.

I watched this film, because I really wanted to see, Miriam LaVelle, musical numbers. If you enjoy wartime musicals, you may enjoy, "Seven Days Leave".

Virginia Mayo (November 30, 1920 – January 17, 2005). Tutored by a series of dancing instructors, she appeared in the St. Louis Municipal Opera chorus and then appeared with six other girls at an act at the Jefferson Hotel. There she was recruited by vaudeville performer Andy Mayo to appear in his act (as ringmaster for two men in a horse suit), taking his surname as her stage name. She appeared in vaudeville for three years in the act, appearing with Eddie Cantor on Broadway in, 1941's Banjo Eyes.

She performed with, Danny Kaye in the films: Wonder Man (1945), The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947). At the height of her career, Mayo was seen as a voluptuous Hollywood beauty. It was said that she "looked like a pinup painting come to life," and she played just such a role in the 1949 film comedy, The Girl from Jones Beach.

In 1949's White Heat she took on the role of treacherous "Verna Jarrett", opposite James Cagney. She was also cast against type as a gold digger in, The Best Years of Our Lives. Her film career continued through the 1950s and 1960s, frequently in B-movie westerns and adventure films. While she also performed in musicals, Mayo's singing voice was always dubbed.

Miriam LaVelle, performed as a 'speciality' dancer throughout the 1940s. Her acts were beautifully choreographed dances put to music in a way that was unique. She performed in several films and television shows.

As a young child, she was encouraged to practice dance steps to rectify a foot ailment. Through that, she took a interest in acrobatics and dancing. Chester Times columnists covering the various school concerts Miriam appeared in 1934 through 1938 quickly picked up on her dancing skills.

In 1941, aged 15, Miriam was given a minor role in the Broadway play 'Sunny River' at the St James theatre. A year later she appeared in 'Keep 'em laughing' at the 44th Street theatre. Her big break came later in 1942 when an animated electric sign on Broadway that featured a woman dancing, and which was modelled on Miriam, caught the eye of MGM talent scouts, who tracked her down and signed her. During 1943 she made four films: 'Meet the people' , 'The Gang's all here' , 'Cover Girl' and 'Seven days ashore.' In 1946, she made a film-short called 'Love me tonight', an dance routine accompanied by Dick Stabile's orchestra.

The Yacht Club Boys.

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The Yacht Club Boys, popular in the 1920s and 1930s: Charles Adler, George Kelly, Billy Mann, and Jimmie Kern. They performed as a specialty act in many films of the 1930s. The Yacht Club Boys' performances were similar to those of The Ritz Brothers, a zany musical-comedy trio.

The Yacht Club Boys, dressed in varsity sweaters and sang: "I'm Wild About Horns on an Automobile", "Nasty Nancy, the Meanest Gal in Town".

They later, expanded their act to include, current events and trends and sang songs like, "You're Broke, You Dope" and "The Super-Special Picture of the Year." Their best remembered silver screen performance was in, Al Jolson's The Singing Kid, in which the four try to keep Jolson from singing outdated "mammy songs."

Adler, Kelly, Kern, and Mann also starred in musical short subjects, first for Paramount Pictures in 1929-30, then for Vitaphone in 1936, with: Dough-Nuts, The Vodka Boatmen. The group disbanded in 1939; Jimmie Kern became a screenwriter and later a director.

Feature films include:

Deep 'C' Melodies (1930)
The Singing Kid (1935)
Thanks a Million (1935)
They're Off (1936)
Stage Struck (1936)
Pigskin Parade (1936)
Artists and Models (1937)
Thrill of a Lifetime (1937, billed as the stars)
Cocoanut Grove (1938)
Artists and Models Abroad (1938)

My Fair Lady (1964).

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My Fair Lady (1964). Musical film adaptation of the Lerner and Loewe stage musical, of the same name. The film was directed by George Cukor and starred Audrey Hepburn and Rex Harrison. The film won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Actor, and Best Director.

Professor of phonetics Henry Higgins, believes that a person's accent determines their place in society. He tells, Colonel Hugh Pickering, another phonetics expert, that he could teach any woman to speak "properly" so that he could pass her off as a duchess at an embassy ball. For example the flower seller, Eliza Doolittle.

Eliza goes to Higgins for speech lessons. All she can afford to pay is a shilling per lesson. Pickering, who is staying with Higgins, loves the idea of passing a common flower girl off as a duchess and offers to pay for her lessons.

Also, down-on-his luck Eliza's father, Alfred P. Doolittle, shows up three days later, wanting Higgins, to pay him for using his daughter for his experiment. Eliza, begins her speech training and enduring Higgins' harsh approach to teaching. She makes little progress, but as they are all about to give up, Eliza finally "gets it" and she instantly begins to speak with an impeccable upper class accent.

As a test, Higgins takes her to Ascot Racecourse, where she makes a good impression, only to ruin it by a sudden lapse into Cockney while encouraging a horse to win a race. Higgins, hide a grin behind his hand.

Eliza, attends the embassy ball and dances with a foreign prince. Also, at the ball is Zoltan Karpathy, a Hungarian phonetics expert trained by Higgins. After having a conversation with Eliza, he certifies that she is of royal blood. All the praise goes to Higgins which angers Eliza and she walks out on him..

Eliza returns to her home, but finds that she no longer fits in. She meets her father, who has been left a large fortune by the wealthy Higgins and he is off to marry Eliza's stepmother. Eliza, goes to visit Higgins' mother, who is incensed at her son's behaviour.

Higgins finds Eliza and tries to talk her into coming back with him. Eliza, then announces that she is going to marry Freddy and become Karpathy's assistant. Higgins, now realizes that he needs her in his life.

This is a magnificent musical with a magnificent cast. The costumes are absolutely beautiful.

Dame Gladys Cooper(18 December 1888 – 17 November 1971). In 1913 she performed in her first film, The Eleventh Commandment, she then went on to make many more silent films. She also continued to perform on stage for many years. Later Cooper, performed in character roles and was mostly cast as the snobbish, society woman, although.. she sometimes played friendly characters, as she did in the film, Rebecca (1940).She was nominated three times for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performances as Bette Davis's domineering mother in one of my favorite films, Now, Voyager (1942). Gladys, plays a wonderful supporting role as the skeptical nun in, The Song of Bernadette (1943). Gladys, also performed as Rex Harrison's mother, Mrs. Higgins, in My Fair Lady (1964). Other well known film performances include: The Green Years (1946), The Secret Garden (1949), Separate Tables (1958), The Happiest Millionaire (1967). She also had numerous television roles in the 1950s and 1960s. In 1967, at the age of 79, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

Stage Struck (1936).

2011-11-06T04:45:00.000-08:00

Stage Struck (1936). Cast: Dick Powell and Joan Blondell and Jeanne Madden. Director: Busby Berkeley.

Dance director George Randall, is not too happy and leaves the show when the star of the show is replaced by Peggy Revere, a woman whose only claim to fame is that she shot her husband. Now, that he is free.. Producer Fred Harris, hires him for his new show. What George doesn't know, is that Peggy, is backing and starring in the show. When, she learns that George, has been hired she tears up his contract. Fred, decides to use reverse psychology on Peggy and convinces her that hatred is really a sign of love.

George, is in love with Ruth Williams, who wants a job in show business. George, tries to talk Ruth out of it. Actor Gilmore Frost, helps Ruth get the job. When, Ruth sees George, singing a love song to Peggy, she thinks he is in love with her. The show is a failure, because Peggy is not very talented. Frost, hits her and George, insists that she go to the hospital. Ruth, plans to go on stage and in the last minute, Peggy insists she is well enough to perform. The police arrest both her and Frost for assault. George, asks Ruth to marry him.

Fun Fact:

The movie box office got a big boost when Dick Powell and Joan Blondell were married shortly before its release.

Stage Struck, is one of the least known of Busby Berkeley's Warner Bros. musicals, because there are no major production numbers. Although, There are some wonderful songs by Harold Arlen and E.Y. Harburg :"Lady of the Moon" (sung by chorus girls during rehearsals, with Frank McHugh); "Fancy Meeting You" (sung by Dick Powell and Jeanne Madden); "In YOUR Own Quiet Way" (sung by Powell) and "In HIS Own Quiet Way" (a try-out, sung by Jeanne Madden). The film's highlight is the musical number by the Yacht Club Boys. Also featured in the cast are: Spring Byington and Carol Hughes, Hobart Cavanaugh,a young Jane Wyman and Jeanne Madden, in her movie debut.

Two Guys from Texas (1948).

2011-11-04T07:11:00.000-07:00

Two Guys from Texas (1948) Musical/comedy. Cast: Dennis Morgan, Jack Carson, and Dorothy Malone. Directed by David Butler. Pictures on September 4, 1948. This was a follow-up to Two Guys from Milwaukee, also starring Morgan and Carson

The film is best remembered for an animated cameo appearance of cartoon character Bugs Bunny. Friz Freleng, Warner's leading animation director, was assigned to direct the special animated dream sequence, in which Bugs gives some advice to Jack Carson.

While Bugs Bunny was not the star of the film, his appearance stands out as a landmark in his long career. Bugs would later have a similar cameo in 1949's My Dream Is Yours, which also starred Jack Carson.

Singing and dance act.. Steve Carroll and Danny Foster, are headed for California, when they run out of gas in Texas. Leaving their car on the side of the road, they hitch a ride to a dude ranch with Link Jessup and his secretary, Jim Crocker. After hearing Steve and Danny's story, Jessup suddenly remembers that he has unfinished business in town and leaves the two men to find their own way to the ranch. Steve and Danny, ask Joan Winston, the owner, to give them room and board in exchange for their talents. Joan, agrees to let them stay after she learns that they are friends of Maggie Reed, a singer working at the ranch.

Steve asks Dr. Straeger, a guest at the ranch, to talk to Danny about his animal phobia. Even though Straeger, is not a psychiatrist, he agrees to talk to Danny. Danny, shares with him a recurring dream in which he is a shepherd who loses his flock of sheep to a wolf who looks like Steve. Straeger tells Danny, that he is jealous of Steve and advises Danny to take a girl away from Steve.

When Steve and Danny discover that their car has been stolen and report it to the sheriff, "Tex" Bennett, who seems only concerned by Joan's, interest in Steve.

Joan, takes a walk with Danny and kisses him. By the next day, Danny has lost his fear of animals. On the day of the rodeo, Jessup and Crocker, steal the rodeo entry fees and use Danny and Steve's car for their getaway. Now, Tex believes that Danny and Steve are guilty and arrests them.

Danny and Steve, manage to escape from jail and, in disguise, sneak back to the ranch, where Danny overhears Jessup and Crocker planning to steal the rodeo's money. They decide to stop the robbery and clear their names.

At the rodeo, Danny accidentally mounts a wild horse and wins the contest. Then Steve reveals that Jessup and Crocker are the real criminals. Later, Danny is shocked when he learns that Straeger is a veterinarian. Steve and Joan decide to marry, as do Maggie and Tex.

This movie is a wonderful example of a Classic movie with the romantic plot and elaborate sets. I think you will love the catchy music and a great story line. A good rainy afternoon movie.

Dorothy Malone (born January 30, 1925). She worked as a child model and began acting in school plays at Ursuline Convent and Highland Park High School. While performing at Southern Methodist University, she was spotted by an RKO talent agent and was signed to a studio contract, making her film debut in, The Falcon and the Co-Eds(1943).

Malone, performed mostly in supporting roles in B-movies, many of them Westerns, although on occasion she played small but memorable roles, such as the bookstore clerk in, The Big Sleep (1946) with Humphrey Bogart, and the love interest of Dean Martin in the musical/comedy, Artists and Models (1955).

By 1956, Malone transformed herself into a platinum blonde and shed her "good girl" image when she co-starred with Rock Hudson, Lauren Bacall, and Robert Stack in the film, Written on the Wind. As a result, she was offered more substantial roles in films: as Too Much, Too Soon, Man of a Thousand Faces and Warlock , The Tarnished Angels, The Last Voyage and The Last Sunset.

Penny Edwards(24 August 1928-26 August 1998), began studying dance by age six and, as a teen, appeared on Broadway in "The Ziegfeld Follies of 1943". After a couple of other musicals and a stint with the St. Louis Municipal Opera, she was signed by Warner Brothers in 1947. She showed promise as a second lead, singing and dancing opposite Dennis Morgan and Ben Blue in her film debut, My Wild Irish Rose (1947). She also performed the Shirley Temple film, That Hagen Girl (1947). Then alongside Morgan again in, Two Guys from Texas (1948)with Donald O'Connor and Marjorie Main in the musical, Feudin', Fussin' and A-Fightin'(1948) and in another musical, Tucson (1949).

Step Lively(1944).

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Step Lively(1944). A musical film directed by Tim Whelan. Cast: Frank Sinatra. Step Lively was based on the play Room Service, by Allen Boretz and John Murray.

Gordon Miller, is rehearsing a musical comedy in the penthouse suite of Gribble's hotel...on credit. The trouble really begins when playwright Glen Russell, arrives.

This musical showcases a 19-year-old Gloria DeHaven and a 29-year-old Frank Sinatra, both in perfect voice. The songs are perfect: Where Does Love Begin (and where does friendship end), Some Other Time (I could resist you), Ask the Madam (she knows it all), and the Come Out (wherever you are). This is a film to watch just for the pure joy of it.

Gloria DeHaven (born July 23, 1925). Is the daughter of actor-director Carter DeHaven and actress Flora Parker DeHaven, both former vaudeville performers.

She began her career as a child actor with a bit part in Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times (1936). She was signed to a contract with MGM Studios, but despite featured roles in such films as, The Thin Man Goes Home (1944) and Summer Stock (1950), she did not achieve film stardom. She portrayed her mother in the Fred Astaire film, Three Little Words (1950).

