Dan Dailey and Betty Grable

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.

Old Man Rhythm(1935).

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.

You can enjoy both Week-End In Havana (1941) with Alice Faye and Springtime in The Rockies (1942) with Betty Grable

Two of my favorite musicals that are pretty similar in style and music. The main exception is the leading lady. Alice Faye headlines Week-End In Havana while my girl Betty Grable tops Springtime in The Rockies. Both films feature several of the same actors, including John Payne, Carmen Miranda and Cesar Romero.

In Week-End In Havana, a cruise ship bound for Cuba crashes off the Florida coast, ship executive Jay Williams (John Payne) asks each passenger to sign a waiver that clears the liner of all responsibility. But when New York City shop girl Nan Spencer (Alice Faye) says no, it sets off a chain reaction of romance and rejection. Cesar Romero and Carmen Miranda co-star in this 1941 musical featuring the songs "Romance and Rhumba" and "Tropical Magic." Faye is quite good in her role as Nan, as she will not yield to Payne's continued pursuit. Romero and Miranda are also quite good. Should be noted that Faye was pregnant while filming this movie. What a trooper.

In Springtime In The Rockies, Broadway partners Vicky Lane and Dan Christy have a tiff over Christy's womanizing. Jealous Vicky takes up with her old flame and former dance partner, Victor Price, and Dan's career takes a nosedive. In hopes of rekindling their romance and getting Vicky back on the boards with him, Dan follows her to a ritzy resort in the Canadian Rockies, where she and Victor are about to open their new act. But things get complicated when Dan wakes after a bender to find that he's hired an outlandish Latin secretary, Rosita Murphy, which makes Vicky think he's just up to his old tricks again. Betty is definitely the star as she gets to shine in several musical numbers. But Carmen Miranda is a riot as Rosita Murphy. You will be busting a gut everytime she appears onscreen. And actress Charlotte Greenwood adds a touch of grace. Springtime was a huge hit for studio 20th Century Fox as it was a top ten money earner in 1942 and solidfying Betty Grable as a major box office attraction. I love both films equally and I don't know if I could choose between them. So instead of making that decision, I just say watch them both and have a great time.

Betty Grable

Betty Grable's, bathing suit photo made her the number-one pin-up girl of the World War II era. It was included in the LIFE magazine project "100 Photos that Changed the World". Grable was particularly noted for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood and studio publicity widely dispersed photos featuring them. Hosiery specialists of the era often noted the ideal proportions of her legs as: thigh (18.5") calf (12"), and ankle (7.5"). Grable's legs were famously insured by her studio for $1,000,000 with Lloyds of London.

Pin Up Girl(1944)

Pin Up Girl(1944), Technicolor musical film. Director: H. Bruce Humberstone. Cast: Betty Grable, John Harvey, Martha Raye, and Joe E. Brown. The film used Grable's iconic pin-up status during World War II, even using her famous swimsuit photo in some scenes of the film.

Lorry Jones, is a hostess at the U.S.O canteen in Missoula, Missouri. She entertains the troops by working as a singer. Part of her job is to accept marriage proposals from the men. Lorry accepts Marine George Davis, proposal. He does not realize that is part of the act. Lorry and her best friend Kay Pritchett, want to better themselfs so they have taken jobs as stenographers in Washington, D.C.

When they arrive by train, they are greeted by Navy hero Tommy Dooley. That night, they try to get into the Club Chartreuse, but are not allowed without dates. Lorry doesn't want to leave and says that she is meeting Tommy and his friend Dud Miller.
She does not know Tommy is best friend with the club's owner. When Eddie is told Lorry and Kay are the dates of Tommy and Dud, he treats them like celebrities.. When Tommy and Dud arrive, Tommy thinks the clubs owner has set them up in blind dates. Kay tells them she and Lorry are in the Broadway musical Remember Me. Molly McKay, star singer at the club, doesn't believe Kay, until Lorry performs a song. The men accidentally lose the women's address. After a couple of weeks Lorry and Kay are insulted. Tommy and Dud out of the blue show up in Washington. Lorry's job is to be his stenographer, she decides to disguise herself, so he won't recognize her. Things don't go the way she planned. What happens next?

Grable's sense of comedy and some expert dancing - with Hermes Pan makes this a fun film. Good support from Raye and Joe E Brown.