The Strawberry Blonde(1941).

2011-10-22T05:31:00.000-07:00

The Strawberry Blonde(1941). Directed by Raoul Walsh. Cast: James Cagney, Olivia de Havilland, Rita Hayworth, Alan Hale, Sr., Jack Carson and George Tobias. It was nominated for an Academy Award in 1941 for Best Scoring of a Musical Picture. The film features songs such as "Bill Bailey", "Meet Me in St. Louis, Louie," and "The Band Played On".

In this wonderful period film, New York dentist Biff Grimes, remembers past wrongs done to him, after he receives a telephone from Hugo Barnstead, asking him to pull his bad tooth:

Their rivalry begins when both men fall in love with the same woman named, Virginia Brush. Hugo, makes plans to meet Virginia in the park. Virginia, decides it is best to bring her outspoken friend, Amy Lind and Hugo brings his friend, Biff. When they arrive by carriage, Hugo pairs off with Virginia, leaving Biff with Amy.

The following week, Biff dates Virginia, taking her to all the expensive places in town. When he asks her for another date, she turns him down, but.. Biff keeps trying and Virginia finally agrees to meet him in the park. When Biff hears that Virginia and Hugo eloped earlier that day, he is devastated and Amy does her best, to make him feel better.

Eventually, Biff and Amy fall in love and marry. One evening, Virginia invites Biff and Amy to have dinner with her and Hugo. Hugo spends the evening bragging and offers Biff job. Biff accepts his offer, but.. is disappointed when he finds his only job is to sign his name to papers. His place in the firm becomes clear when Biff, is held responsible for Hugo's crimes and Hugo goes free.

Just when Biff does not think things could be any worse, his father, who is working on one of the firms projects, is killed when a building collapses because of the use of inferior materials. Biff, is once again held responsible and is sent to jail.

By the time he is released, he has completed a correspondence school course in dentistry. Meanwhile, Hugo has gone on to a career in politics. Will Biff, get even with Hugo, for all he has done to ruin his life?

Fun Fact:

Even though it is for only a few seconds, we hear Rita Hayworth sing with her own voice. This is believed to be the only time in a film when this happens.

The film has a wonderful turn of the century atmosphere and a wonderful tribute to American culture.

Una O'Connor (October 23, 1880 – February 4, 1959). For many years, she worked in Ireland and England as a stage actress in, The Starlight Express at the Kingsway Theatre in London (1915–1916). She performed in Alfred Hitchcock's, Murder! (1930). She had not attracted much attention until she perform in, Cavalcade (1933).

O'Connor's, best remembered roles are: The Invisible Man (1933), Bride of Frankenstein (1935) and The Informer (1935).

Happy Birthday: Rita Hayworth!

2011-10-17T05:39:00.000-07:00

Rita Hayworth, one of the great beauties of her era, was also a very talented actress, dancer, and comedian. She started her performing career partnered with her father, in a dancing team called, "The Dancing Cansinos". At that time Hayworth, was not of legal age to work in the California's nightclubs and bars, so.. she and her father traveled across the border to the city of Tijuana, Mexico, a popular tourist spot of the 1930s.

It was at the Caliente Club where Hayworth was first spotted by the head of the Fox Film Corporation, Winfield Sheehan. Hayworth, found herself in Hollywood making a screen test for Fox. Sheehan, signed Hayworth to a six-month contract.

There Hayworth, performed very small roles in five pictures. By the end of her six-month contract, Zanuck decided not to renew her contract. Judson, found a place for her in lead roles with Columbia Pictures. Studio head Harry Cohn, signed her to a long-term contract.

Cohn, thought Hayworth looked too Mediterranean, which caused Hayworth to be cast into Hispanic roles. She decided to undergo electrolysis to broaden her forehead and accentuate her widow's peak. When Hayworth returned to Columbia, she was a redhead.

In 1939, Howard Hawks wanted Hayworth, for a small but important role in the film, Only Angels Have Wings, where she played the wife of disgraced flier Richard Barthelmess and one of Cary Grant's old flames.

Fun Fact:

When Rita Hayworth couldn't play her drunk scene well enough, Hawks told Cary Grant to throw a bucket of water on her head, dry her hair, and to only say his lines.

Cohn, next put Hayworth in the films:

Music in My Heart (1940). This has to be one of the most underrated of Rita's films. A musical, which gives Rita's fans a chance to watch her dance. A wonderful 'boy meets girl' story, which begins when their cabs crash into each other, changing both their lives.

The Lady in Question(1940). This film is full of drama and smiles. The story begins when, Brian Aheme, a bicycle shop owner who wants to become a juror in a court case of Natalie Roguin. Andre Moestan, manages to talk the jury into setting her free. Andre, gives her a job in his bicycle shop and lets her live above his shop. Pierre Moestan, the son of Andre, falls in love with Natalie. It is great seeing a young Rita just starting out in her Hollywood career.

Video: Rita's first romantic scene with Glenn.

Angels Over Broadway(1940). Drama, in which a hustler, a showgirl, and an alcoholic playwright trto help an embezzler win back the money he stole.

Video: Full movie.

Rita Hayworth, is wonderful in her part and was later, loaned out to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to perform in the films:

Susan and God(1940), with Joan Crawford. Rita Hayworth, has a small role as a young actress who married producer Nigel Bruce for her career. You just know that she was going to be a huge star from her performance in this film.

On loan to Warner Brothers, Hayworth performed as the second female lead in, The Strawberry Blonde (1941), opposite James Cagney and Olivia de Havilland.

Ann Sheridan, was originally cast as Virginia Brush, but had a salary dispute with Warner Brothers. The studio borrowed Rita Hayworth from Columbia.

Jack L. Warner, liked her work so much in this film that he used her in another romantic comedy, Affectionately Yours(1941).

For me the best part of this fluffy film, is the love triangle, which at times it's hard to follow.

Her success in the film led to an even more important role in one of my favorite films, Blood and Sand (1941), with Tyrone Power and Linda Darnell. Rita Hayworth, performance as Dona Sol, launched her career as sex symbol. Her dance scene with Anthony Quinn, for me is one of the sexest dances on film.

Video: Juan has fallen under Doña Sol's spell as he neglects his wife Carmen. Although Carmen defends her husband against his detractors, she leaves him after she visits the doña to discuss the situation and sees Juan kissing her.

She returned to Columbia Pictures and was cast in the musical, You'll Never Get Rich (1941), with Fred Astaire in one of the highest-budgeted films Columbia had ever made. Astaire, plays a dance director who becomes attracted to dancer Hayworth, but is drafted into the Army. All of their dances are sensational. The 'big number' is the finale, the "Wedding Cake Walk". There is a dance number at the start of the film called "Boogie Barcarolle." The other number is Astaire and Hayworth's dress rehearsal "So Near and Yet So Far," a beautiful dance which showcases Hayworth in a sheer black gown.

Their follow-up film, Rita's Favorite of her own films, You Were Never Lovelier(1942), is full of romantic complications and more beautiful dance numbers, performed by Fred Astaire, Rita Hayworth, and Xavier Cugat and his orchestra. The story is about, an American dancer who runs out of money while on vacation, in Buenos Aires and tries to get a job with hotel owner, Adolph Menjou. He soon meets Menjou's beautiful daughter Hayworth and compares her to the inside of a refrigerator. Trying to speed things along, Menjou starts sending his daughter orchids. Hayworth, believes that Astaire sent her the orchids and they fall in love. As a team, They only did two films together. This film includes the title song "I'm Old Fashioned", one of the most romantic dance numbers ever performed.

Hayworth, was the first dancer to partner with both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly on film.

In 1942, Hayworth performed in two other pictures:

Tales of Manhattan. This movie leads us through many ups and downs all based around a tuxedo which seems to be jinxed. Charles Boyer, is drawn to beautiful Rita Hayworth. Thomas Mitchell, as the husband with a few ulterior motives of his own. The movie composed of 5 unrelated short stories.

In the film, My Gal Sal. Studio head Darryl F. Zanuck originally wanted Carole Landis to play Sally Elliot, but she refused to dye her hair red and insisted she'd play it as a blonde. She was put in a secondary role and Rita Hayworth, borrowed from Columbia, since Alice Faye, expecting her first daughter, could not take the part.

Rita Hayworth's dancing partner in the number, "On The Gay White Way" is choreographer Hermes Pan.

The plot is fluffy and charming and you will love Rita Hayworth and Victor Mature, in this Gay 90s film..

It was during this period that Hayworth posed for a famous pin-up in Life Magazine, which showed her in a negligee perched seductively on her bed. When the U.S. joined World War II in December 1941, Hayworth, became one of the top two pin-up girls of the war years, the other being Betty Grable.

In 1944, she made one of her best-known films the musical, Cover Girl (1944), with Gene Kelly. The film established her as Columbia's top star of the 1940s.

A wonderful story about a girl named Rusty Parker, who dreams of being on Broadway which means she would have to leave the small theater where she works with Danny and Genius. Every Friday night, they go to a local bar where they order oysters so they can look for a pearl. Rusty, learns that fame is not all that it is cracked up to be. The movie showcases the amazing talents of Rita and Gene Kelly.

During the middle of shooting Rita Hayworth eloped with Orson Welles. Coincidentally the film's wedding scene was shot that day.

Cohn, continued to showcase Hayworth's talents in films:

Tonight and Every Night (1945). Rita, was pregnant during production. So the musical numbers were filmed first, before the pregnancy began to show. As filming progressed, they did everything they could to hide her growing belly with muffs, furniture and purses.

The movie is set during the air attacks on London about a theater that never missed a performance. Many musical numbers are mixed in with the story involving Rita being romanced by Eagle Squadron RAF, Lee Bowman. Even though she's warned by her best friend Janet Blair, that Bowman's a wolf in Eagle Squadron uniform. Dancer Marc Platt, is also interested in her.

Her sex appeal was most notable in the film noir. Gilda (1946), with Glenn Ford, this film found some difficulty with censors, because Hayworth, performed a one-glove striptease. Hayworth's, performance is stunning and unforgettable. Put the Blame on Mame, is one of film history's more memorable scenes. Also, look out for the famous "hair-toss" scene.

Video: First of 10.

Down to Earth (1947). This comedy/fantasy story begins when, performer/producer Larry Parks, begins planning a musical comedy that is a satire of the Greek Gods. A Greek Muse, is not to happy that liberties are being taken with her relations so she comes down and lands the dancing lead to straighten things out. Rita Hayworth, is at the height of her screen fame when this film was made.

She delivered one of her most famous performances in, The Lady from Shanghai (1947). Its failure at the box office was blamed on Hayworth's famous red hair cut off and dyed blonde for her role. This was done without Cohn's knowledge or approval and he was furious over the change.

Her next film, The Loves of Carmen (1948), again with Glenn Ford, was the first film co-produced by Columbia and Hayworth's own production company, The Beckworth Corporation (named for her daughter Rebecca).

Video: Dance scene.

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN captures The Favorite Classic Musical Film Crown

2011-10-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

In the final match top seed Singin' in the Rain easily over-powered Meet Me in St. Louis 16-4 to win favorite classic musical film. It was an exciting tournament that I was more than happy to do for my friend Dawn. Thanks to everyone who voted and for my money, I think the right film won.

Donald, Debbie and Gene are all tired after this exciting tournament..but happy!

It's SINGIN' IN THE RAIN vs MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS for all the marbles...

2011-10-12T04:15:00.000-07:00

We finally made it to the final match of the favorite classic musical film tournament. What started with 64 films a month ago, has now come down to the final two films to decide the one winner. Overall tournament top seed Singin' in the Rain defeated 30's era champion Swing Time 13-6 while third seed and sentimental favorite Meet Me in St. Louis upset 60's era champion The Sound of Music 10-8. So now Rain will face St. Louis for bragging rights of favorite classic musical film. The match begins immediately and will run thru Saturday 8 pm EST. Good luck to both films.

CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

1 SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)

3 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

THE FINAL FOUR is now set as The Sound of Music beats Mary Poppins to win the 60's Era

2011-10-08T15:11:00.000-07:00

The Sound Of Music beat Mary Poppins 12-8 to win the 60's era and become the final film to make the final four of the favorite classic musical film tournament. It became the second top seed to make it to the finals. The other top seed being Singin' in the Rain. So here are the two matches that will begin today. These matches will run thru Tuesday 7pm EST.

THE FINAL FOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

SEMI-FINAL MATCH 1

1 SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)

5 SWING TIME (1936)

-----------------------------------

SEMI-FINAL MATCH 2

1 THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

3 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

Thank You Monty!!

2011-10-06T05:28:00.000-07:00

I want to tell you "Thank you,"
But it doesn’t seem enough.
Words don’t seem sufficient--
"Blah, blah" and all that stuff.

Please know I will never
Forget your generous act.
I really appreciate you;
You’re special, and that’s a fact!

Your Friend, Dawn.

It will be Julie Andrews vs Julie Andrews in the 60's era final match

2011-10-05T16:09:00.000-07:00

Good news for Julie Andrews fans as her two films, The Sound of Music and Mary Poppins will face each other in the final match of the 60's era. The winner earns the last spot in the final four. Both films won by identical scores. Music beat Funny Girl 13-6 while Mary Poppins beat The Music Man 13-6. This reminds me of what Judy Garland did in the 40's era round as her two films Easter Parade and Meet Me In St. Louis battled one another. Anyway Julie will have one of her films make it to the final four. The question is, will it be Sound of Music or Mary Poppins? Me..I gotta go with Mary. The match starts immediately and runs thru Saturday mid-day EST. Good luck to both films.

1 THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

3 MARY POPPINS (1964)

The Semi-Final Matches (60's Era) are set...

2011-10-02T16:33:00.000-07:00

Three of the four top seeds advanced to the semi-final rounds and one really interesting match. First the recap: top seed The Sound Of Music crushed Viva Las Vegas 17-2. Second seed My Fair Lady defeated Bye Bye Birdie 14-4. Third seed Mary Poppins overwhelmed The Music Man 14-5. And the one upset occurred when fourth seed West Side Story was edged out by Funny Girl 10-9. That last match should make Desiree very happy.

Anyway the semi-final matches set up like this: The Sound of Music will face Funny Girl. While My Fair Lady faces Mary Poppins which is the more interesting match I think. There is history between these two films as Julie Andrews was close to doing My Fair Lady before the producers went with Audrey Hepburn. Well Julie landed Mary Poppins and an Oscar to boot. So this should be a very interesting match. Voting begins immediately and runs thru Wednesday night 7 pm EST. Good luck to all four films

SEMI-FINAL MATCH 1

1 THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

5 FUNNY GIRL (1968)

---------------------------------------

SEMI-FINAL MATCH 2

2 MY FAIR LADY (1964)

3 MARY POPPINS (1964)

Singin' In The Rain wins the 50's era and lands a spot in the Final Four of the Favorite Classic Musical Film Tournament

2011-09-30T18:24:00.000-07:00

Singin in the Rain became the first top seed to advance to the Final Four of the Favorite Classic Musical Film Tournament as it crushed 3rd seed White Christmas 21-4. I figured this would be a much closer match but I guess more people love Rain than Christmas. Regardless Rain grabs spot number three and joins 30's era champion Swing Time and 40's era champion Meet Me In St. Louis. They must now wait on what film will win the 60's era which will be decided over the next few days. This is so exciting.

Round 2 of the 60's Era begins....

2011-09-29T23:15:00.000-07:00

No upsets occurred in the first round of the 60's era so we can jump right in with round 2. Here are the scheduled matches which will run thru Sunday 7pm EST.

1 THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

VS

8 VIVA LAS VEGAS (1964)

-----------------------------------

4 WEST SIDE STORY (1961)

VS

5 FUNNY GIRL (1968)

---------------------------------

2 MY FAIR LADY (1964)

VS

7 BYE BYE BIRDIE (1963)

--------------------------------

3 MARY POPPINS (1964)

VS

6 THE MUSIC MAN (1962)

It's SINGIN' IN THE RAIN vs WHITE CHRISTMAS for a spot in the Final Four

2011-09-27T18:45:00.000-07:00

Top seed Singin' In The Rain ripped through 5th seed Seven Brides for Seven Brothers 12-3 while 3rd seed White Christmas edged by An American in Paris 9-6, setting up an intriguing final match. Rain will battle White Christmas for the third spot in the final four of the favorite classic musical tournament. Poll begins immediately and runs through Friday 8pm EST. Good luck to both films.

50'S ERA CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

1 SINGIN IN THE RAIN (1952)

3 WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)

Ready to begin the 60's Era...

2011-09-27T02:43:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, the groovy 60's are now on display for this round in the favorite musical fim tournament. Starting this morning and run thru Thursday 8 pm EST. Top seed The Sound of Music looks primed to run thru the
field, but it won't be easy as there are several other notable films competing as well. My Fair Lady, Mary Poppins, West Side Story, and Funny Girl just to name a few. Here are the scheduled matches. Good luck to all competing films.

1 THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1965)

VS

16 GYPSY (1962)

----------------------------------------

8 VIVA LAS VEGAS (1964)

VS

9 BEACH BLANKET BINGO (1965)

----------------------------------------

4 WEST SIDE STORY (1961)

VS

13 HELLO DOLLY! (1969)

-----------------------------------

5 FUNNY GIRL (1968)

VS

12 THE YOUNG GIRLS OF ROCHEFORT (1967)

--------------------------------------------

2 MY FAIR LADY (1964)

VS

15 THOROUGHLY MODERN MILLIE (1967)

--------------------------------------------

7 BYE BYE BIRDIE (1963)

VS

10 OLIVER! (1968)

------------------------------------

3 MARY POPPINS (1964)

VS

14 BELLS ARE RINGING (1960)

-----------------------------------

6 THE MUSIC MAN (1962)

VS

11 CAN-CAN (1960)

The 50's Era Semi-Final Matches are set...

2011-09-25T18:05:00.000-07:00

Three of the top four seeds in the 50's era has advanced along with a 5th seed to reach the semi-final matches. Top seed Singin In The Rain had little trouble in beating Gentlemen Prefer Blondes 19-3. 2nd seed An American In Paris squeaked by 7th seed South Pacific 9-7. 3rd seed White Christmas handily defeated A Star is Born 16-4, ending another potential Judy Garland film to reach the final four. Garland's Meet Me in St. Louis won the 40's era round. And 5th Seven Brides For Seven Brothers edged out Show Boat 10-7. So now we are set for the semi-final matches to begin immediately and run thru Tuesday night 8 pm EST. Good luck to all four films.

1 SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)

5 SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (1954)

----------------------------------------------------------

2 AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)

3 WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)

Round 1 of the 50's Era has no surprises as most of the favorites win...

2011-09-22T16:50:00.000-07:00

Round 1 of the 50's era for the favorite classic musical film tournament has just ended with no real major surprises. Top seed and heavy favorite Singin In The Rain just destroyed Silk Stockings 16-5. But believe it or not, that was not the biggest blow-out. That took place in the battle of Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals, as South Pacific just crushed The King and I, 16-2. The other Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, Oklahoma got edged out by Show Boat 11-9 in the round's closest match. One of the most surprising matches had to be 15th seed Carmen Jones hanging tough with 2nd seed An American In Paris before losing 12-7. 3rd seed White Christmas was all over Guys and Dolls 16-3. A mild upset occurred when 11th seed A Star is Born (hey its Judy again) beat 6th seed Royal Wedding 11-6. And one of my personal favorites, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes defeated Gigi 16-5.

Round 2 now begins tonight and will run thru Sunday 8pm EST. Here are the scheduled matches.

1 SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)

VS

9 GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES (1953)

-------------------------------------------------------

5 SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (1954)

VS

13 SHOW BOAT (1951)

----------------------------------------------

2 AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)

VS

7 SOUTH PACIFIC (1958)

----------------------------------------------------------

3 WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)

VS

11 A STAR IS BORN (1954)

MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS beats EASTER PARADE by one vote to land a spot in the final four....

2011-09-20T18:00:00.000-07:00

I doubt Judy Garland would complain but sentimental favorite Meet Me In St. Louis beat Easter Parade 12-11 to take the second spot in the final four of the favorite classic musical film tournament. It was back and forth for the entire match as Parade jumped out to an early lead, then St. Louis came back to tie and then pull ahead by 3 votes. Easter Parade made a strong rally that fell just one vote shy. Regardless, we have our second film set for the finals and now must wait on the 50's and 60's eras to play out. Congrats to all the fans of Meet Me In St. Louis who voted for that film to win. Side note: Meet Me in St. Louis also prevented Fred Astaire from placing his second film in the final four. Swing Time won the 30's era last week and had Easter Parade won, they would have been going to the dance together. Oh well.

Debbie Reynolds Helps Kick Off The 50's Era of The Favorite Classic Musical Film Tournament...

2011-09-19T19:22:00.000-07:00

Here's Debbie Reynolds to help kick off the 50's era of our favorite musical film tournament. This round will run through Thursday 8 pm EST as we have some notable matches. We have two Rodgers and Hammerstein films facing off against one another in 7th seed South Pacific and 10th seed The King and I. Me personally, I'm going with South Pacific on that one. 4th Oklahoma! squares off against 13th seed Show Boat which should be an exciting match. And another good match sees 8th seed Gigi battle 9th seed Gentlemen Prefer Blondes. Sorry Gigi, but I gotta go with Marilyn and Jane in that one. And of course Debbie's little film called Singin' in the Rain will be competing as the top seed of this era against 1957's Silk Stockings. So everyone please stop by to vote as we continue to dance our way to the Final Four.

It's MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS vs EASTER PARADE for a spot in the FINAL FOUR (40's Era)

2011-09-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

As expected Meet Me In St. Louis beat For Me and My Gal 18-3 and Easter Parade defeated The Harvey Girls 11-6 to set up one heck of a finals match of the 40's Era. The winning film earns a trip to the Favorite Classic Musical Film Tournament Final Four, where Swing Time is waiting as the winner of the 30's era. Judy Garland dominated the 40's era like no one else with all four of her films making it to the semi-final matches. And guaranteeing that a Judy Garland would be present in the final four. So Meet Me In St. Louis faces off against Easter Parade which should make for an exciting match. Starts immediately and runs through Tuesday night 8 pm EST.

1940'S ERA CHAMPIONSHIP MATCH

3 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

4 EASTER PARADE (1948)

Favorite Classic Musical Film Tournament (50's Era) Matches

2011-09-15T15:59:00.000-07:00

As the 40's era competition winds down with Judy Garland battling herself 4 times over, I thought I would go ahead and list the 50's era matches which will have round one starting next week on Tuesday. Looks like Gene Kelly will be the man to beat as he has three films competing in this era. There are also three Rodgers and Hammerstein musicals competing. Two Leslie Caron films, two Jane Powell films, 2 Fred Astaire films and one more from 40's queen Judy Garland. Looks to be an exciting era.

1 SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1952)

VS

16 SILK STOCKINGS (1957)

---------------------------------------

8 GIGI (1958)

VS

9 GENTLEMENT PREFER BLONDES (1953)

----------------------------------------

4 OKLAHOMA! (1955)

VS

13 SHOW BOAT (1951)

------------------------------------

5 SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (1954)

VS

12 LES GIRLS (1957)

-----------------------------------------------

2 AN AMERICAN IN PARIS (1951)

VS

15 CARMEN JONES (1954)

--------------------------------------

7 SOUTH PACIFIC (1958)

VS

10 THE KING AND I (1956)

-----------------------------------

3 WHITE CHRISTMAS (1954)

VS

14 GUYS AND DOLLS (1955)

----------------------------------

6 ROYAL WEDDING (1951)

VS

11 A STAR IS BORN (1954)

WHOA! Judy Garland places all four of her films in the semi-finals....a remarkable feat

2011-09-14T18:49:00.000-07:00

Judy Garland started off the 40's era with four films competing out of the 16 films chosen. Those same four films each made it to the semi-final matches. How impressive is that. Look at the final tally: The Harvey Girls knocked off top seed Yankee Doodle Dandy 14-4 in a blow-out win. Easter Parade edged out On The Town 12-7. For Me and My Gal upset 2nd seed Going My Way 11-5. And sentimental favorite Meet Me In St. Louis just beat down Holiday Inn 15-3 like it stole something, in the most lopsided match. So it is safe to say that one Judy Garland film will reach the final four. Hats off to the remarkable Ms. Garland. Here are the two semi-final matches which start immediately and will run through Saturday night 8pm EST.

SEMI-FINAL MATCH 1

3 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

7 FOR ME AND MY GAL (1942)

------------------------------------------

SEMI-FINAL MATCH 2

4 EASTER PARADE (1948)

8 THE HARVEY GIRLS (1946)

Round 2 of the 40's Era can now begin as Judy Garland edges out Gene Kelly in the tie-breaker question...

2011-09-11T19:21:00.000-07:00

Ok folks, we can get Round 2 underway finally as Judy Garland defeated Gene Kelly in the tie-breaker question 8-5 and The Harvey Girls advances to the second round. Here are all the matches scheduled for round 2 which begins immediately and will run thru Wednesday 8 pm EST. And if you noticed Judy has 4 films left in this round to compete. Shades of Fred and Ginger from the 30's era round.

1 YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)

VS

8 THE HARVEY GIRLS (1946)

--------------------------------------

4 EASTER PARADE (1948)

VS

5 ON THE TOWN (1949)

-------------------------------------

2 GOING MY WAY (1944)

VS

7 FOR ME AND MY GAL (1942)

------------------------------------

3 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

VS

11 HOLIDAY INN (1942)

Ladies and Gentlemen...we have our first tie...

2011-09-09T19:19:00.000-07:00

The first round of the 40's Era in our Favorite Classic Musical Film Tournament has just wrapped up with no major surprises. Top seed Yankee Doodle Dandy beat 16th seed Pin Up Girl 12-8. In fact every lower ranked film won their respective matches with the exception of 6th seed Till The Clouds Roll By losing to 11th seed Holiday Inn. And we also had our first tie as The Harvey Girls and Anchors Aweigh finished their match at 8-8. So I will have a tie-breaker question set up to declare a winner. We can't go any further until we have a winner. First though is the complete scores of all the matches:

YANKEE DOODLE DANDY beat PIN UP GIRL 12-8
EASTER PARADE beat COVER GIRL 15-8
ON THE TOWN beat STORMY WEATHER 16-4
GOING MY WAY beat BATHING BEAUTY 11-8
FOR ME AND MY GAL beat YOU'LL NEVER GET RICH 11-10
MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS beat ZIEGFELD GIRL 18-5
HOLIDAY INN beat TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY 16-5
THE HARVEY GIRLS tied ANCHORS AWEIGH 8-8

So now on to the tie-breaker question for The Harvey Girls and Anchors Aweigh...Which star contributed more to the success of their respective film: Judy Garland or Gene Kelly? The poll will be up until Sunday evening 8pm EST and whichever film wins the match will move on to the next round, which will
begin Monday morning. How exciting.