Soundtracks:
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"You're My Little Pin Up Girl"
(uncredited)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Sung by chorus, uncredited players, and Betty Grable
Danced by the Condos Brothers

"Time Alone Will Tell"
(uncredited)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Sung by June Hutton and male trio with Charlie Spivak and His Orchestra

"Red Robins, Bobwhites and Bluebirds"
(uncredited)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Martha Raye
Danced by Skating Vanities

"Don't Carry Tales out of School"
(uncredited)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Betty Grable and chorus with Charlie Spivak and His Orchestra

"Yankee Doodle Hayride"
(uncredited)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Martha Raye with Charlie Spivak and His Orchestra
Danced by the Condos Brothers

"Once Too Often"
(uncredited)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Sung by Betty Grable
Danced by Betty Grable, Hermes Pan and Angela Blue with Charlie Spivak and His Orchestra

"The Story of the Very Merry Widow"
(uncredited)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Betty Grable with chorus

"The Caisson Song"
(uncredited)
Music by Edmund L. Gruber
Played briefly during the opening credits

"Anchors Aweigh"
(uncredited)
Music by Charles A. Zimmerman
Played briefly during the opening credits

"The Marine Hymn"
(uncredited)
Music by Jacques Offenbach from "Geneviève de Brabant"
Played briefly during the opening credits

"You'll Never Know"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played on the trumpet after the "Yankee Doodle Hayride" number

"The Army Air Corps Song"
(uncredited)
Music by Robert Crawford
Played briefly during the opening credits


"Minnie's in the Money"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played when the protest proclamation is read to Lorry

"Goin' to the County Fair"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played when Eddie Hall stops by Lorry and Kay's table

Coney Island (1943).

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


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


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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

"The Darktown Strutters' Ball"
Written by Shelton Brooks

Footlight Serenade(1942).

Footlight Serenade is a 1942 musical comedy film directed by Gregory Ratoff, starring Betty Grable, John Payne and Victor Mature.

Springtime in the Rockies(1942)

Springtime in the Rockies (1942). Musical/ comedy. Cast: Betty Grable, John Payne, Carmen Miranda, Cesar Romero, Charlotte Greenwood, and Edward Everett Horton. Also in the cast was Grable's future husband Harry James, and his band. Director: Irving Cummings.

Dancer Vicky Lane waits for her partner, Dan Christy, but as usual, he is late. Vicky thinks that Dan is out buying her an engagement ring. But, he really is on a on a date with Marilyn Crothers. Fed up with Dan's womanizing, Vicky quits the show and returns to her former dancing partner, Victor Prince, who is still in love with her.

Three months pass, Dan cannot find a backer for his new show. His agent tells him that a couple of businessmen Bickel and Brown will back his show, only if he can get Vicky to return. Vicky and Victor are performing with Harry James and His Music Makers at a Lake Louise resort in the Canadian Rockies.

His agent tells Dan to romance Vicky so that she will come back, and not tell her about Bickel and Brown until she arrives in New York. He then asks bartender to get the drunken Dan on the next plane to Lake Louise. When Dan comes too, he finds himself at the Canadian resort and learns that he has hired McTavish as his valet and Rosita Murphy, as his secretary. He then confronts Vicky, who happily shows off her engagement ring given to her by Victor. Dan comes up with a plan to make Vicky jealous by romancing Rosita. His plan seems to be working until Rosita tells her the truth. One evening, Dan barges into Vicky's room and refuses to leave when she calls for Victor. Angered by Dan's presence, Victor accuses Vicky of cheating on him and she breaks off their engagement. Will Dan's plan to open his new show work out ?


A wonderful movie with Betty Grable, Harry James, John Payne and Carmen Miranda. If you love movies from the 40's or 50's you will love this movie. Betty Grable is in her best singing voice. Harry James, no one can compete with his great trumpet playing. Carmen Miranda, what more can you say about this talented South American singer. She steals all the scenes she is in. Not to forget Helen Forrest.. She was Harry James singer for a long time. She sang her signature song, "I Had The Craziest Dream". Too bad they don't make movies like this anymore.

Soundtrack:

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"Run, Little Raindrop, Run"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Betty Grable and John Payne
Also performed by Harry James and His Music Makers


"I Had the Craziest Dream"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Played during the opening credits and often throughout the picture
Also Performed by Helen Forrest with Harry James and His Music Makers



"Chattanooga Choo Choo"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Portuguese lyrics by Aloysio De Oliveira
Performed in Portuguese by Carmen Miranda with Bando da Lua

"A Poem Set to Music"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Harry James and His Music Makers
Danced by Betty Grable and Cesar Romero



"O 'Tic-Tac' do Meu Coração"
Written by Alcyr Pires Vermelho and Walfrido Silva
Performed by Carmen Miranda with Bando da Lua

"Pan American Jubilee"
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Portuguese lyrics by Aloysio De Oliveira
Performed by Betty Grable, John Payne, Carmen Miranda, Harry James and His Music Makers and chorus

"Serenade in Blue"
Music by Harry Warren
Played during the bar scene

"Two O'Clock Jump"
Written by Count Basie, Benny Goodman and Harry James
Performed by Harry James and His Music Makers

"You Made Me Love You (I Didn't Want to Do It)"
Music by James V. Monaco
Performed by Harry James and His Music Makers

"I, Yi, Yi, Yi, Yi (I Like You Very Much)"
Music by Harry Warren
Played when Rosita is introduced

"Chica Chica Boom Chic"
Music by Harry Warren
Played by the band at the restaurant

"At Last"
Music by Harry Warren
Played by the band at the restaurant

"Sleepy Lagoon"
Music by Eric Coates
Heard during the hotel room scene with the roses
Played off screen by Harry James and His Music Makers

"Ciribiribin"
Music by A. Pestalozza

Down Argentine Way (1940)

Down Argentine Way (1940) Musical. Cast: Betty Grable's first leading role, and introduced Carmen Miranda to America. Don Ameche, The Nicholas Brothers, Charlotte Greenwood and J. Carrol Naish. Director: Irving Cummings. Producer: Darryl F. Zanuck. Cinematography: Leon Shamroy and Ray Rennahan. Costumes: Travis Banton.

Wealthy Ricardo Quintano, travels from Argentina to New York to sell a few of his father's prize horses. Don Diego reminds his son not to sell any of his horses to any member of the Crawford family, because of a old family grudge. While in New york New York, Ricardo falls in love with Glenda Crawford, when he learns that she is a Crawford, he refuses to sell her a horse and returns back home to Argentina. They meet again in Argentina, and Ricardo introduces Glenda to his father as "Miss Cunningham." Glenda and Ricardo enter his father's prize jumper, in a race. When his father finds out the truth about the horse and Glenda's real name he disowns his son.

Will Don Diego change his mind about the horse and about Glenda?

What a wonderful movie. Look for some awesome song and dance numbers from Carmen Miranda. DOWN ARGENTINE WAY is kind of a fun movie, especially seeing it in this day and age.

FUN FACT: Alice Faye was going to play the role of Glenda, but she fell ill with appendicitis and was replaced by Betty Grable. Although Miss Grable was making films for the past 10 years, this was the role that made her famous. Cesar Romero came ill with para-typhoid and was replaced by Leonid Kinskey.

Soundtracks:
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"Bambu Bambu"
(uncredited)
Music traditional
Lyrics by Almirante and Valdo De Abreu
Performed by Carmen Miranda with Bando da Lua

"Down Argentina Way"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Spanish lyrics by Carlos Albert
Sung by Betty Grable and Don Ameche
Sung and danced by The Nicholas Brothers


"Mamãe Eu Quero"
(uncredited)
Written by Jararaca and Vicente Paiva
Performed by Carmen Miranda with Bando da Lua



"Nenita"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Spanish lyrics by Carlos Albert
Performed in Spanish by Bando da Lua
Sung by Leonid Kinskey at the nightclub

"Sing to Your Señorita"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Charlotte Greenwood

"Two Dreams Met"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Spanish lyrics (Dos Sueños) by Carlos Albert
Performed by Six Hits and a Miss
Also performed by Bando da Lua
Sung by Betty Grable and Don Ameche

"South American Way"
(uncredited)
Music by Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics by Al Dubin
Portuguese lyrics by Aloysio De Oliveira
Sung by Carmen Miranda during the opening scene
Also sung by a chorus during the following montage
Played when the plane arrives in Argentina

Tin Pan Alley (1940).

Tin Pan Alley (1940). Musical. Cast Alice Faye, Betty Grable, John Payne and Jack Oakie.