SWING TIME swings into the Final Four of The Classic Musical Film Tournament

2011-09-08T18:25:00.000-07:00

It was Swing Time edging out Top Hat 12-8 to take the 20's/30's era of The Favorite Classic Musical Film Tournament and land the first spot in the Final Four. With 4 films among the 16 competing in this era, Fred and Ginger had the best chances of having one of their films reaching the Final Four. Congratulations to Swing Time, as it is my favorite film the duo did. Now it must wait for the other three eras to see what films it will be competing with.

See I told ya Fred, we were gonna do good...now will you listen to me from now on?

It's Fred and Ginger vs Fred and Ginger for the first spot in the Final Four of the Favorite Classic Musical Film Tournament

2011-09-06T17:01:00.000-07:00

It has come down to this...Fred and Ginger will be battling Fred and Ginger for the first spot in the final four of The Classic Musical Film Tournament. 3rd seed TOP HAT held off 2nd seed 42nd STREET 6-4 while 5th seed SWING TIME (my favorite of the duo's films) easily beat 8th seed FLYING DOWN TO RIO 10-1. I wonder who was the lone person that voted for Rio. Regardless, the final match is now set as Top Hat will take on Swing Time. Poll is open now and will run thru Thursday night 8 pm EST.

3 TOP HAT (1935)

5 SWING TIME (1936)

Favorite Classic Musical Film Tournament (40's Era) Round 1 Matches

2011-09-06T03:44:00.000-07:00

While the 20's/30's era winds down with the final match, here are the upcoming matches for the 40's era of our favorite classic musical film tournament. The 40's are notable for introducing Gene Kelly; Judy Garland doing her best work; and Fred Astaire branching out with new partners sans Ginger. So let's get to it, shall we...

1 YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1942)

VS

16 PIN-UP GIRL (1944)

----------------------------------------

8 THE HARVEY GIRLS (1946)

VS

9 ANCHORS AWEIGH (1945)

-------------------------------------
4 EASTER PARADE (1948)

VS

13 COVER GIRL (1944)

------------------------------------
5 ON THE TOWN (1949)

VS

12 STORMY WEATHER (1943)

---------------------------------
2 GOING MY WAY (1944)

VS

15 BATHING BEAUTY (1944)

-------------------------------
7 FOR ME AND MY GAL (1942)

VS

10 YOU'LL NEVER GET RICH (1942)

-----------------------------------
3 MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS (1944)

VS

14 ZIEGFELD GIRL (1941)

---------------------------------

6 TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY (1946)

VS

11 HOLIDAY INN (1942)

This era will kick off Wednesday morning and run through Friday 8 pm EST. Good luck to all the films that are competing.

The Sem-Final Matches are set for the 3rd round of the 20's/30's Era of the Favorite Musical Tournament

2011-09-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

The Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers films just keep on cruising in this era of the musical tournament. It began with 4 of their films competing and now there are 3 left. And the only reason that is, because one of their films had to face off against another one. Eighth seed Flying Down To Rio upset top seed The Jazz Singer 11-3. Fifth seed Swing Time beat fourth seed Shall We Dance 11-3. Third seed Top Hat just rolled over sixth seed Broadway Melody of 1929 by the count of 15-0. And finally the venerable 42nd Street edged out Gold Diggers of 1933 by the score of 9-5, which was the closest of the four matches. So here are the match-ups for the semi-final round:

5 SWING TIME (1936)

VS

8 FLYING DOWN TO RIO (1933)

----------------------------------

2 42ND STREET (1933)

VS

3 TOP HAT (1935)

Begins today and runs through Tuesday. The winners of these matches will then face off to decide you will grab the first spot in the final four of the musical tournament. Odds are it will be a Fred and Ginger film. Just saying.

8 Films Advance to the second round of The Favorite Musical tournament (20's/30's Era)

2011-08-31T19:01:00.000-07:00

The polls are closed and we have 8 films moving on to the next round in the 20's/30's era of The Favorite Musical Tournament. And half of those films are Fred Astaire/Ginger Rogers vehicles. How about that? Here is a brief recap of which film won and which film is now headed home.

Joan Blondell is all smiles as her film Gold Diggers of 1933 advances to round 2....

1 seed THE JAZZ SINGER defeated 16 seed REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM 15-6
8 seed FLYING DOWN TO RIO defeated 9 seed ROSE MARIE 19-1.
4 seed SHALL WE DANCE defeated 13 seed THE GREAT ZIEGFELD 19-3
5 seed SWING TIME defeated 12 seed SHOW BOAT 13-8
2 seed 42nd STREET defeated 15 seed FOOTLIGHT PARADE 15-6
7 seed GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 defeated 10 seed BABES IN ARMS 15-6
3 seed TOP HAT defeated 14 seed DANCING LADY 22-1 in the most lopsided match of the round
6 seed BROADWAY MELODY of 1929 defeated 11 seed LOVE ME TONIGHT 12-9 in the closest match of the round

Congratulations to those films that advanced to round 2. And thanks to all those that stopped by to vote. Here are the matches scheduled for round 2.

1 THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)

vs

8 FLYING DOWN TO RIO (1933)

---------------------------------------

4 SHALL WE DANCE (1937)

vs

5 SWING TIME (1936)

---------------------------------------

2 42nd STREET (1933)

vs

7 GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933

------------------------------------------

3 TOP HAT (1935)

vs

6 BROADWAY MELODY OF 1929

Some extremely tough matches in round 2. I don't know how to choose between Shall We Dance and Swing Time or Gold Diggers of 1933 against 42nd Street. Should make for a very interesting round. Round 2 starts immediately after I finish this post and will run through Saturday night 8 pm est. I think these matches will be much closer than round one. Just a hunch.

A Preview Of The Other Eras in the Favorite Musical Tournament

2011-08-29T09:12:00.000-07:00

Now that the tournament is underway, I thought I would give a preview of the other eras and list some of the musical films that will be competing in the other eras. I stated earlier in another post the top 4 seeds of the tournament. Now here are some other films that will be in contention for favorite musical film of Singin and Dancing Back In Time. I am still finalizing all the other films and hope to be done by the end of this week.

1940's:

YANKEE DOODLE DANDY (1)
EASTER PARADE
HOLIDAY INN
MEET ME IN ST.LOUIS
THE HARVEY GIRLS
ANCHORS AWEIGH
FOR ME AND MY GAL
COVER GIRL
IT HAPPENED IN BROOKLYN
ON THE TOWN
TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY
SUMMER STOCK

1950's:

SINGIN' IN THE RAIN (1)
AN AMERICAN IN PARIS
THE KING AND I
ROYAL WEDDING
GIGI
SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS
THE BAND WAGON
GUYS AND DOLLS
OKLAHOMA
SOUTH PACIFIC
GENTLEMEN PREFER BLONDES
WHITE CHRISTMAS
THERE'S NO BUSINESS LIKE SHOW BUSINESS
BRIGADOON
CARMEN JONES
LES GIRLS

The 50's seem to be the most loaded and exciting era of the tournament.

1960's:

THE SOUND OF MUSIC (1)
WEST SIDE STORY
MARY POPPINS
MY FAIR LADY
FUNNY GIRL
VIVA LAS VEGAS
BEACH BLANKET BINGO
HELLO DOLLY
CAN-CAN
BYE BYE BIRDIE
GYPSY
STAR!
THE MUSIC MAN

The Road To The Final Four (Classic Musicals Style) Begins Today...

2011-08-28T12:37:00.000-07:00

I know I said Monday, August 29th would be the official start date of our little musicals tournament, but I decided to go ahead and start this evening. I couldn't wait any longer. I must add that the road to our final four will end in Dawn's home state of Arizona. Should be a huge celebration I figure once we find out the favorite classic musical film of all time. I will set up the polls in a few hours and everyone can begin voting. Good luck to all the films involved. Screen legend Tallulah Bankhead has been kind of enough to give us the start signal.

The first round voting will end on Wednesday August 31st at 8 pm EST. In case there is a tie, I will have a tie-breaker question between the two films for an extra day of voting. I found when I did my actors and actresses tournament on my blog, ties were few and far between. I had a total of 2 ties over both tournaments. So usually that is not a factor. Anyway, let the fun begin now....

Favorite Musical Tournament (1920's/1930's Era) Round 1

2011-08-25T03:16:00.000-07:00

Here are the 16 films that will be competing for favorite musical of the 20's/30's era. There are 8 matches and only 8 films will advance to the next round. Competition starts Monday, August 29th and will run through Wednesday August 31st.

1 THE JAZZ SINGER (1927)

VS

16 REBECCA OF SUNNYBROOK FARM (1938)

-----------------------------------------------------

8 FLYING DOWN TO RIO (1933)

VS

9 ROSE MARIE (1936)

----------------------------------------------------

4 SHALL WE DANCE (1937)

VS

13 THE GREAT ZIEGFELD (1936)

---------------------------------------------------
5 SWING TIME (1936)

VS

12 SHOW BOAT (1936)

--------------------------------------------------

2 42nd STREET (1933)

VS

15 FOOTLIGHT PARADE (1933)

------------------------------------------------

7 GOLD DIGGERS OF 1933 (1933)

VS

10 BABES IN ARMS (1939)

-----------------------------------------------

3 TOP HAT (1935)

VS

14 DANCING LADY (1933)

--------------------------------------------------

6 BROADWAY MELODY OF 1929 (1929)

VS

11 LOVE ME TONIGHT (1932)

Footlight Parade(1933).

2011-08-24T15:57:00.000-07:00

Footlight Parade(1933). Musical film starring James Cagney, Joan Blondell, Ruby Keeler and Dick Powell and featuring Frank McHugh, Guy Kibbee, Hugh Herbert and Ruth Donnelly. The movie was written by Manuel Seff and James Seymour from a story by Robert Lord and Peter Milne. It was directed by Lloyd Bacon.

The spectacular Busby Berkeley musical numbers, written by Harry Warren (music) and Al Dubin (lyrics) and Sammy Fain (music) and Irving Kahal (lyrics), include "By a Waterfall", "Honeymoon Hotel", and "Shanghai Lil".

Musical Producer Chester Kent, finds himself out of work because of the popularity of talking pictures. His wife leaves him when he tell her the news. He convinces his two partners, Sy Gould and Frazer, to help him in producing, live performances to be performed before the movies are shown.

As soon as Chester thinks up ideas, Gladstone, is always one step ahead of him. Also, his partners are cheating him out of his share of the profits. His only friend seems to be his secretary, Nan Prescott, who is in love with him. But, he is in love with Vivian Rich, a gold digging actress. The theater owner Appolinaris, promises that if Chester can come up with three new shows in three days, he will hire him.

Chester, locks everyone in the studio to prevent any leaks. The first two shows are a big success. Then at the last minute, Chester has to go on as the lead in the last one because the star is drunk. He performs well and lands the contract.

Fun Fact:

Film debut of Dorothy Lamour.

Footlight Parade, showcases Busby Berkeley's extravaganzas, that are so creative and fun to watch. Also, James Cagney, shows his versatility as a dancer as well as a tough guy. Dick Powell, sing three songs in Footlight Parade, Ah the Moon is Here, Honeymoon Hotel and By a Waterfall, the last two with Ruby Keeler. Ruby, also partners with James Cagney in, Shanghai Lil. One of Blondell's best screen roles. Also, look for Dorothy Lamour and Ann Sothern in the chorus. John Garfield, is also seen very briefly in the Shanghai Lil number.

Ruth Donnelly (May 17, 1896 – November 17, 1982), began her stage career at the age of 17 in 1913, in The Quaker Girl. Her Broadway debut brought her to the attention of George M. Cohan, who cast her in many comic-relief roles in musicals. Though she made her first film performance in 1913, her Hollywood career began in 1931-1957.

Colleen(1936).

2011-08-24T11:05:00.000-07:00

Colleen(1936). Musical film directed by Alfred E. Green. Cast: Dick Powell, Ruby Keeler, and Joan Blondell.

To the dismay of his family, the eccentric millionaire Cedric Ames, is talked into by his new assistant Joe Cork, to buy a dress shop for gold digger Minnie Hawkins, a former candy dipper at the "Itsey-Ditsey Nut Chewsie". Cedric's nephew, Donald Ames, steps in to close the dress shop.

The dress shops book-keeper Colleen Reilly, does not want Donald to close the dress shop, especially now, when the dress shop is doing so well.. Colleen, plans a fashion show and even designs some of the dresses herself. Now, all she has to do, is to talk Donald into keeping the shop open.

When Donald, asks her to dinner to discuss the dress shop, she agrees and that is when she tells him that she is engaged to Joe.

Joe and Minnie come up with a plan to get Cedric to adopt Minnie, after which Joe will marry her. Cedric's wife Alicia forces Donald to close the shop, to put a stop to their plans.

Meanwhile, Donald and Colleen have fallen in love. After, Minnie, Joe and Colleen are all fired. Colleen, thinks that Donald has been lying to her, so when he phones to ask her to marry him, she hangs up on him. Brokenhearted, she decides to open a dress shop on board an ocean liner. The ship turns out to be the one which Donald is on. But further complications follow before things get under way on board the ocean liner.

This film reunites the musical team of Dick Powell and Ruby Keeler for the seventh and final time. A fluffy little comedy that somehow works, with plenty of songs and dance. Colleen, an overlooked musical, giving Keeler an opportunity to sing and dance more than she ever did on screen . However, her dancing with Draper, is no threat to Astaire and Rogers.Colleen, is worth viewing at least once.

Louise Fazenda (June 17, 1895 - April 17, 1962), performed mostly in silent comedy films. Before trying motion pictures, she worked for a dentist, a candy store owner, and a tax collector and on stage.

Fazenda got her start in comedy shorts as early as 1913 with Joker Studios, frequently appearing with Max Asher and Bobby Vernon. She was soon recruited for Mack Sennett's troupe at Keystone Studios.