In New York, in 1915, 46th Street and 8th Avenue was known as Tin Pan Alley, the headquarters for song publishers. That's where you will find vaudevillian Harry Calhoun and Skeets Harrigan. To help pay the rent, Skeets must fight in the boxing ring. They hire the Blane sisters to sing their songs and Katie loans Skeets the money to buy the tune that makes them a success. Skeets gives a well-known singer the song that he had promised to Katie, Katie heartbroken joins her sister Lily in her London act. In London, the sisters become a huge success while back in New York, Skeets and Calhoun's business fails and Skeets is forced to return to the boxing ring to pay their bills. When war is declared, the partners, enlist in the army and are sent overseas to London. Will they be reunited?


Fun Facts:
Before filming began, there was a feud between Faye and Grable, although the two actresses had never met. On the first day of production, the actresses quickly became lifelong friends. A similar incident happened with Grable and Marilyn Monroe while filming How to Marry a Millionaire. Like the earlier incident, the two actresses became friends.

Tyrone Power and Don Ameche were considered to play the leading roles in the film. Scheduling conflicts took them out and the roles went to Payne and Oakie.

Moon Over Miami(1941).

Moon Over Miami (1941). Directed by Walter Lang. Cast: Betty Grable and Don Ameche, Robert Cummings, Carole Landis, Jack Haley, and Charlotte Greenwood. It was one of Haley's last appearances in a major, film. After 1943 he began making mostly B-pictures. (Haley is most noted for playing the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz).

Sisters Kay and Barbara are working and singing as car hops in a Texas drive-in restaurant with their aunt Susan, who is flipping burgers. When they receive an inheritance of $55,000 which turns out to be only $4,000 after taxes and fees. Looking to marry a millionaires, Kay talks Barbara and Susan into spending the money on a trip to Miami, where she hopes to find a rich man.

With Barbara acting as Kay's secretary and Susan as her maid, the three women check into the Flamingo Hotel. There they meet Jack O'Hara, a bartender who promises to protect them from gold diggers.

Kay gets herself invited to a party hosted by rich Jeffrey Bolton, where she also meets Phil McNeil, heir to the McNeil Mines. Boyhood friends Jeff and Phil begin a fun filled rivalry for Kay, who cannot make up her mind between the two friends. She also does not notice that Barbara has fallen in love with Jeff.

At the end of three weeks, the girls are in financial trouble because they need $150 to pay their hotel bill. Susan borrows the money from Jack, who has already proposed to her.

Kay brings Barbara along to a dance to keep Jeff busy while she talks with Phil, with whom she has fallen in love. When Phil admits that he is broke, and that the McNeil Mines will not be profitable again for at least five years. Kay confesses that she, too, came to Miami to find a rich spouse, and they both decide to move on to other partners. Phil tells Jeff that Kay loves him, and she then accepts Jeff's proposal.

As the girls are packing to leave for Jeff's families island, Jack overhears them talking about their Gold Digging plans, and threatens to tell Jeff. Jack finds himself locked in the bathroom, while the girls quickly leave for the island.

Phil, decides he can not live without Kay, and comes up with a plan to stop the wedding. The girls are surprised to see Jack, who came to inform Jeff that Kay, is not really love him. Will Phil get there in time to stop the wedding, or ...Will Jack ruin the girls plans?

I really enjoyed watching Betty Grable sing and dance in this fun/colorful movie. I also really enjoyed the location scenes of Cypress Gardens and Silver Springs. This movie is the way they used to make movies. I'm so glad that I have, Moon over Miami, in my DVD collection.

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953).

How to Marry a Millionaire (1953). Romantic/ comedy. Director: Jean Negulesco. Produced and written by Nunnally Johnson. Music by Alfred Newman. Cinematography: Joseph MacDonald. Costumes: Travilla. Cast: Lauren Bacall, Marilyn Monroe, Betty Grable, William Powell, David Wayne, Rory Calhoun, Cameron Mitchell, Alexander D'Arcy, and Fred Clark.

High fashion model Schatze Page leases a luxury New York City apartment owned by Freddie Denmark, a businessman "on the lam" from the Internal Revenue Service. She quickly calls her friend calls, Pola Debevoise, to tell her that they rented the apartment. Pola, arrives and convinces Schatze to also invite her friend Loco Dempsey, to come live with them. Loco Instructed to bring lunch, arrives with several bags of groceries and Tom Brookman, who paid for her food. Schatze, immediately kicks him out (not knowing that he is rich), tells the girls" that a man met at the cold cuts counter is not the kind of man they want to get hooked up with." Over hot dogs and champagne, Schatze tells Loco that she and Pola have taken the apartment in order to find rich husbands, and that after divorcing a "gas pump jockey," she now wants to live in luxury. Thinking Schatze's scheme is the smartest thing they ever heard, Loco and Pola agree.