Fazenda continued through the 1930s, performing mostly in character roles. She played such diverse parts as a fussy old maid and a lady blacksmith.

The TOP FOUR SEEDS in the musical tournament

2011-08-22T17:19:00.000-07:00

I'm finalizing the first era matches for round one and hope to post it by Wednesday. In the meantime I figured I could at least let everyone know the top four seeds for the tournament. I have selected the top film of each era based on varied best of lists. And I think they are very fair and are the right top seeds to represent each era. This should be a very exciting tournament.

1920's/1930's - THE JAZZ SINGER

1940's - YANKEE DOODLE DANDY

1950's - SINGIN' IN THE RAIN

1960's - THE SOUND OF MUSIC

The Favorite Musical of Singin' and Dancing Back in Time Tournament Kicks off Monday, August 29th

2011-08-21T08:10:00.000-07:00

I promised Dawn I would do a musical tournament here on her wonderful blog. At first me and her was going do it together but she doesn’t have the extra time to spare, which is very understandable. She handles so many blogs now and I don't know how shes does it. So I told her I would take care of it and I thought I wouldn’t have time for it either until early next year. Well, guess what the tournament is back on track for it’s original September start. Actually it will kick off Monday, August 29^th. There are a total of 64 musicals spread over 4 brackets: 20's/30’s; 1940’s; 1950’s; and the 1960’s. The first week will have the 20's/30’s and the following weeks will focus on the remaining eras. Each era will be comprised of 16 films. I used Wikipedia as the source of all time greatest musicals and made the selections. It wasn’t easy and just like my tournaments I did over on my blog, All Good Things, there are some great choices that got left out. But I do believe I got the majority of the best musicals possible and it should be an exciting tournament. The voting polls will be on the sidebar and only one vote per person will be allowed, so choose your favorites carefully. The first round will last a few days and then the second round will begin almost immediately. I will post the first era matches within a few days. I just wanted to let everyone know that this tournament was coming soon. Have a great day.

Old Man Rhythm(1935).

2011-07-22T07:08:00.000-07:00

Old Man Rhythm(1935). Directed by Edward Ludwig. Cast: Charles Rogers, George Barbier, Barbara Kent, Grace Bradley and Betty Grable.

When John Roberts, Sr., one of the owners of the Roberts Doll Company, hears that his son Johnny is spending more time on co-ed Marion Beecher than on his studies or on his childhood sweetheart, Edith Warren, he leaves for Fairfield College to visit his son. After finding out that Johnny is love with Marion, Mr. Roberts decides to enroll in the school as a freshman and keep an eye on his son. He soon becomes the most popular student at Fairfield, Mr. Roberts makes Pinky Parker, Paul's shy son, his partner in crime. Mr. Roberts writes a letter to Paul asking him to write back and pretend that the toy business is bankrupt, in hopes of getting rid of Marion. The letter, some how is never sent. Because of Mr. Robert's antics, the business really begins to fail. Marion, gets into a argument with Johnny over Edith, which causes Johnny to want to get married after the prom. At the dance, Paul and Rochet, arrive to inform them about the financial troubles of the toy company in front of Marion. As predicted, Marion breaks it off with Johnny, who, returns to Edith, now his father can go back home to save his company.

The plot and the songs are ok, but.. there are some fun things about the film. First, there's Betty Grable, who is featured in many songs and she does a tap dance on her toes, ballet style. Next, there's "Blimp," played Sonny Lamont, who does a wonderful dance number . I also enjoyed seeing, Johnny Mercer, in the first of his two acting roles. Finally, it was fun to spot Lucille Ball, in an early uncredited nonspeaking part. Don't blink you may miss seeing her.

Barbara Kent (born December 16, 1906) is a Canadian-born silent film actress. Following the death of Miriam Seegar, she is believed to be the only living American actor to have achieved substantial fame during the silent era as an adult.

She began her Hollywood career in 1925. A brunette who stood less than five feet tall, Kent made a strong impression as the heroine pitted against Greta Garbo's femme fatale in the film, Flesh and the Devil (1926).

She received attention for the film, No Man's Law(1927) by swimming nude; she wore a flesh colored bathing suit in scenes . She made the transition into talking pictures opposite Harold Lloyd in the comedy, Welcome Danger (1929). She also received praise for her role in the film version of, Oliver Twist(1933).

In 1934 she married agent and producer Harry E. Edington and took a one-year hiatus. Edington groomed Kent for what he intended to be a high-profile career. However by the time she returned to films, her popularity had faded and she was unable to establish herself again. She made her final film in 1935.

The Girl Most Likely (1957)

2011-07-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

The Girl Most Likely (1957). The film, a remake of Tom, Dick and Harry (1941), directed by Mitchell Leisen. Cast: Jane Powell, Cliff Robertson, and Keith Andes. The choreography is by Gower Champion. This was the last film produced by RKO Radio Pictures and was distributed by Universal Pictures.

While bank clerk Dodie heads back to Balboa Bay, California, she daydreams about meeting a wealthy man.

Later, her boyfriend, real estate agent Buzz, takes her to Lovers' Beach, where he tells her that he was promoted and will give her a wonderful life. Even though Dodie is not love him, she accepts.

Once at home, she day dreams about her beautiful wedding, but her daydream quickly turns into a vision of a life of social climbing.

At work the next day, Dodie shares the news about her engagement with her best friend Marge, but is quickly distracted when the yacht of millionaire Neil Patterson, Jr. sails by. While She and Marge take the ferry home, they watch a man leaving his yacht by motorboat, Dodie impulsively jumps into the water to catch his attention.. He comes to her rescue and asks her out on a date for that night.

Dodie's father at first, does not like her cheating on Buzz, but..when he hears that her date is a millionaire, he helps her get ready. While on their date, it is not long before she realizes that her date is not Neil, but Neil's mechanic, Pete. Dodie and Pete, have a wonderful time debating about her obsession with marrying a wealthy man. By the end of the night, Dodie, feels the way she has always dreamed of feeling, as if she is on a pink cloud and except his marriage proposal. After Pete leaves, she daydreams that she is a Indian squaw, with nine children but enjoying a passionate marriage.

The next night, Pete waits outside Buzz's office, and pretends to be looking for a house. Buzz, breaks his date with Dodie to show Pete a house, insisting that Pete bring along his fiancee. When he sees Dodie, Buzz is heartbroken, and leaves the couple by the ocean, forcing them to walk home.They hear a cry for help and find a drunken Neil, in the water. While Pete runs off to find help, Dodie charms Neil, who asks her on a date.

The next evening, she meets him on his yacht and they head for Tijuana, where they meet Marge and Sam and the four dance all night until Neil buys a cab to drive a drunken Dodie home at four a.m. Both Buzz and Pete are waiting for her and all three men demand that she must choose one fiancee, but.. she is too drunk to think clearly, so who will she pick?

This is a charming, film. A remake of a Ginger Rogers film called Tom, Dick or Harry. Wonderful cast: Jane Powell, Kaye Ballard in one of her very rare movie roles and a great supporting cast: Frank Caddy, Una Merkel, Cliff Robertson, Tommy Noonan and Keith Anden. The choreography by Gower Champion is wonderful. I loved the number on the beach and a score by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane.

Una Merkel (December 10, 1903 – January 2, 1986).Merkel looked like actress Lillian Gish and began her career as a stand-in for Gish, most notably in the film, The Wind(1928), a late silent film. Merkel performed in a few films during the silent era, Love's Old Sweet Song (1923). However, she spent most of her time in New York City working on Broadway.

Merkel returned to Hollywood and achieved her greatest success with "talkies". She performed in the film, Abraham Lincoln (1930). During the 1930s, Merkel became a popular second lead in a number of films, usually playing the wisecracking best friend of the heroine, supporting actresses such as Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard, Loretta Young, and Dorothy Lamour. She played Sam Spade's secretary in the film, The Maltese Falcon (1931). Merkel was an MGM contract player from 1932 to 1938, performing in as many as twelve films in a year.

In 42nd Street (1933), Merkel played a streetwise showgirl who was Ginger Rogers's character's buddy. In the famous "Shuffle Off To Buffalo" number, Merkel and Rogers sang the verse: "Matrimony is baloney. She'll be wanting alimony in a year or so./Still they go and shuffle, shuffle off to Buffalo." Merkel performed in both the 1934 and the 1952 film versions of The Merry Widow, playing different roles in each. One of her most famous roles was in the Western, Destry Rides Again (1939) in which her character, Lillibelle, gets into a famous "cat-fight" with Frenchie (Marlene Dietrich) over her husband's pants, won by Frenchie in a crooked card game. She played the daughter to the W. C. Fields character, in the film, The Bank Dick(1940). Her film career began to fade during the 1940s. In 1950 she was the leading lady in a baseball comedy, Kill the Umpire.

She had a major part in the film, The Mating Game(1959) as Paul Douglas's wife and Debbie Reynolds's mother, and was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in Summer and Smoke (1961). Merkel, whose final film role was in the Elvis Presley film, Spinout (1966).

Night and Day(1946).

2011-07-16T06:19:00.000-07:00

Night and Day(1946). Biographical film starring Cary Grant as American composer and songwriter Cole Porter. The movie was directed by Michael Curtiz. The music score by Ray Heindorf and Max Steiner was nominated for an Academy Award. The film features several of the best-known Porter songs, including the title song, "Night and Day", "Begin the Beguine" and "My Heart Belongs to Daddy".

Alexis Smith plays Linda Lee Porter, Porter's wife of 35 years. Monty Woolley and Mary Martin appear as themselves, and the rest of the cast includes Jane Wyman, Eve Arden, Alan Hale, Dorothy Malone, Donald Woods, and Ginny Simms.

The film is the fictionalized story of Cole Porter's life, as a Yale University law student who is more interested in making a living in the theater than the law. During the Christmas holidays, Cole travels home to Indiana with his law professor, Monty Woolley, and his friend, Ward Blackburn. Also.. visiting the Porter home is Cole's cousin Nancy and her wealthy friend, Linda Lee. At home, Cole tells his grandfather Omer that he wants to be a songwriter.

After returning to the city, Cole and Monty put together a show called "See America First", starring Gracie Harris. Nancy, Ward and Linda are in the audience on opening night, but Cole's family refuses to come. The Lusitania, is sunk by the Germans the same night, and Cole's show closes after only one performance.

Cole then joins the French army and is injured. While recovering in a French hospital, he finds Linda, working as a nurse. To lift Cole spirits, Linda locates a piano and Cole writes the song, "Night and Day." Linda invites Cole to join her in a villa on the Riviera, but.. Cole does not want to take her money anymore and makes plans to return to America to get back to his work.

In New York, Cole finds a job playing the piano in a music store. Tired of the same old songs, Cole's partner, singer Carole Hill, sings one of his songs, which gives, Cole and Monty, the idea to produce another show, The New Yorkers .

Things are going well and Cole, is offered the opportunity to write a show in England. There he finds Linda, they marry and return to New York, where Cole begins working on another show. Cole makes many promises to Linda about taking a trip together, but it is one show after another. Linda becomes tired of Cole's promises and leaves for Europe on her own. Cole's mother telephones and informs him that his grandfather is dying, Cole flies back to Indiana, to make up with Omer. Cole, stays in Indiana after the funeral and, during a storm, is badly injured when he is thrown by a horse, and he loses the use of his legs. Cole makes Monty, promise not to tell Linda about his injury. Will Cole and Linda become reunited?

This is a beautiful, entertaining film with a fun dialogue and a splash of drama. If you are a Cary Grant fan, you will love this film.

Selena Royle(November 6, 1904 — April 23, 1983), parents were playwright Edwin Milton Royle and actress Selena Fetter. She turned to acting despite the objections of her parents. Her first professional role was as Guinevere in her father's play, Lancelot and Elaine. Eventually she landed a part on her own in the 1923 Theatre Guild production of Peer Gynt with Joseph Schildkraut and became a Broadway actress. She made one film in the 1930s, Misleading Lady, but otherwise worked on the stage and on radio, starring on the shows Hilda Hope, M.D. and Kate Hopkins.

In the 1940s, she returned to film playing maternal characters such as Ingrid Bergman's mother in, Joan of Arc (1948). She also made several appearances on early television. However, in 1951, when she refused to testify about her alleged Communist sympathies before the House Un-American Activities Committee, her acting career came to a sudden standstill. She appeared in only two more films afterwards, including the low-budget, Robot Monster.

Happy Birthday: Ginger Rogers!

2011-07-16T05:58:00.000-07:00

Ginger Rogers was born Virginia Katherine McMath (July 16, 1911 – April 25, 1995) in Independence, Missouri, the daughter of William Eddins McMath, an electrical engineer, and his wife Lela Emogene Owens (1891–1977). Ginger's parents separated soon after her birth, and soon after her parents divorced, Rogers stayed with her grandparents while her mother wrote scripts for Hollywood.

When Rogers was nine years old, her mother married John Logan Rogers. Ginger took the name of Rogers, though she was never legally adopted. They lived in Fort Worth, Texas. Her mother became a theater critic for the newspaper, the Fort Worth Record. Ginger attended but did not graduate from Fort Worth's Central High School. As a teenager, Rogers thought of becoming a schoolteacher, but her mother wanted her to be a Hollywood actress.

Please click here to learn more about Ginger Rogers.

Happy Birthday: Leslie Caron!

2011-07-01T05:04:00.000-07:00

Personal Quote:
Even now I feel furious with myself because whenever there's a camera pointed towards me my MGM training makes me smile. I don't like it. You can see it on all the people who came from that era because there was no question of them not smiling for the camera. Even Katharine Hepburn -- and God knows she was a dramatic actress -- if the camera is on her she smiles.

Please click here to learn more about Leslie Caron.

Happy Birthday: Bob Fosse!

2011-06-23T04:28:00.000-07:00

Fun Fact:

Directed 5 actors in Oscar nominated performances: Liza Minnelli, Joel Grey, Dustin Hoffman, Valerie Perrine,and Roy Scheider. Minnelli and Grey won for their performances in the film, Cabaret (1972). The film is loosely based on the 1966 Broadway musical Cabaret by Kander and Ebb, which was adapted from The Berlin Stories of Christopher Isherwood and the play, I Am a Camera.

Please click here to learn more about Bob Fosse.

Happy Birthday: Jeanette Mac Donald!

2011-06-18T05:13:00.000-07:00

Personal Quote:

“I have no inhibitions about smoking or drinking, but I think too much of my voice to place it in jeopardy. I have spent many good years in training and cultivating it, and I would be foolish to do anything which might impair or ruin it.”

Happy Birthday: June Haver!

2011-06-10T18:30:00.000-07:00

June Haver (June 10, 1926 – July 4, 2005). After her family moved to Ohio, 7 year old Haver won a contest of the Cincinnati Conservatory of Music. At age 8, she won a film test by imitating famous actresses: Greta Garbo, Katharine Hepburn and Helen Hayes. At age 10, she moved to Rock Island, where she began performing with Rudy Vallee. She later performed with the Ted Fio Rito Orchestra, Dick Jurgens and Freddy Martin.

While she was performing in a play, she was discovered by 20th Century Fox. In 1943, Haver signed a contract with the studio. She was dropped soon after, because the studio felt that she looked too young, but Haver was re-hired, after changing her clothes and hairstyle. She debuted in the film, Home In Indiana (1944). She was to replace Faye in the film, Irish Eyes Are Smiling. Later that year she co-starred with future husband, Fred MacMurray in, Where Do We Go From Here?, which was the only time they ever performed together.

During her career at Fox, Haver was to be the next Betty Grable (she was known as "Pocket Grable"). She even co-starred with Grable in the film, The Dolly Sisters (1945), a film for which she had to put on weight.
Haver debuted in 1948 in a dramatic role in Scudda Hoo! Scudda Hay!. The same year, she starred in the musical, Look for the Silver Lining (1948).

Following her marriage to Fred MacMurray, Haver retired from acting (her last appearances were as herself on The Lucy-Desi Comedy Hour in 1958 and Disneyland '59). The couple adopted two daughters and remained together until MacMurray's death in 1991.

Video:

Happy Birthday: Judy Garland !

2011-06-10T05:30:00.000-07:00

Judy Garland (June 10, 1922 – June 22, 1969). Her career spanned 45 of her 47 years, Garland was well known for her versatility, she received a juvenile Academy Award, won a Golden Globe Award, as well as Grammy Awards and a Special Tony Award. She was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role in the film, A Star is Born and for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the 1961 film, Judgement at Nuremberg.

At 40 years of age, she was the youngest recipient of the Cecil B. DeMille Award for lifetime achievement in the motion picture industry.

After performing with her sisters in vaudeville, Garland was signed to Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer as a teenager. There she made more than two dozen films, including nine with Mickey Rooney and the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz.

A musical fantasy film. Directed by Victor Fleming. Based on the 1900 fairytale novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. Cast: Judy Garland, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and Frank Morgan, with Billie Burke, Margaret Hamilton, Charles Grapewin, Clara Blandick and the Singer Midgets as the Munchkins.

Famous for its use of special effects, Technicolor and unusual characters, The Wizard of Oz has become, one of the favorites of all films.

Wizard of Oz, has won three Academy Awards, and was nominated for Best Picture of the Year (losing to Gone With The Wind), The Wizard of Oz was initially a box office failure and MGM's most expensive production up to that time. The song "Over the Rainbow" won the Academy Award for Best Original Song and the film itself received several Academy Award nominations.

Telecasts of The Wizard of Oz began in 1956, re-introducing the film to the public, becoming an annual tradition.

Please click here to learn more about Judy Garland.
Please click here to view Judy Garland " Musicals" reviews.

Happy Birthday: Benny Goodman!

2011-05-30T05:27:00.000-07:00

Benny Goodman's band performed in many popular musicals, including The Big Broadcast of 1937, Hollywood Hotel (1938), Syncopation (1942), The Powers Girl (1942), Stage Door Canteen (1943), The Gang's All Here (1943), Sweet and Lowdown (1944) and A Song Is Born (1948). Goodman's only starring movie was Sweet and Lowdown (1944).

Goodman's life story was told in the film The Benny Goodman Story(1955), with Steve Allen and Donna Reed. It was a follow up to, The Glenn Miller Story(1954). Many of Goodman's colleagues perform in the film: Ben Pollack, Gene Krupa, Lionel Hampton and Harry James.

Tom Drake

2011-05-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

Tom Drake (August 5, 1918 – August 11, 1982). He got his break after starring in the 1942 Broadway show Janie, after which he was signed to a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

After a number of films, Drake co-starred as John Truett, the boy next door, in Meet Me In St. Louis (1944) with Judy Garland. He performed in more than forty films, including Mrs. Parkington (1944), The Green Years (1946), and Words and Music (1948). He also had a minor role in the movie, The Singing Nun (1966), playing Ed Sullivan's producer Mr. Fitzpatrick. Drake had roles in many TV drama series.

Video from the film: Words and Music(1948).

Happy Birthday: Fred Astaire!

2011-05-10T07:54:00.000-07:00

(May 10, 1899 – June 22, 1987), was a film and Broadway stage dancer, choreographer, singer and actor. His career spanned a total of 76 years, during which he made 31 musical films. He made 10 films with Ginger Rogers.

The video is from the film, The Sky's The Limit (1943). A musical comedy film with a wartime theme starring Fred Astaire, Joan Leslie, Robert Benchley, Robert Ryan and Eric Blore, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by Johnny Mercer. The film was directed by Edward H. Griffith. This video is the dance number named, One For My Baby: In this solo Astaire shows anger, frustration while trying to create as much noise as possible with his taps. The number took two and a half days to shoot. Astaire was sometimes criticised by other choreographers for having a limited range of emotions in his dancing, and it is possible that this routine was his response.

Happy Birthday: Alice Faye!

2011-05-05T05:53:00.000-07:00

Alice Faye (May 5, 1915 – May 9, 1998). Faye's acting career began in vaudeville as a chorus girl, before she moved to Broadway and performed in the film, White's Scandals(1931). By this time, she was performing for radio audience with, Rudy Vallée's, The Fleischmann Hour (1932–1934), where she may have met her future husband Phil Harris.

She received her first major film break, when Lilian Harvey left the lead role in a film, Scandals(1935), in which Vallee, also performed. Faye received a makeover, which turned her from a singing version of Jean Harlow, to a softer look. Soon after, Faye performed in what many critics consider her best acting performance in the film, In Old Chicago(1937). The film was a recreation of the Great Chicago Fire, there was a scene so dangerous that women, except for the main stars, were banned from the set.

Faye, received wonderful reviews for her performance in the film, Alexander's Ragtime Band(1938). It was the musical which changed the status of musicals as light and fluffy to a respectable film genre. One of the most expensive films for its time, it also became one of the most successful musicals of the 1930s.

In 1939, she made the film, Rose of Washington Square with Tyrone Power. Although a big hit, the film was based on the real life of comedienne Fanny Brice, who sued Fox for stealing her story.

In 1940, Faye played the title role in the musical biopic, Lillian Russell. Faye always named this film as one of her personal favorites, but it was also her most challenging role. The tight corsets Faye wore for this picture caused Faye to collapse on the set several times and it shrunk her waist six inches.

After turning down the lead role, Down Argentine Way, Faye was teamed up with the studio's newest musical star, Betty Grable, in the film Tin Pan Alley. During the making of the picture, a rumor began that there was a rivalry between Faye and Grable. Between 1940 and 1945, Grable made more films than Faye and Grable was named the #1 box office star in the world. However, both actresses were very close friends and they never felt any rivalry between each other.

She frequently played a performer, often one moving up in society, allowing for situations that ranged from the serious to the comic. Films such as Weekend in Havana (1941) and That Night in Rio (1941), as a Brazilian aristocrat, showcased Faye's singing voice, comic timing, and flair for carrying off the era's romantic story lines. 1943's The Gang's All Here, might be the best example of these films, with lavish production and a range of supporting players (including Carmen Miranda in the indescribable "Lady in the Tutti-Frutti Hat" number) that camouflage the film's trivial plot and leisurely pacing.

In 1943, after taking a year off to have her first daughter, Faye starred in the musical Hello, Frisco, Hello. Released at the height of World War II, the film became another one of Faye's personal favorites and one of her highest-grossing pictures for Fox. It was in this film that Faye sang "You'll Never Know." The song won the Academy Award for Best Song for 1943 and the sheet music for the song sold over a million copies. However, since there was a clause in her contract stating that she could not officially record any of her movie songs.

As Faye's family life became more important to her, especially with the arrival of a second daughter. Faye signed a new contract with Fox to make only one picture a year, with the option of a second one.

Released in 1945, Fallen Angel was Faye's last film. Seventeen years after the Fallen Angel, Faye performed for the cameras again, in 1962's State Fair. Faye made only infrequent cameo appearances in films thereafter.

Happy Birthday: Bing Crosby!

2011-05-03T07:10:00.000-07:00

Bing Crosby (May 3, 1903 – October 14, 19770. Crosby's trademark bass-baritone voice made him one of the best-selling recording artists of the 20th century.

Crosby won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his role as Father Chuck O'Malley in the film,Going My Way(1944)and was nominated for his reprise of the role in, The Bells of St. Mary's the next year, becoming the first of four actors to be nominated twice for playing the same character. Crosby is one of the 22 people to have three stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Happy Birthday: Duke Ellington!

2011-04-29T04:36:00.000-07:00

Duke Ellington (April 29, 1899 – May 24, 1974) was an composer, pianist, and big band leader. Ellington wrote over 1,000 compositions. Ellington, performed in, jazz, blues, gospel and film scores. His career spanned more than 50 years. Because of his charisma, he is credited to have elevated the popularity of jazz to an art form. His reputation increased after his death, the Pulitzer Prize Board gave him a special posthumous honor in 1999.

Ellington, began to work in films in the year, 1929 with the short films: Black and Tan. Symphony in Black (1935). Which introduced Billie Holiday, and won an Academy Award as the best musical short subject. He also appeared in the film, Check and Double Check (1930). Murder at the Vanities, Belle of the Nineties (19340 and Cabin in the Sky (1943). In the late 1950s, he put together soundtracks for the films: Anatomy of a Murder (1959), with James Stewart, Paris Blues (1961), which featured Paul Newman and Sidney Poitier as jazz musicians.

Happy Birthday: Ann Margret!

2011-04-28T06:23:00.000-07:00

Ann Margret (born April 28, 1941). She became famous for her performances in the film, Bye Bye Birdie, Viva Las Vegas, The Cincinnati Kid, Carnal Knowledge, and Tommy. Her later career include Grumpy Old Men, Any Given Sunday, The Santa Clause 3, and The Break-Up. She has won five Golden Globe Awards and been nominated for two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and six Emmy Awards.

Happy Birthday: Shirley Temple!

2011-04-23T09:58:00.000-07:00

Shirley Temple (born April 23, 1928), began her film career in 1932 at the age of three, and in 1934, she reached superstardom in the film, Bright Eyes (1934). Comedy drama film directed by David Butler. The screenplay by William Conselman is based on a story by David Butler and Edwin Burke, and focuses on the relationship between bachelor aviator James 'Loop' Merritt (James Dunn) and his orphaned godchild, Shirley Blake (Shirley Temple). Merritt becomes involved in a custody battle for the child with a rich, elderly gentleman. The film featured one musical number:

"On the Good Ship Lollipop".

She received a special Academy Award in February 1935, and films, Curly Top(1935)musical film directed by Irving Cummings. The screenplay by Patterson McNutt and Arthur J. Beckhard focuses on the adoption of a young orphan (Shirley Temple) by a wealthy bachelor (John Boles) and his romantic attraction to her older sister (Rochelle Hudson). The film’s musical numbers include:

"Animal Crackers in My Soup"

"When I Grow Up".

My favorite Shirley Temple film, Heidi (1937), was a dramatic film directed by Allan Dwan. The screenplay by Julien Josephson and Walter Ferris was based on the 1880 children's story of the same name by Swiss author Johanna Spyri. The film is about an orphan named Heidi (Temple) who is taken from her grandfather (Hersholt) to live as a companion to Klara, a spoiled, crippled girl (Jones).

She left the film industry at the age of 12 to attend high school. She performed in a few films in her mid to late teens and retired completely from films in 1950 at the age of 22.

Happy Birthday: Ann Miller!

2011-04-12T06:59:00.000-07:00

Ann Miller (April 12, 1923– January 22, 2004). In an interview featured in a "behind the scenes" documentary on, That's Entertainment III, she said that Eleanor Powell was her inspiration. Miller, made it "big" , in her roles in the musicals: Kiss Me Kate, Easter Parade and On the Town.

Miller, popularized pantyhose in the 1940s as a solution to the problem of torn stockings during the filming of her dance production numbers.

She was known, later in her career, for her black bouffant hair, heavy makeup with crimson red lipstick and fashions that showed off her figure. Her film career ended in 1956 as the movies lost their popularity to television, although, she remained active in the theatre and on television.

Video is from: Two Tickets to Broadway(1951). Nancy Peterson and her friends wants to get a spot on Bob Crosby's TV show.

Meet the People(1944).