After three months, none of the girls have become engaged and Schatze has to sell the furniture to pay the rent.

One afternoon, Loco comes home with another gentleman helping her with her boxes. J. D. invites the women to a reception that night, where the girls meet promising looking men. Afterward, the women accompany their dates to a fancy restaurant. Pola is escorted by J. Stewart Merrill, "Arab" who brags about his money, while Loco is accompanied by Waldo Brewster, a rich businessman who complains about his wife. Now all the girls have to do is use all their talents to trap and marry 3 millionaires.

I really enjoyed watching this film. It has three wonderful actresses of the time, Marilyn, Betty Grable, and Lauren Bacall. A great movie with cute twists and turns, with several interesting elements that make it worth watching, maybe on a Sunday afternoon.

FUN FACTS:

This film was the final box-office success in Betty Grable's 26 year movie career.

Hollywood legend Marilyn Monroe, then on her way to major stardom, became friends during filming with Betty Grable, who said to her "Honey, I've have mine. Go get yours."

http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=2huYSx6b1kA

Click to view movie trailer.

Soundtracks:
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"Street Scene (aka Sentimental Rhapsody)"
(1931)
Composed and Conducted by Alfred Newman
Performed by The Twentieth Century-Fox Symphony Orchestra in the prologue


"New York, New York"
(1953) (uncredited)
Music by Lionel Newman
Lyrics by Ken Darby
Sung by chorus during the opening credits and played in the score
Conducted by Alfred Newman onscreen at the end
Performed by The Twentieth Century-Fox Symphony Orchestra


"How About You?"
(1941) (uncredited)
Music by Burton Lane
Background music played in the restaurant


"I've Got a Feelin' You're Foolin'"
(1935) (uncredited)
Music by Nacio Herb Brown
Background music when Schatze, Pola and Loco are in the women's lounge

"Home on the Range"
(1904) (uncredited)
Music by Daniel E. Kelly
In the score during Schatze's dream

"Deep in the Heart of Texas"
(1942) (uncredited)
Music by Don Swander
In the score during Schatze's dream

"Ach, du Lieber Augustine"
(ca 1768) (uncredited)
Traditional
In the score during Loco's dream

"Sweet and Lovely"
(1931) (uncredited)
Music by Gus Arnheim, Harry Tobias and Neil Moret
In the score during the fashion showing

"You'll Never Know"
(1943) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played on the radio at the lodge and often throughout the picture

"I Know Why (and So Do You)"
(1941) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Played on the piano before the wedding

"Bridal Chorus"
(1850) (uncredited)
From "Lohengrin"
Music by Richard Wagner
Played as Schatze is walking down the aisle

Dan Dailey

Dan Dailey, performed in vaudeville before his Broadway debut in 1937 in Babes in Arms. He then went on to serve in the United States Army during World War II, was commissioned as an Army officer after graduation from Signal Corps Officer Candidate School at Fort Monmouth, NJ. He then returned Hollywood to perform in the movie, Mother Wore Tights (1947). Dailey was Betty Grable favorite co-star. His performance in their film, When My Baby Smiles at Me in 1948 won him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. In 1950, he starred in A Ticket to Tomahawk, often thought of as the first screen appearances of Marilyn Monroe, in a very small part as a dance-hall girl. In 1953, Dailey starred in Meet Me at the Fair. One of his best known roles was in There's No Business Like Show Business (1954), which featured Irving Berlin's music and also starred Ethel Merman, Marilyn Monroe, Johnnie Ray, and Donald O'Connor.

As the poularity of musicals began to fade in the mid-1950s, he moved on to comedic and dramatic roles, including his television series, The Governor & J.J. and the NBC Mystery Movie series "Faraday & Company". His sister was Another World actress Irene Dailey.



Partial filmography:

The Mortal Storm (1940)
Hullabaloo (1940)
Keeping Company (1940)
Lady Be Good (1941)
Mother Wore Tights (1947)
You Were Meant for Me (1948)
When My Baby Smiles at Me (1948)
Chicken Every Sunday (1949)
When Willie Comes Marching Home (1950)
A Ticket to Tomahawk (1950)
My Blue Heaven (1950)
Call Me Mister (1951)
I Can Get It for You Wholesale (1951)
The Pride of St. Louis (1952)
What Price Glory? (1952)
The Girl Next Door (1953)
The Kid from Left Field (1953)
There's No Business Like Show Business (1954)
It's Always Fair Weather (1955)
Meet Me in Las Vegas (1956)
The Wings of Eagles (1957)
The Wayward Bus (1957)
Pepe (1960)
Hemingway's Adventures of a Young Man (1962)
Las cuatro noches de la luna llena (Four Nights of the Full Moon) (1963), co-starring Gene Tierney

Moon Over Miami (1941)

A fun Betty Grable movie, Moon Over Miami.

Moon Over Miami (1941) Photos

Kay, Barbara and Susan Latimer come into a small legacy when they expected a large one, then abandon the Texas greasy-spoon where they work to hunt in Miami for rich husbands, said to be plentiful there. Barbara and Susan posing as the secretary and maid of "wealthy" Kay, they check into a posh hotel, and soon Kay is in the delightful predicament of being pursued by two handsome, wealthy bachelors at once. But Musical Comedy Complications arise...Betty plays Kay, while Carole Landis is Barbara and Charlotte Greenwood is Susan. All three actresses are top notch. And might I add Betty looks absolutely stunning in those bright and beautiful dresses and costumes she wears. And she is a knockout during her song and dance numbers. Also on hand are Don Ameche and Robert Cummings. But this one is all about the girls, with Grable and the underrated Carole Landis having a good old time. As does Charlotte Greenwood as their feisty aunt Susan.

Moon Over Miami (1941) Photos

The Real Dolly Sisters.

The Dolly Sisters, twins Rosika (Rose) and Jansci (Jenny) Deutsch, were born October 25, 1892 in Hungary, and traveled to the United States in 1905. They perfected a dance act, under the name of 'The Dolly Sisters' they began earning money in beer halls in 1907. Barred for being under age by the New York City stage, they toured the Orpheum circuit until 1909 when they debuted on the Keith vaudeville circuit till 1911 when they signed with the Ziegfeld Follies for two seasons.

In addition to making about a half dozen films from 1913 to 1920, they toured the theatres and dance halls of Europe. Sometimes they would perform with separate partners as "rival" acts to boost ticket sales.



Rosie lived long enough to see a biopic made in 1945 of their lives called, The Dolly Sisters - starring June Haver and Betty Grable.

The Dolly Sisters (1945) Biographical film, about the Dolly Sisters, identical twins who became famous on Broadway. Cast: Betty Grable, June Haver and John Payne.

In 1904, Hungarian sisters Yansci and Roszika Dolly, travel to America with their uncle Latsie, when they stop by a New York City restaurant. On a whim the little girls dance as the band performs. It is 1912, and the girls, are now grown, they call themselves Jenny and Rosie, and they still love to dance and sing at the restaurant. Needing money to pay bills, Jenny and Rosie talk the restaurant owner help them find a job in upstate New York. On the train, the sisters meet singer Harry Fox, who is not too happy to find out that he has been billed below the two sisters and a performing seal. Harry and Jenny, fall in love. When the girls have to move on, Jenny promises Harry, that she will wait for him. Back in New York City, the sisters, are not having any luck with their singing career, until one day, Harry, comes back into their lives. Harry and Jenny, are very happy to see each other. Harry says, with his help, he can arrange an interview with, Oscar Hammerstein. Harry puts up the girls in an expensive hotel and buys them expensive clothes. The girls audition for Hammerstein, who is very impressed with them, and soon has them starring in one of his shows. But their success takes them out of Harry's league. Lots of wonderful songs. One of my favorite Betty Grable films. I think my favorite scene is when Betty was driving the car and has an accident. She really looked like she was having a nervous breakdown. Also in the hospital scene, she was again very convincing in her performance. Too bad the academy did not nominate her for an Oscar.

FUN FACTS:

Jenny Dolly, Rosie Dolly, and Harry Fox were real people.

The real Rosie Dolly, loaned her scrapbooks to Twentieth Century-Fox, for research on this movie.

Twentieth Century Fox, planned to have Alice Faye and Betty Grable, star in this movie. Miss Faye, becoming weary of musical roles, declined.