2011-04-08T13:07:00.001-07:00

Meet the People(1944). The film stars Lucille Ball as Julie Hampton, a stage actress who goes to work in a shipyard after the play in which she was planning to star in is cancelled by shipyard worker Dick Powell.

The first day on the job, the actress discovers that the shipyard workers are talented group of people. Swanson and Hampton, come up with an idea to put on a show.. only to butt heads.

Lucille Ball, was at the height of her looks in this film. Bert Lahr, Virginia O'Brien and a young June Allyson, also perform in supporting roles.

Meet the People features Vaughn Monroe and his orchestra, as well as Spike Jones and his City Slickers, as well as Virginia O'Brien from the original stage cast, who sings the hit song, Say We're Sweethearts Again.

Virginia O'Brien (April 18, 1919 – January 16, 2001). O'Brien was best known for her comedic roles. This was because of her humorous singing style, with no facial expressions and very little movement. The audience thought she was hilarious and she was soon hired to repeat this performance in a number of movies beginning in 1940s.

The films she performed in during her time at MGM were, Till the Clouds Roll By(1946), The Big Store (1941), Ship Ahoy (1942), Thousands Cheer, Du Barry Was a Lady, Meet the People, The Harvey Girls and Ziegfeld Follies.

O'Brien was suddenly dropped from her MGM film contract and she moved into television and back to live performances. She made only two film appearances after this: Francis in the Navy and the 1976 Walt Disney Studios comedy, Gus.

Kathryn Grayson and June Allyson are TWO SISTERS FROM BOSTON (1946)

2011-04-08T02:55:00.000-07:00

A delightful musical comedy set at turn of the century New York and centering on Abigail Chandler (top notch turn by Kathryn Grayson) who tells her stuffy Boston relatives that she is a big time opera singer. In truth she works at a burlesque house and is billed as High-C Susie. Trouble ensues when the family comes for a visit. Her sister, Martha (played by June Allyson) is all giddy about seeing her big sis in an opera. Jimmy Durante is the club manager that lets loose with zingers. Grayson and Allyson are terrific as the sisters with Grayson's voice a heavenly sound. Allyson is quite fun in her role, all wide eyed and innocent but gets in on the act with a grand and funny performance at the club. Also starring MGM regular Peter Lawford as a love interest for Allyson. These two sisters are definitely worth hanging out with.

Happy Birthday: Doris Day!

2011-04-03T03:31:00.000-07:00

Doris Day April 3, 1922), While singing with the Les Brown band and briefly with Bob Hope, Day's popularity as a radio performer and vocalist, landed her to a career in films. Her performance of the song "Embraceable You", impressed Styne and his partner, Sammy Cahn and they recommended her for a role in my favorite Doris Day film, Romance on the High Seas. The film provided her with a beautiful song, "It's Magic."

She continued to make musicals such as: Starlift, The West Point Story, On Moonlight Bay, By the Light of the Silvery Moon, and Tea For Two. In 1953 Day performed as Calamity Jane, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Song for "Secret Love".

After filming, Young at Heart (1954) with Frank Sinatra, went on to perform in more dramatic roles, including her performance of singer Ruth Etting in the film, Love Me or Leave Me (1954), which she thought was her best film.

In Alfred Hitchcock's The Man Who Knew Too Much (1956), Day sang "Que Sera, Sera" which won an Academy Award for Best Original Song and became her signature song. The song was used again in another one of my favorite films,Please Don't Eat the Daisies (1960), and was also used in a brief duet with Arthur Godfrey in another favorite film, The Glass Bottom Boat (1966). "Que Sera, Sera", also became the theme song for her CBS television show (1968–73).

Happy Birthday: Debbie Reynolds!

2011-04-01T03:47:00.000-07:00

Debbie Reynolds (born April 1, 1932), performed in many movie musicals during the 1950s and had several hit records during the same period. Her song "Aba Daba Honeymoon" featured in the 1950 film, Two Weeks with Love(1950) was a top-three hit in 1951. She is best known for her performance in the film, Singin' in the Rain (1952). A comedy musical film starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, Donald O'Connor and Jean Hagen and directed by Gene Kelly and Stanley Donen, with Kelly also providing the choreography. It shows a comic view of Hollywood, and its transition from silent films to "talkies."

Next she went on to perform in the film, In Bundle of Joy (1956), with her then-husband, Eddie Fisher. Which, is a musical remake of the comedy film, Bachelor Mother (1939). The story is about a unmarried salesgirl at a department store, who finds and takes care of an abandoned baby. The fun begins when her co-workers believe the child is hers and that the father is the son of the store owner.

Her recording of the song "Tammy", from her 1957 film Tammy and the Bachelor (1957), was the best-selling single by a female vocalist in 1957.

In 1959, Reynolds recorded her first album, called Debbie, which included her own selection of 12 standards including "S’posin'", "Moonglow", "Mean To Me" and "Time After Time". Reynolds also had two other top-25 Billboard hits with "A Very Special Love" (1958) and "Am I That Easy to Forget" (1960).

Her starring role in the film The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964) led to a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress. She then portrayed Jeanine Deckers in the film, The Singing Nun (1966).

From 1999 to its 2006 series finale, she played Grace Adler's mother, Bobbi Adler, on the sitcom, Will & Grace (1998–2006), which earned her a Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series in 2000. She also plays a recurring role in the Disney Channel Original Movie Halloweentown film series as Aggie Cromwell. Reynolds made a guest appearance as a presenter at the 69th Academy Awards in 1997.

She is currently performing in her West End show Debbie Reynolds: Alive and Fabulous. In June 2010, her publicist Edward Lozzi secured her a role as a regular columnist for the weekly paper Globe, replacing Ivana Trump in answering reader queries.

She has received various nominations for awards including: an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for The Unsinkable Molly Brown (1964), a Golden Globe Award nomination for Best Actress – Television Series Musical or Comedy for The Debbie Reynolds Show (1970), a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Mother (1996) and an Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Comedy Series, for her role of Bobbi Adler in the sitcom Will & Grace (2000). In 1996 and 1997, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award in Comedy, in the American Comedy Awards.

Happy Birthday: Jane Powell!

2011-04-01T03:46:00.000-07:00

Fun Facts:

Her role model and favorite actress is the lyrical soprano/actress, Jeanette MacDonald.

Grew up watching Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy movies.

Best known as 'Milly' in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers (1954)

Was bridesmaid for Elizabeth Taylor for her first marriage. Taylor was bridesmaid for Powell's first marriage.

Sang at the Inaugural Ball for President Harry S. Truman, January 20, 1949.

Roddy McDowall, a friend from the beginning of Jane's Hollywood career and the remainder of his life, was an usher at her first wedding.

Dance Routine: James Cagney and Bob Hope.

2011-03-31T05:53:00.000-07:00

Movie: The Seven Little Foys (1955). Vaudeville entertainer Eddie Foy, falls in love with and marries Italian ballerina Madeleine. While they go on to tour, they begin a family and before you know it there are 7 more Foys. After tragedy threatens to end Eddie's career, he comes to realize that his children are very talented and can save the show..

Bob Hope plays the role of Eddie Foy.
James Cagney plays the role of George M. Cohan.

She is Working Her Way Through College (1952).

2011-03-28T07:32:00.000-07:00

She is Working Her Way Through College (1952). Cast: Virginia Mayo, Ronald Reagan,Gene Nelson, Don DeFore, Phyllis Thaxter and Patrice Wymore .

The story begins when, Professor John Palmer goes to New York, to observe a burlesque show to prepare for the theater arts class he teaches at a Midwest College. He happens to see one of his former high school students, Angela Gardner, performing as, "Hot Garters Gertie." Angela invites him to her dressing room and tells him she has been saving money to attend college, because she wants a writing career. John has always encouraged her, so she decides to attend Midwest College, where he teaches. After John leaves, a mink coat is delivered anonymously to Angela with an invitation to meet later at a hotel room. Thinking it came from John, she takes a taxi to the hotel room to return the mink, only to find there an older man looking for a good time.

Later, at Midwest College, Angela makes friends with Don Weston, the school's quarterback, which makes "Poison" Ivy Williams, the leading lady of past college productions, jealous.

John and his wife Helen rent a room to Angela, who comes up with ideas to help the poorly attended dramatic arts department put on a wonderful musical show... but, some one's discovered her secret past. Will the show be cancelled and will Angela be expelled?

This film caught my attention because of the actress Virginia Mayo, who gives a wonderful performance as Angela. Gene Nelson, is an excellent dancer and Patrice Wymore, gives a perfect performance as"Poison Ivy". The musical numbers are a lot of fun, especially "With Plenty of Money and You", "I'll Still Be Loving You".

Soundtracks:
•"With Plenty of Money and You"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Performed and Danced by Virginia Mayo (dubbed by Bonnie Lou Williams) and chorus

•"All Hail to Midwest State"
(uncredited)
Music by Vernon Duke
Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Performed by chorus

•"We're Working Our Way Through College"
(uncredited)
Music by Richard A. Whiting
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Performed by chorus, Virginia Mayo (dubbed by Bonnie Lou Williams), Gene Nelson

•"I'll Be Loving You"
Music by Vernon Duke
Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Performed and Danced by Virginia Mayo, Gene Nelson
Mayo's voice dubbed by Bonnie Lou Williams

•"Midwest Fight Song"
(uncredited)
Music by Vernon Duke
Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Performed by chorus

•"The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of"
Music by Vernon Duke
Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Performed and Danced by Virginia Mayo (dubbed by Bonnie Lou Williams), Gene Nelson (dubbed by Hal Derwin)

•"As Time Goes By"
(uncredited)
Written by Herman Hupfeld
Sung on record by Bonnie Lou Williams
Sung in part by Phyllis Thaxter

•"Love Is Still for Free"
Music by Vernon Duke
Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Performed by Patrice Wymore, Blackburn Twins, and chorus
Reprised as "Love is Not for Free" by Virginia Mayo (dubbed by Bonnie Lou Williams) and chorus

•"Am I in Love?"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Sung and Danced by Gene Nelson

•"(You've Got to) Give 'em What They Want"
(uncredited)
Music by Vernon Duke
Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Performed by chorus and Patrice Wymore

•"Baby Face"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Akst
Lyrics by Benny Davis
Sung off-screen by the chorus when Prof. Palmer visits backstage with Angela

•"Gee, But Your Swell"
(uncredited)
Music by Abel Baer
Lyrics by Charles Tobias
Sung off-screen by the chorus when Prof. Palmer gets up to leave Angela's dressing room

•"For You"
(uncredited)
Music by Joseph Burke
Played when Angela is showered with gifts after her last performance

Virginia Mayo (November 30, 1920 – January 17, 2005). Tutored by dancing instructors, she performed in the St. Louis Municipal Opera chorus and then performed with six other girls at an act at the Jefferson Hotel. There she was recruited by vaudeville performer Andy Mayo, to perform in his act (as ringmaster for two men in a horse suit), taking his surname as her stage name.

Mayo continued her career as a dancer, then signed a contract with Samuel Goldwyn and performed in several of Goldwyn's movies. With Danny Kaye she performed in comedies: Wonder Man (1945), The Kid from Brooklyn (1946) and The Secret Life of Walter Mitty (1947). In her Hollywood heyday, it was said that she "looked like a pinup painting come to life," and she played just such a role in film, The Girl from Jones Beach (1949).

In 1949's White Heat she took on the role of the treacherous "Verna Jarrett", opposite James Cagney. She was also cast against type as a gold digger in the film,The Best Years of Our Lives. Her film career continued through the 1950s and 1960s, frequently in B-movie westerns and adventure films. While she also performed in musicals, Mayo's singing voice was always dubbed.

Virginia and her husband, actor Michael O'Shea, co-starred in the films: as Tunnel of Love, Fiorello, and George Washington Slept Here. She has also starred in the film, Cactus Flower, How the Other Half Loves, and Good News.

Shirley Temple - Early Bird - Captain January (1936)

2011-03-26T19:12:00.000-07:00

"Early Bird"
(1936)
Music by Lew Pollack
Lyrics by Sidney D. Mitchell
Sung by Shirley Temple (uncredited)

VIVA MARIA! is part musical, part western and it is wonderful...

2011-03-19T05:20:00.000-07:00

I don't even know how to describe this movie. It's part musical, part western, part comedy, part adventure. And somehow mix all that together and it works. Set in Middle America in 1907, the fiery Maria 2 (played by Brigitte Bardot) meets up with a traveling circus after her terrorist father is killed. She ends up blowing up the bridge that the soldiers are on who have killed her father and is now on the run. The circus she hooks up with has veteran singer Maria 1 (played by Jeanne Moreau). As luck would have it, the circus has just recently lost a singer, Maria 1's sister and Maria 2 jumps at the chance. During her first appearance she accidentally invents the strip-tease and the circus becomes hugely successful. Things are going great until the pair meet up with a socialist revolutionary and finding themselves leading this revolution against the dictator, the capitalists and the church.

Like I said this mix of music, action, and comedy somehow all works. I think this may be Brigitte Bardot's best film performance. She is headstrong and doesn't back down from anyone. Moreau gives a good performance as well, more understanding and sympathetic. And plus they both look stunning. For the ladies they have George Hamilton to ogle over as a local hero who falls for Moreau. I liked this movie. Be warned it is subtitled but I didn't mind one bit at all.

Fun in Acapulco (1963).

2011-03-19T05:04:00.000-07:00

Fun in Acapulco (1963). Musical comedy film starring Elvis Presley and Ursula Andress. While some exterior scenes were shot in Acapulco, Mexico, Elvis's scenes were shot in Hollywood. He never went to Acapulco in his lifetime.

In this Elvis movie he plays a former circus performer who comes to Acapulco to hide from his past. He's hired as a lifeguard at a hotel, and later in the evening sings in the night club. While he was performing in his act in the circus, he was in the acrobats. during his performance he missed his partner who fell to his death. When a rival lifeguard learns about it, he challenges him to dive again now that Elvis' character is afraid of heights. He does gain back his courage and climbs to the highest cliff and makes the high dive. Does He win the heart of Ursula Andress, too?

I loved the locations (Acapulco) and the fun plot. I think that greatest thing about Elvis's movies, that they were fun.

Fun Facts:

Elvis Presley didn't film in Acapulco and a stunt double was used.

Teri Garr made her uncredited movie debut as an extra in this film. She would go on to appear as an uncredited extra in several more Elvis Presley movies before becoming a full-fledged actress.

The cliff dives take place at La Quebrada in Acapulco.

Sound Tracks:

•"Fun In Acapulco"
Written by Sid Wayne & Ben Weisman
Performed by Elvis Presley

•"Vino, Dinero Y Amor"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett
Performed by Elvis Presley & The Four Amigos

•"I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here"
Written by Don Robertson & Hal Blair
Performed by Elvis Presley & The Four Amigos

•"Mexico"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett
Performed by Elvis Presley & Larry Domasin

•"El Toro"
Written by Bill Giant, Bernie Baum & Florence Kaye
Performed by Elvis Presley

•"Marguerita"
Written by Don Robertson
Performed by Elvis Presley

•"The Bullfighter Was A Lady"
Written by Sid Tepper & Roy C. Bennett
Performed by Elvis Presley

•"(There's) No Room To Rhumba In A Sports Car"
Written by Fred Wise & Dick Manning
Performed by Elvis Presley

•"Bossa Nova Baby"
Written by Jerry Leiber & Mike Stoller
Performed by Elvis Presley

•"You Can't Say No In Acapulco"
Written by Dorothy Fuller & Lee Morris
Performed by Elvis Presley

•"Guadalajara"
Written by Pepe Guízar (as Pépé Guizar)
Performed by Elvis Presley

In Caliente(1935)

2011-03-18T15:58:00.000-07:00

In Caliente(1935), also known as Viva Señorita, is a film written by Ralph Block, directed by Lloyd Bacon, and starred Dolores del Río.

IN CALIENTE (1935), the story takes place in the popular Mexican resort, best known for horse racing and gambling. It stars Dolores Del Rio, in a fluffy story and wonderful choreography by, Busby Berkeley. Berkeley focuses on ballroom dancing popularized by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

The story begins when Larry MacArthur, critic of New York City's smartest magazine, Manhattan Madness, who is well known for writing bad reviews. Harold Brandon, vice president, wants to break up Larry's engagement to gold digger, Clara Thorne. Knowing the upcoming marriage will be a mistake, Harold gets Larry drunk and kidnaps him by airplane to Aqua Caliente, a Mexican resort. While there, he meets Rita Gomez, who he does not know that she is a dancer, that he criticized in his magazine. Recognizing Larry as the man who had given her a bad review, Rita wants to get even with him, with the help of Jose Gomez, her uncle. The situation becomes more complicated when Clara shows up to claim her man.

This very entertaining movie showcases Dolores Del Rio, Pat O'Brien and Edward Everett Horton. Another plus.. is the location filming at Agua Caliente. Chris Pin-Martin, as one of the mariachis, has the wonderful line, "English not so very good looking."

Fun Facts:

The costumes in "The Lady in Red" number were actually blue, but looked "red" when photographed in black and white.

Soundtracks:

•"In Caliente"
(uncredited)
Music by Allie Wrubel
Lyrics by Mort Dixon
Played during the opening credits
Played as background music
Played on guitar and sung often by the mariachis
(Chris-Pin Martin, C.R. Dufau, L.R. Félix and Carlos Salazar)

•"When Irish Eyes Are Smiling"
(uncredited)
Music by Ernest Ball (1912)
Lyrics by Chauncey Olcott and George Graff (1912)
Sung a cappella by Phil Regan, Pat O'Brien and Edward Everett Horton

•"To Call You My Own"
(uncredited)
Music by Allie Wrubel
Lyrics by Mort Dixon
Sung by Phil Regan
Played as background music
Whistled and hummed by Pat O'Brien

•"The Lady in Red"
(uncredited)
Music by Allie Wrubel
Lyrics by Mort Dixon
Sung by Wini Shaw, Judy Canova and chorus
Danced by The De Marco's
Sung a cappella by Edward Everett Horton

•"Muchacha"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Sung by Phil Regan
Sung and Danced to by Dolores del Rio and chorus

•"She's a Latin from Manhattan"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Used as background instrumental

•"Tango Muchacha"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Used as background instrumental

Happy Birthday: Edward Everett Horton!

2011-03-18T03:31:00.000-07:00

Edward Everett Horton (March 18, 1886 – September 29, 1970), was a character actor. He had a long career in film, theater, radio, television and voice work for animated cartoons. He is best known for his work in the films of, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. His voice was one of his trademarks.

His first starring role was in the comedy film, Too Much Business(1922). Next, he went on to perform in the film, Beggar on Horseback(1925). Horton, performed in some of Warner Bros.' early talkies, The Hottentot and Sonny Boy.

He is best known, for his work as a character actor in the films: The Front Page (1931), Trouble in Paradise (1932), Alice in Wonderland (1933), The Gay Divorcee (1934), Flying Down to Rio (1933). Which included the popular dance team of Fred Astaire and a 23-year-old Ginger Rogers. It is the first of the series to feature Ginger and Fred as the main attraction. The film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture.

He also performed in the film, Top Hat (1935), Danger Love at Work (1937), Lost Horizon (1937), Holiday (1938), Here Comes Mr. Jordan (1941), Arsenic and Old Lace (1944), Pocketful of Miracles (1961), and It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World (1963). He last performed in a non-speaking role in the film, Cold Turkey (1971).

Fun Facts:

Author F. Scott Fitzgerald lived in a cottage on Horton's estate for a time in the late 1930s.

In a scene in Friz Freleng's cartoon Hare Trigger, Yosemite Sam (in his debut) calls himself "the meanest, toughest, rip-roarin'-est, Edward Everett Horton-est hombre what ever packed a six-shooter!"

Janet Gaynor

2011-03-16T12:12:00.001-07:00

Janet Gaynor (October 6, 1906 – September 14, 1984) was one of the most popular actresses of the silent film era. Gaynor became the first winner of the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performances in three films, the first: Seventh Heaven (1927). A Romance silent film and one of the first films to be nominated for the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film was written by H.H. Caldwell, Benjamin Glazer, Katherine Hilliker and Austin Strong and directed by Frank Borzage. Cast: Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell.

First Video of 12.

Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927). A silent film directed by German film director F. W. Murnau. The story was adapted by Carl Mayer from the short story Die Reise nach Tilsit by Hermann Sudermann.

Sunrise won an Academy Award for Unique and Artistic Production at the first ever Academy Awards ceremony in 1929. In 1937, Sunrise's original negative was destroyed in a fire. A new negative was created from a surviving print.

Much of the exterior shooting was done at Lake Arrowhead, California.

Please click here to view Silents movie review: Sunrise song of two Humans.

First Video of 9.

Street Angel (1928). A silent film about a young woman who finds herself on the streets before joining a traveling carnival, where she meets a vagabond painter. Directed by Frank Borzage. This was the only time which an actress has won for multiple roles.

Her career continued and she performed in the original version of, A Star Is Born (1937). A romantic/drama. Directed by William A. Wellman. Cast: Janet Gaynor Fredric March, Adolphe Menjou, May Robson, Andy Devine, Lionel Stander and Carole Landis.

Sunnyside Up (1929).

2011-03-16T11:57:00.000-07:00

Sunnyside Up (1929). is a Fox Movietone movie musical with original songs, story, and dialogue by B. G. DeSylva, Lew Brown and Ray Henderson. The romantic comedy/musical, which starred Janet Gaynor and Charles Farrell. Directed by David Butler. Gaynor and Farrell made almost a dozen films together: Seventh Heaven (1927), Street Angel (1928), and Lucky Star (1929). Gaynor won the first Academy Award for Best Actress for the first two and F. W. Murnau's Sunrise (1927). The cinematography and special effects are impressive.

The story begins with a birds eye view of a lower East Side street, showing the people getting ready for the 4th of July celebration. While Jack Cromwell, a Long Island millionaire drives his car through the neighborhood, ends up losing control of his car to avoid hitting a child. Molly, lives above a grocery store. The young couple from different backgrounds meet at a block party. He asks her to return to Southhampton with him to make his fiancee jealous. His plan works, but in the process, they fall in love...

The color sequence contained three musical numbers of which one has become a total classic. Turn On The Heat, one of the best production numbers made that reminded me a little of Busby Berkeley musical number. A lively chorus transform the arctic cold set, complete with igloos in to a tropical setting. One of the oddest musical numbers I have ever seen.

Soundtracks:

•"(I'M A DREAMER) AREN'T WE ALL?"
Music by Ray Henderson
Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown
Sung and played on autoharp by Janet Gaynor

•"YOU FIND THE TIME AND I'LL FIND THE PLACE"
Music by Ray Henderson
Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown
Sung by Sharon Lynn

•"YOU'VE GOT ME PICKIN' PETALS OFF O' DAISIES"
Music by Ray Henderson
Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown
Sung and danced by Marjorie White and Frank Richardson

•"SUNNY SIDE UP"
Music by Ray Henderson
Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown
Sung with chorus and danced by Janet Gaynor
Reprised by Frank Richardson and Marjorie White

•"TURN ON THE HEAT"
Music by Ray Henderson
Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown
Sung by Sharon Lynn and danced by chorus

•"IF I HAD A TALKING PICTURE OF YOU"
Music by Ray Henderson
Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown
Sung by Charles Farrell and Janet Gaynor with child chorus

•"IT'S GREAT TO BE NECKED"
Music by Ray Henderson
Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva and Lew Brown
Sung by Marjorie White

Happy Birthday: Harry James!

2011-03-15T03:16:00.000-07:00

Harry James (March 15, 1916 – July 5, 1983), was an musician and bandleader. James was an instrumentalist of the swing era, employing a bravura playing style that made his trumpet work identifiable. He was one of the most popular bandleaders of the first half of the 1940s, and he continued to lead his band until just before his death, 40 years later.

Small Town Girl(1953)

2011-03-13T13:26:00.000-07:00

Small Town Girl(1953). Directed by László Kardos. Cast: Jane Powell, Farley Granger, and Ann Miller. Busby Berkeley choreographed several dance numbers.

In the small town of Duck Creek, Connecticut, all the people enjoy listening to Cindy Kimbell, sing in the church choir, during Sunday services. While, the Kimball family sit down to their Sunday dinner, a policeman brings over Rick Belrow Livingston III, who was caught speeding through town.

Because of his bad attitude, Cindy's father Gordon, the town's judge, sentences Rick to thirty days in jail. Rick, is taken to jail and the news quickly spreads among all the young women, of the town.

That evening, Rick watches from his cell window as the town's people meet for a town social and sees Cindy dancing with, Ludwig Schlemmer. The bidding begins for the box suppers prepared by the young ladies and Rick outbids Ludwig, for Cindy's box supper.

The next morning, photographers watch Rick cleaning the sidewalk and take a picture of him just as he gives Cindy a hug, on her way to work. The picture of Rick and Cindy, is on the front page of the paper. His fiancee Lisa, comes to town the next day to give Cindy a piece of her mind, Lisa visits Rick, in jail and reminds him that her birthday, is just a couple of days away.

Desperate to get out of jail, Rick plays on Cindy's sympathies, by telling her it is his mother's birthday. Cindy talks Happy, the jailer, to set the prisoner free for the night, but insists on going with Rick on his visit to see his "mother." When they arrive, a formal gathering is already in progress. After Cindy sings, for the guests, his butler, Hemmingway, locks her in a fur vault while Rick sneaks out to watch Lisa, perform in a Broadway musical.

Rick, gets a call from Hemmingway, who tells him that Cindy is in the fur vault, he races home to get her out. He then takes Cindy, out for a night on the town and they begin to fall in love. Back in his cell, Rick asks to serve out his sentence, but Gordon, wants him to leave town. Will Rick, go back to his fiancee or will he say back in the small town of Duck Creek, that he has grown so fond of?

The film, Small Town Girl, may not be the best MGM musical, or the best of Jane Powell's films. But.. it is very entertaining.

Fun Facts:

Hank Williams was to have made his acting debut in this film as a small-town sheriff, but died shortly before filming got underway.

Jane Powell was pregnant during the filming of this movie.

Soundtracks:

•"I've Gotta Hear that Beat"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Danced by Ann Miller

•"My Gaucho"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Danced by Ann Miller

•"Take Me To Broadway"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Performed by Bobby Van

•"My Flaming Heart"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Performed by Nat 'King' Cole

•"The Lullaby of the Lord"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin

•"Fine, Fine, Fine"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin

•"Small Towns Are Smile Towns"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin

•"The Fellow I'd Follow"
Music by Nicholas Brodszky
Lyrics by Leo Robin

•"Hallelujah Chorus"
(uncredited)
from "The Messiah"
Music by George Frideric Handel
Lyrics by Charles Jennens

Happy Birthday: Bix Beiderbecke.

2011-03-10T02:54:00.000-08:00

Bix Beiderbecke( March 10, 1903 — Aug. 6, 1931). Became the leading player of the Chicago style of jazz in the 1920s. He is best known for his gentle, clear tone. His interest in the harmonies of composers such as Claude Debussy was reflected in both his playing and his compositions. With saxophonist Frankie Trumbauer, Beiderbecke worked in the bands of Jean Goldkette and Paul Whiteman. His alcoholism and early death contributed to his status as one of the early romantic legends of jazz.