Betty Grable, using the pseudonym Ruth Haag (which combined her middle name with that of her husband Harry James), performed as vocalist for Harry James and His Music Makers on the best selling commercial disc, released by Columbia Records, of the movie's Oscar-nominated ballad, I Can't Begin to Tell You.

Video from the The Dolly Sisters (1945) Biographical film.

Betty Grable- From the movie: Three for the Show(1955).

From the movie: Three for the Show(1955). Musical comedy remake of Too Many Husbands. It starred actress Betty Grable in her last musical, opposite Jack Lemmon, Gower Champion and Marge Champion.

Is it just me or does this dance number seem like: you took Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, Bob Fosse and Gwen Verdon in Damn Yankees - Who's Got the Pain. Mix them together and whoa la ???

Betty Grable and Harry James performing together. (1940).

1940s Hollywood Pin Up girl, Betty Grable, and her husband, bandleader, Harry James performed together in "Baby Wont you Please Come Home".

Betty Grable and the Stardusters.

Deleted Scene from her movie "Pin-Up Girl" (1944). Song: I'm in the Chips.

Betty Grable and Gwen Verdon.

Betty Grable and Gwen Verdon dancing in, "No Talent Joe" in "Meet me after the Show".

Follow the Fleet (1936).

Follow the Fleet(1936). Musical/comedy. A film with a nautical theme and stars Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Randolph Scott, Harriet Hilliard, and Astrid Allwyn, with music and lyrics by Irving Berlin. Lucille Ball and Betty Grable also perform, in supporting roles. Director:Mark Sandrich with script by Allan Scott and Dwight Taylor based on the 1922 play Shore Leave by Hubert Osborne.The fifth (of ten) dancing partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.



FOLLOW THE FLEET (RKO Radio, 1936), directed by Mark Sandrich, marks the fifth pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, and one of their top musicals with a wonderful score by Irving Berlin, also the composer of TOP HAT (1935). Reworking the formula from their earlier performance, ROBERTA (1935), Astaire and Rogers not only share screen time with another couple closer to their own age, but are characters already know each from the start. Unlike ROBERTA, Astaire and Rogers have equal status with the other couple played by Randolph Scott (of ROBERTA) and Harriet Hilliard (making her screen debut). Another change to the series is Astaire switching his elegant top hat, white tie and tails for a sailor's uniform.

The story begins with Bake Baker and Bilge Smith who are shipmates in the U.S. Navy who are looking forward to going on shore leave. Bake reunites with Sherry Martin, his former dancing partner now working at the Paradise Club. Sherry's sister, Connie, a schoolteacher, comes to visit her sister at the club, and gets a head to toe makeover. Soon after, Connie goes looking for Bilge, who had earlier ignored her on their first meeting. Now with with her new look, Bilge become interested in her. Once Connie mentions something about "wanting a husband at the helm," Bilge gets cold feet. while saying good by, he meets Iris Manning, a society girl who later takes him back to his ship, causing him to be late from leave. Connie, who has salvaged her late father's ship for Bilge soon finds out that he has moved on. Sherry has troubles of her own with Bake.

Of the musical numbers my favorite are, "Let's Face the Music and Dance". It's a production number in a Monte Carlo setting with their signature costumes, Rogers in elaborate dress with bell-type sleeves. Harriet Hilliard has two solos. "Where Are You?" is a beautiful love song.

Look closely for a young Tony Martin as one of the sailors, and Lucille Ball as a blond Kitty Collins.

Soundtracks:

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"We Saw the Sea"
(uncredited)
Written by Irving Berlin
Performed by Fred Astaire and chorus

"Let Yourself Go"
(uncredited)
Written by Irving Berlin
Performed by Ginger Rogers and chorus





"Get Thee Behind Me, Satan"
(uncredited)
Written by Irving Berlin
Performed by Harriet Hilliard

"Let Yourself Go"
(uncredited)
Instrumental Reprise
Dance performed by Ginger Rogers

"I'd Rather Lead a Band"
(uncredited)
Written by Irving Berlin
Song performed by Fred Astaire
Dance performed by Fred Astaire, chorus

"But Where Are You?"
(uncredited)
Written by Irving Berlin
Performed by Harriet Hilliard

"I'm Putting All My Eggs in One Basket"
(uncredited)
Written by Irving Berlin
Song and dance performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers

"Let's Face the Music and Dance"
(uncredited)
Written by Irving Berlin
Song performed by Fred Astaire
Dance performed by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers