BETTY GRABLE

Happy Birthday BETTY GRABLE (1916 - 1973)

2011-12-18T16:23:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday to the wonderfully and extremely talented Betty, who dominated the 1940's with her lush eye popping technicolor musicals. Films such as Moon Over Miami, Down Argentine Way, Pin-Up Girl, Springtime in the Rockies and The Dolly Sisters. But one of my favorite Betty films is the thriller I Wake Up Screaming. Happy Birthday Betty!

Good Morning from Betty!

2011-11-22T08:59:00.000-08:00

Betty says hi!

Betty Grable Lovely Fall Photo

2011-10-15T05:14:00.000-07:00

Betty looking so lovely in this great fall pic

Video: The Kid from Spain(1932).

2011-10-04T10:10:00.000-07:00

The Kid from Spain, Look What You've Done!

First event in Leo McCarey's The Kid From Spain, 1932, is the Busby Berkeley staging of Kalmar and Ruby's "Look What You've Done," said to feature Goldwyn Girls Paulette Goddard, Betty Grable and Jane Wyman.

Video: From Springtime in the Rockies (1942),

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Video: Mother Wore Tights (1947).

2011-03-31T06:20:00.000-07:00

From 1947 Oscar winning movie "Mother Wore Tights." This song was nominated for the Oscar. Fantastic music. Superb performance. It has been said that this was Miss Gable's favorite movie".

Betty Grable is April's Classic Movie Goddess on ALL GOOD THINGS

2011-03-27T17:01:00.000-07:00

Just a reminder that Betty will be the classic movie goddess on All Good Things in April. It's where I post reviews, facts, photos and anything else I can think of to honor the actress of the month. Stop by anytime to see Betty in all her glory.
http://poohtiger-allgoodthings.blogspot.com/

Betty Grable and Dan Dailey.

2011-02-11T03:12:00.000-08:00

Dan Dailey was musical performer during the 1940's through the 1950's. He may not be as sophisticated as Astaire and did not have the strong personality like Kelly. Dan's dancing had a certain style all his own, a very charming "song and dance man".

Grable and Dailey's first film together was, Mother Wore Tights(1947)and was Betty Grable's most popular film, with her favorite costar, Dan Dailey. They play a married vaudeville performers. I have not seen this film yet. So, I can not tell you much about it other than it will be on TCM: Feb. 13, 2011.

Their second performance together was in the film, When My Baby Smiles at Me (1948). Directed by Walter Lang. 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. The Foundation's 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, on PBS, 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.

Footlight Serenade(1942).

2011-01-14T06:45:00.000-08:00

Footlight Serenade(1942). Musical/comedy film directed by Gregory Ratoff. Cast: Betty Grable, John Payne and Victor Mature.

Champion boxer Tommy Lundy, whose nickname is "The Body Beautiful," is known to be favorite of the ladies. Comedian Slap talks Broadway producer Bruce McKay to put on a musical show starring Tommy. Not everyone agrees with Tommy being connected with the show with his brash personality. Tommy, insists that nightclub singer Estelle Evans, be hired for the female lead. Dancers Pat Lambert and Flo LaVerne, also hired when Tommy likes Pat's singing.

Pat telephones her fiance, Bill Smith, with the good news she invites him to come to the theater. While trying to find Pat, Bill winds up in a line of job applicants and is hired as Tommy's sparring partner for the show. During rehearsals , Tommy, not knowing that Pat is Bill's girl, becomes interested in her and makes her Estelle's understudy. Tommy finds out that Pat and Bill were secretly together the night before the show opens, he angrily plans to turn the boxing scene with Bill into a real Boxing match.

Footlight Serenade is a wonderful black and white Betty Grable movie. Grable proves that she does not need color to be fabulous..

John Payne (May 28, 1912 – December 6, 1989) was an American film actor who is mainly remembered as a singer in 20th Century Fox musical films, as well as his leading roles in Miracle on 34th Street and the NBC western television series, The Restless Gun.

Fun Facts:

Surprisingly, with her popularity with moviegoers at the time, Betty Grable was billed second to John Payne in this movie. However, poster art for the picture emphasized Betty in full figure. Later that year, Miss Grable would receive top billing over Mr. Payne in their next musical, Springtime in the Rockies (1942).

Twentieth Century-Fox had wanted to borrow Lucille Ball from RKO, but Miss Ball had no interest in playing the secondary part of Flo La Verne.

Unused in the release print, footage of Betty Grable and chorus girls performing "I'll Be Marching to a Love Song" (music by Ralph Rainger, lyrics by Leo Robin) would wind up in the all-star short subject, Hollywood Victory Caravan (1945). In the 1942 feature, a brief bit of this number, serving as the coda, was done by Miss Grable, John Payne, Victor Mature and chorus. Another deletion was a slapstick dance routine by Miss Grable and Mr. Payne.

After this black-and-white production finished, Twentieth Century-Fox would implement the policy of utilizing Technicolor for all future Betty Grable features. The only monochromatic exception would be her guest spot in Four Jills in a Jeep (1944), crooning the standard from 1908, "Cuddle Up a Little Closer" (music by Karl Hoschna, lyrics by Otto A. Harbach -- which she already had performed the year before in the Technicolored Coney Island (1943). Miss Grable would not exempt from the Technicolor clause two black-and-white dramas offered her: The Razor's Edge (1946) (Anne Baxter's Oscar-winning part) and Pickup on South Street (1953) (the Jean Peters role). For Betty's final picture, How to Be Very, Very Popular (1955).

Ironically, in the scene where Ms. Grable is rehearsing dance routines over and over (as she is the understudy) in the event she is called upon to fill in for the leading lady, her friend Flo, played by Jane Wyman, utters the line "You have as much chance of going on as I have of becoming First Lady." Of course, Ms Wyman's husband, Ronald Reagan, did become President, but was remarried to Nancy Davis by that time.

Soundtracks:

"Except with You"
(uncredited)
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung by Cobina Wright

"Are You Kiddin'?"
(uncredited)
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung and danced by Betty Grable

"I'm Still Crazy for You"
(uncredited)
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung by Betty Grable and John Payne

"Land on Your Feet"
(uncredited)
Music by Ralph Rainger (instrumental only)
Danced by Betty Grable and Hermes Pan

"I Heard the Birdies Sing"
(uncredited)
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung and danced by Betty Grable and chorus

"I'll Be Marching to a Love Song"
(uncredited)
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung and danced by Betty Grable, Victor Mature, John Payne, chorus
This number cut very short; rest used in a Movietone short

"Living High"
(uncredited)
Music by Ralph Rainger

Greetings from Betty

2011-01-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a wonderful photo of the beautiful Betty at the beach.

Happy Birthday Betty Grable!

2010-12-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

In honor of Betty's birthday me and Dawn decided to do posts on the first Betty movie we ever saw. I'm not 100% sure but I believe it was Springtime in the Rockies (1942) for me. It was one of those bright and colorful musicals that the studios were putting out on a regular basis during this time period. Co-starring John Payne, Carmen Miranda, Cesar Romero, Edward Everett Horton and Charlotte Greenwood. I haven't seen Springtime in a while but I do remember it being very good. Of course Betty was drop dead gorgeous and sung and dance with the best of them. This had to be during the mid 80's when I first saw it. This was before TCM was around, so the only place to watch classic movies was AMC. And AMC showed a bunch of Betty Grable movies such as How To Marry A Millionaire, Coney Island, Moon Over Miami, The Shocking Miss Pilgrim, Down Argentine Way, Pin-Up Girl and lots more. But Springtime was the first that I can recall seeing Miss Grable in and it pretty much made me a fan of hers. I really do need to add more Betty movies to my collection and I think I will start ASAP. Thanks to Dawn and this wonderful blog for renewing my interest in the woman with the million dollar legs. Happy Birthday Betty!

Happy Birthday: Betty Grable!

2010-12-18T02:51:00.000-08:00

Betty Grable (December 18, 1916 – July 2, 1973). Dancer, singer, and actress. Her 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 known for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood. Grable's legs were insured by her studio for $1,000,000 with Lloyds of London. In 1943, she married trumpeter and big band leader Harry James. The couple had two daughters, Victoria and Jessica. The couple divorced in 1965. Grable entered into a relationship with a dancer, Bob Remick several years her junior. Though they did not marry, their romance lasted until the end of Grable's life. I think my first Betty Grable movie was, How to Marry a Millionaire(1953). A romantic comedy film, directed by Jean Negulesco and produced and written by Nunnally Johnson. The screenplay was based on the plays The Greeks Had a Word for It by Zoe Akins and Loco by Dale Eunson and Katherine Albert. The music score was by Alfred Newman and the cinematography by Joseph MacDonald. The costume design was by Travilla. Cast: Betty Grable, Marilyn Monroe, and Lauren Bacall as fortune hunters with William Powell, David Wayne, Rory Calhoun, Cameron Mitchell, Alexander D'Arcy, and Fred Clark.

Photo from the film: Moon over Miami (1941).

2010-12-07T06:23:00.000-08:00

Betty Grable, Charlotte Greenwood, and Carole Landis. In this particular movie, Charlotte is a cook at a hamburger stand, and Betty and Carole are the car hops.

Awesome Photo of Betty

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AWESOME PHOTO!

Box Office Attractions - BETTY GRABLE

2010-10-31T15:13:00.000-07:00

I did not know that Betty was such a huge box-office star back in the day. So far, she is the third actress I have featured in this ongoing series, along with Doris Day and Esther Williams. Which should make you very happy Dawn. Anyway, Betty's track record was amazing. Starting in 1942, Grable was named in the top 10 box office draws for 8 of those ten years. For eight of those ten years, she was the top female-box office star. In 1943, she was named the #1 movie box office attraction. By the end of the 1940s Grable was the highest-paid female star in Hollywood, receiving $300,000 a year. During the 1940s and early 1950s, thirty Fox films were among the top ten highest grossing films of the year. Of those, ten were movies featuring Grable; eight of those movies were Fox's highest grossing pictures for their respective years. Here is a list of those hit films during that time period.

1940: Tin Pan Alley; Down Argentine Way.
1941: Moon Over Miami; I Wake Up Screaming
1942: Springtime In The Rockies; Footlight Parade
1943: Coney Island; Sweet Rosie O'Grady
1944: Pin Up Girl
1945: The Dolly Sisters
1947: The Shocking Miss Pilgrim; Mother Wore Tights
1948: When My Baby Smiles At Me
1949: The Beautiful Blonde From Bashful Bend
1950: My Blue Heaven
1951: Meet Me After The Show; The Farmer Takes A Wife
1953: How To Marry A Millionaire

Betty Grable and Friends.

2010-10-20T10:32:00.000-07:00

Betty Grable (far left) and friends.

Betty and Marilyn photo

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The two gals hanging out on the set on their film, How To Marry A Millionaire (1953)

Happy Friday From Betty Grable

2010-10-15T03:56:00.000-07:00

Just a photo of the lovely Betty,wishing everyone a great start to the week-end.

A Yank in the RAF(1941).

2010-10-14T03:41:00.000-07:00

A Yank in the RAF(1941). Directed by Henry King, and is considered a typical early-World War II movie. Though it came out in September 1941, months before the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the movie features an arrogant American pilot (Tyrone Power) who joins the Royal Air Force in England. Not to defend England but to find former girlfriend (Betty Grable), who is assisting in an air-raid drill. As time goes on, his motivations change and he begins to realize what the Allies are fighting for. You can not have a Betty Grable movie without a few song and dance numbers. I have only seen bits and pieces of the movie, A Yank in the RAF. But, what I have seen, it looks like a good film.

Photo of Betty and Lucille Ball

2010-10-13T03:55:00.000-07:00

Check out this cool photo of the two legends. What do you think Dawn?

Monty's Top Ten Betty Grable Photos

2010-09-23T09:10:00.000-07:00

Hey Dawn,

Here is my list of favorite photos of the lovely Betty. We shared a few of the same pics on our lists, so there is nothing wrong with our tastes. Here we go, in no particular order. Well I take that back, the first photo is my favorite just ahead of her most popular pose as Pin-Up Girl.

Video: Betty Grable "Welcome to the Diamond Horseshoe"

2010-09-21T13:32:00.000-07:00

Diamond Horseshoe is a 1945 Technicolor musical film starring Betty Grable. It was directed by George Seaton. The film was a remake of the 1933 Clara Bow film Hoop-La, which itself was a remake of the 1928 film The Barker.

Dawn's Top 10 Betty Grable Pictures:

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A stunning Betty Grable

2010-09-18T13:19:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of the best photos of Betty Grable ever. You can't tell me she isn't gorgeous and to die for. Dawn, I propose we may have to rank the best Betty pics we can find and make a top 10 list. This would definitely be at the top of my list.

Video from: Wabash Avenue (1950).

2010-09-12T04:31:00.000-07:00

Wabash Avenue is a 1950 musical film directed by Henry Koster and starring Betty Grable. The film was a remake of Grable's earlier hit 1943 film Coney Island.

Video: Dan Dailey and Betty Grable.

2010-09-05T05:47:00.000-07:00

Mother Wore Tights(1947). Cast: Betty Grable and Dan Dailey, married vaudeville performers. This was Grable and Dailey's first film together, based on a book of the same name by Miriam Young. It was 20th Century Fox's most successful film of 1947.

Video: Footlight Serenade(1942).

2010-09-04T04:36:00.000-07:00

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

Video: Tin Pan Alley(1940)

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Betty Grable Magazine Covers.

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Betty Grable Poster Adds.

2010-08-24T04:18:00.000-07:00

Since the 1930s, many well-known Hollywood actresses have been doing adds for Lux soap. Advertisements have featured Dorothy Lamour, Joan Crawford, Laurette Luez, Judy Garland, Cheryl Ladd, Jennifer Lopez, Elizabeth Taylor, Demi Moore, Sarah Jessica Parker, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rachel Weisz, Anne Hathaway, and Marilyn Monroe. The first male to star in a Lux advertisement was Hollywood actor Paul Newman.

Betty Grable Striking a Pose.

2010-08-23T05:26:00.000-07:00

Betty Grable Dated Desi Arnaz.

2010-05-10T07:57:00.000-07:00

Betty Grable dated Desi Arnaz.

When I found this video , I just about flipped.. have I ever mentioned how much I love, Harry James?! Enjoy. :)

Grable was Hefner's inspiration for founding the Playboy empire.

2010-05-08T05:24:00.001-07:00

Hugh Hefner, founder of Playboy said on National Public Radio's Morning Edition on April 23, 2007, in an interview with Terry Gross that Grable was his inspiration for founding the Playboy empire.

Betty Grable is one of my favorite actress. I hope you enjoy reading about her movies as much as I have enjoyed putting together this blog..

Song of the Islands (1942)

2010-05-08T04:04:00.000-07:00

Song of the Islands (1942). Musical/ comedy. Cast: Betty Grable and Victor Mature. Director: Walter Lang.

The movie begins as Jeff Harper sails to the tropical paradise Ahmi-Oni with his long time friend Rusty. He is there to buy land. Jeff quickly falls in love with O'Brien's daughter Eileen, who has come home to teach school on the island where her father lives. Jeff's father decides to travel to the island and try to break them up. Will he succeed?

Betty Grable had performed in many major movie hits. After the success of Song of the Islands, Fox realized they had a gold mine on their hands and kept Grable working in glamorus musicals.

You can view this movie on youtube.

Soundtracks:
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"Song of the Islands (Na Lei O Hawaii)"
(1915) (uncredited)
Music and Lyrics by Charles E. King
Played during the opening credits

"Down on Ami Ami Oni Oni Isle"
(1942)
Music and Lyrics by Mack Gordon and Harry Owens
Played during the opening credits
Played and sung by the natives
Sung by Betty Grable
Danced to by Betty Grable and the natives
Reprised by the native girls
Played as background music often

"Hawaiian War Chant (Ta-Hu-Wa-Hu-Wai)"
(1936) (uncredited)
Original music and lyrics from "Kaua i ka Huahua'i (We Two in the Spray)" by Prince Leleiohaku (1860)
Modified music by Johnny Noble (1929)
Modified lyrics by Ralph Freed (1936)
Played and sung by Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians and danced to by the natives in the opening scene on the island

"Sing Me a Song of the Islands"
(1942)
Music and Lyrics by Mack Gordon and Harry Owens
Sung by Betty Grable approaching the island, the cast at the end
Played as background music often

"Home on the Range"
(1904) (uncredited)
Music by Daniel E. Kelly (1904)
Lyrics by Brewster M. Higley (1873)
Special lyrics by Mack Gordon, Harry Owens and Sol Hoopii Jr. (1942)
Played on guitar and sung by Jack Oakie
Reprised by Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians with special lyrics
Played as background music often

"Maluna Malolo Mawaena (Hawaiian Drinking Song)"
(1942)
Music and Lyrics by Mack Gordon and Harry Owens
Performed by Betty Grable and Hilo Hattie, Thomas Mitchell, George Barbier and Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians

"What's Buzzin' Cousin?"
(1942)
Music and Lyrics by Mack Gordon and Harry Owens
Sung by Jack Oakie

"Cockeyed Mayor of Kaunakakai"
(1935) (uncredited)
Music by R. Alex Anderson
Lyrics by R. Alex Anderson and Albert Stillman
Sung and danced to by Hilo Hattie

"O'Brien Has Gone Hawaiian"
(1942)
Music and Lyrics by Mack Gordon and Harry Owens
Sung and danced to by Betty Grable and native girls

"The Lily of Killarney"
(1862) (uncredited)
Music by Michael William Balfe
Sung and Danced to by Betty Grable and native girls

"Cannibal Chant"
(uncredited)
Music and Lyrics by Satini Puailoa
Performed by Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians

"Blue Shadows and White Gardenias"
(1942)
Music and Lyrics by Mack Gordon and Harry Owens
Played as background music

"Hu'I Mai"
Music and Lyrics by Sol Hoopii Jr.
Performed by Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiians

Betty Grable and Marilyn Monroe.

2010-05-07T21:22:00.000-07:00

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

Dan Dailey

2010-05-04T10:59:00.000-07:00

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

Betty Grables first husband- John Leslie "Jackie" Coogan.

2010-05-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

John Leslie "Jackie" Coogan,Jr., was an American actor who began his movie career as a child actor in silent films. Many years later, he became known as Uncle Fester on 1960s sitcom The Addams Family. He was married to Betty Grable, on November 20, 1937- divorced on October 11, 1939.

Betty and Alice - True Friends

2010-05-01T05:59:00.000-07:00

Leave it all those columnists and writers back in the day to try and create drama and tension between Betty Grable and Alice Faye. Nothing could have been farther from the truth. They remained best friends up until the time of Betty's death in 1973. Now, Alice's career was eclipsed by Betty in 1945 but there was no dislike on Alice's part. She was very supportive and understanding for her friend. Well, that's the way I take it and there is no evidence to state otherwise. It just irks me when someone tries to stir up trouble or attention to something that really is not an issue. Betty first worked with Alice on the 1940 musical Tin Pan Alley as they played the Blane sisters. And it's a shame they didn't get to work again together on another film. But these two wonderful ladies starred in some of the best and most lavish musicals comedies ever made. Check out the list of films for Alice which includes: Alexander's Ragtime Band, Week-end In Havana, The Gang's All Here, That Night in Rio, Hello Frisco Hello, In Old Chicago, and The Great American Broadcast. Betty's resume was equally as good also with: Million Dollar Legs, Down Argentine Way, Moon Over Miami, Springtime in the Rockies, Footlight Serenade, Pin-up Girl, Coney Island, Sweet Rosie O'Grady, and The Dolly Sisters. Impressive resumes for both talented and beautiful women. I've only seen a few of them, but have enjoyed them to much delight. Thanks to Dawn, I am more appreciative of the talents of Betty Grable and now Alice Faye. During the 1940's these two women alone starred in so many hits, it's unbelievable. I can think of only one other star during this period that was just as successful and that would be Judy Garland. Nice company to be in, right? Anyway, I wanted to post this story because I wanted to show the true value of friendship between these two lovely ladies. And let everyone know having a friend like this is one of the best things you can have in the world. And to my new friend Dawn, thanks for having me as your co-blogger on all these wonderful blogs. Enjoy your weekend.

Oodles of Poodles!!

2010-04-29T06:15:00.000-07:00

Betty & Alice

2010-04-27T09:12:00.000-07:00

Dawn,

I felt like I had to contribute something to this blog and let you not have to do everything by yourself. Here is a lovely pic of Betty and Alice chatting up each other. I will try and post some reviews of the films of Betty that I have seen.

BEST FRIENDS

Call Me Mister(1951)- The title refers to returning soldiers who expected to be addressed as civilians instead of by their military rank.

2010-04-27T03:11:00.001-07:00

Call me Mister(1951). Cast: Betty Grable, Dan Dailey, Danny Thomas, Dale Robertson, Richard Boone, Benay Venuta.

Betty Grable performs as an American USO entertainer, touring the bases in postwar Japan. She crosses the path of former husband Shep Dooley. Despite the presence of suitor Capt. Johnny Comstock , Dooley comes up with a plan to win his wife back. They are reconciled during a stage performance. Cast as a GI who hates the army, Danny Thomas does a version of his own nightclub act. Specialty numbers are performed by the Dunhill dance team.

The songs are wonderful, the best pat of the movie is the three Rome numbers (especially "Goin' Home Train," performed by a very young Bobby Short) and Sammy Fain's "Love Is Back in Business" and "I Just Can't Do Enough for You, Baby." Fortunately, stars Betty Grable and Dan Dailey are wonderful throughout, and there's some fine work from Danny Thomas and Benay Venuta.

FUN FACTS:

In this musical, director Lloyd Bacon and dance director Busby Berkeley worked together for the first time since 42nd Street (1933).

Jeffrey Hunter's first film.

Last of four movies that paired Betty Grable and Dan Dailey.

Soundtracks:

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"CALL ME MISTER"
Written by Harold Rome
Performed by chorus during credits
Reprised by Betty Grable and Dan Dailey

"JAPANESE GIRL LIKE 'MERICAN BOY"
Written by Sammy Fain
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Sung and danced by Betty Grable and chorus

"I'M GONNA LOVE THAT GUY (LIKE HE'S NEVER BEEN LOVED BEFORE)"
Written by Frances Ash
Performed by Betty Grable and male chorus

"LAMENT TO THE POTS AND PANS"
Written by Earl K. Brent
Lyrics by Jerry Seelen
Performed by Danny Thomas

"GOIN' HOME TRAIN"
Written by Harold Rome
Performed by Bobby Short and male chorus

"I JUST CAN'T DO ENOUGH FOR YOU, BABY"
Written by Sammy Fain
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Betty Grable and Dan Dailey

"MILITARY LIFE"
Written by Harold Rome
Revised lyrics by Jerry Seelen
Performed by Danny Thomas

"LOVE IS BACK IN BUSINESS"
Written by Sammy Fain
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Betty Grable, Dan Dailey, Benay Venuta, and Danny Thomas

The Farmer Takes a Wife (1953)

2010-04-26T20:48:00.000-07:00

The Farmer Takes a Wife is a 1953 musical comedy film starring Betty Grable and Thelma Ritter. It is a remake of the 1935 film of the same name which starred Janet Gaynor and Henry Fonda.

If you love Betty Grable you will love this film, set in the early 19th century. Dale Robertson, as Daniel, is the farmer who finds work on a boat, to make money so he can settle down on a farm. Unfortunately, things don't go as he first planned there is heartbreak before a happily ever after.

Thelma Ritter is also a favorite of mine and in this film she plays the rich widow, Lucy Cashdollar, who is looking for husband No. 6. She's beautifully dressed in all her scenes.

There's the usual barroom fights, songs and romance. It's just charming little movie.

Soundtracks:

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"Opening"
(1953) (uncredited)
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Sung by chorus

"Today I Love Everybody"
(1953) (uncredited)
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Sung by Betty Grable and chorus

"On the Erie Canal"
(1953) (uncredited)
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Sung by John Carroll, Betty Grable, Dale Robertson and chorus

"We're Doing It for the Natives of Jamaica"
(1953) (uncredited)
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Sung by Thelma Ritter and chorus; John Carroll and drinking buddies

"Can You Spell Schenectady"
(1953) (uncredited)
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Sung and Danced by Eddie Foy Jr.

"Somethin' Real Special"
(1953) (uncredited)
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Sung by Betty Grable and Dale Robertson

"With the Sun Warm Upon Me"
(1953) (uncredited)
(Published as "With the Sun Warm Upon My Face")
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Sung by Dale Robertson and Betty Grable

"We're in Business"
(1953) (uncredited)
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields
Sung by Betty Grable, Dale Robertson, Gwen Verdon and chorus
Danced by Betty Grable and Gwen Verdon

"I Could Cook"
(1953) (uncredited)
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Charles Henderson
Sung briefly by Betty Grable, Dale Robertson, Thelma Ritter and Eddie Foy Jr.

"When I Close the Door"
(1953) (uncredited)
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Dorothy Fields

In New York, in 1915, 46th Street and 8th Avenue was known as: Tin Pan Alley(1940).

2010-04-23T12:36:00.000-07:00

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.

Soundtrack:

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

"Put on Your Old Grey Bonnet"
(1909) (uncredited)
Music by Percy Wenrich
Lyrics by Stanley Murphy
Played as background music during the opening credits

"Oh, You Beautiful Doll"
(1911) (uncredited)
Music by Nat Ayer
Lyrics by A. Seymour Brown
Played during the opening credits and sung by two unidentified women
Reprised by a nightclub orchestra for dancing

"Take Me Back to Melody Lane"
(uncredited)
Written by Dave Reed Jr.
Played during the opening credits and sung by an unidentified woman

"Any Little Girl, That's a Nice Little Girl, is the Right Little Girl For Me"
(1910) (uncredited)
Music by Fred Fisher
Lyrics by Thomas J. Gray
Played during the opening credits and sung by an unidentified man

"I Want a Girl (Just Like the Girl That Married Dear Old Dad)"
Music by Harry von Tilzer
Lyrics by William Dillon
Played on piano and clarinet during the opening credits and sung by two unidentified men

"The Darktown Strutters' Ball"
(1917) (uncredited)
Written by Shelton Brooks
Played as background music during the opening credits
Reprised by a nightclub band
Played as background music

"K-K-K-Katy"
(1918) (uncredited)
Written by Geoffrey O'Hara
Sung by Jack Oakie many times using different lyrics throughout picture and he finally comes up with original lyrics at the end
Sung and danced to by Alice Faye and Betty Grable with modified lyrics on stage
Used as background music occasionally
Sung by returning marching doughboys at the end

"You Say The Sweetest Things (Baby)"
(1940) (uncredited)
Music by Harry Warren
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Played on piano by Elisha Cook Jr.
Sung by Jack Oakie, John Payne and Alice Faye and several unidentified groups
Reprised by Alice Faye and John Payne
Played as background music often

"Pretty Baby"
(1916) (uncredited)
Music by Tony Jackson and Egbert Van Alstyne
Lyrics by Gus Kahn
Played on piano as background music

"Moonlight Bay"
(1912) (uncredited)
Music by Percy Wenrich
Lyrics by Edward Madden
Sung by Alice Faye at a nightclub

"Honeysuckle Rose"
(1929) (uncredited)
Music by Fats Waller (as Thomas Waller)
Lyrics by Andy Razaf
Played on a hamonica by an unidentified inmate in jail
Sung and Danced to in a production number by Betty Grable and a male chorus

"Moonlight and Roses"
(1925) (uncredited)
Written by Edwin H. Lemare, Ben Black and Neil Moret
Sung and Danced to in a production number by Betty Grable

"America, I Love You"
(1915) (uncredited)
Music by Archie Gottler
Lyrics by Edgar Leslie
Played John Payne on piano and sung by Alice Faye;
Played and sung by Roberts Brothers, The Brian Sisters, and various unidentified performers.
Played as background music often

"Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile!"
(1915) (uncredited)
Music by Felix Powell
Lyrics by George Asaf
Played in a London nightclub

"Smiles"
(1917) (uncredited)
Music by Lee S. Roberts
Lyrics by J. Will Callahan
Played on piano in a London nightclub

"Good-Bye Broadway, Hello France"
(1917) (uncredited)
Music by Billy Baskette
Lyrics by C. Francis Reisner and Benny Davis
Played on piano by Elisha Cook Jr. and sung by Jack Oakie
Reprised by an army marching band
Played as background music

"Over There"
(1917) (uncredited)
Written by George M. Cohan
Played as background music as doughboys board the ship to London
Reprised as background music at the end of the war

"The Sheik of Araby"
(1921) (uncredited)
Music by Ted Snyder
Lyrics by Harry B. Smith and Francis Wheeler
Sung and danced by Billy Gilbert, Betty Grable, Alice Faye, Princess Vanessa Ammon,
Fayard Nicholas, Harold Nicholas, and chorus girls in London production number

"When You Wore a Tulip and I Wore a Big Red Rose"
(1914) (uncredited)
Music by Percy Wenrich
Lyrics by Jack Mahoney

"He'd Have to Get Under - Get Out and Get Under (To Fix Up His Automobile)"
(1913) (uncredited)
Music by Maurice Abrahams
Lyrics by Grant Clarke and Edgar Leslie
Filmed with Alice Faye singing in two scenes, but both scenes were cut in from the final print

Betty Grable and Harry James, performing together.

2010-04-21T12:26:00.000-07:00

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

Coney Island (1943)- Has special magic.

2010-04-21T11:17:00.000-07:00

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:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"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

Three for the Show(1955). Remake of Too Many Husbands.

2010-04-13T08:50:00.001-07:00

Three For The Show(1955). Musical/comedy/remake of Too Many Husbands. Director: H.C. Potter. Cast: Betty Grable in her last musical,Jack Lemmon, Gower Champion and Marge Champion.

Singing-and-dancing performer Julie, is informed that husband Marty is missing in action during WWII. After sometime, she marries Vernon , who is Marty's best friend. After the marriage, Marty shows up at Julie's show. When Marty finds out that Julie is remarried, he is not very happy with the idea.

When Julie learns that she is legally married to both Marty and Vernon. She loves the idea of having two husbands and so she decides to try to live with them both.
Will Julie be forced to make her up mind as to who she wants?

Betty Grable was 39 when she made Three For The Show, She looked fabulous, sung wonderful songs and danced beautifully. She was offered Pal Joey but turned it down.

Soundtracks:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"How Come you Do Me Like You Do"
Words and Music by Gene Austin and Ray Bergere
Performed by Betty Grable

"Someone To Watch Over Me"
Words and Music by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Performed by Marge Champion and Gower Champion during the opening titles
Later sung by Marge Champion

"Just One Of Those Things"
Music and Lyrics by Cole Porter (uncredited)
Performed by Betty Grable, Marge Champion and Gower Champion

"I've Got A Crush On You"
Words and Music by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin
Performed by Betty Grable
also performed in the finale by Jack Lemmon, Marge Champion and Gower Champion

"Down Boy"
Words and Music by Hoagy Carmichael and Harold Adamson
Performed by Betty Grable, Gower Champion, and Jack Lemmon

"Which One"
Words and Music by Lester Lee and Ned Washington
Performed by Marge Champion

"Polovetsian Dances"
Music by Aleksandr Borodin (uncredited)
Used as introductory music for "Down Boy"

"I've Been Kissed Before"
Words and Music by Bob Russell and Lester Lee
Performed by Betty Grable

"Finale from 'William Tell Overture'"
from the opera "William Tell"
by Gioacchino Rossini
Danced to by Gower Champion in the Two Husbands fantasy

How to be Very Very Popular (1955)- . A remake of 1934's "She Loves Me Not.

2010-04-06T06:55:00.001-07:00

How to be Very Very Popular (1955). Comedy. Director: Nunally Johnson. Cast; Betty Grable, Sheree North and Robert Cummings. A non-musical remake of 1934's "She Loves Me Not. This was Betty Grable's final film.

After burlesque dancers Stormy Tornado and Curly Flagg, finish performing their dance number, they are followed on stage by Cherry Blossom Wang, who is shot and killed while performing. After being threatened by the killer, Stormy and Curly are afraid to go to the police. Still wearing their costumes, climb out the back window. Wearing overcoats, the two girls board a bus with only enough money to reach College City, near Los Angeles. As the two girls look for shelter out of the rain, they see a woman eating a sandwich. Stormy finds her way into college fraternity house , but before she finds the woman, she smells fried chicken and finds herself in the room of Wedgwood, a student in his late thirties. Wedge tells Stormy that she is in a men's dormitory and Stormy not knowing what else to do tells him her true identity. Stormy calls Curly's father for help, but he does not understand and hangs up. Stormy needs Curly's help, but when Curly sneaks into the dorm, she finds Eddie Jones, amateur psychology major, trying to hypnotize his roommate, Toby Marshall. Eddie, fails to hypnotize Toby, but.. hypnotizes Curly instead. Eddie takes advantage of the situation and kisses Curly, Toby being a gentleman suggests that they find help. Now.. thinking he wants Curly for scientific reasons, Eddie plants a hypnotic suggestion that whenever she hears the word "Salome," Curly is to dance. Wedge and Stormy find Curly in Eddie's room and learn that she has been hypnotized. Wedge orders Eddie to break the trance, and when Eddie refuses, Wedge threatens to destroy the diploma that Eddie forged for Toby. Eddie then agrees. An earthquake shakes the college while Toby is stealing a kiss from Curly and the spell sparks the couple to fall in love. Eddie then tries to awaken Curly but fails. And their misadventure begins.

It may not be the best Betty Grable best performance. It was still fun to see Betty Grable and Sheree North as burlesque dancers.

Fun Facts:

The part of Curly was written by Nunnally Johnson for Marilyn Monroe, who was placed on suspension by Twentieth Century-Fox for refusing the assignment. During the next year, Miss Monroe would live in Manhattan, studying with Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio. When Marilyn and Fox came to terms, she returned to Hollywood to star as fame-obsessed Cherie in Bus Stop (1956).

This was the final feature of Betty Grable's 25-year film career. Her first screen appearance in Let's Go Places (1930) had been released less than a month after Betty had turned 13 years old.

A December 1954 item in Hollywood Reporter's "Rambling Reporter" column indicated that the studio wanted Marilyn Monroe to appear in the film with Jane Russell, her co-star in the studio's highly successful 1953 production Gentlemen Prefer Blondes (1953).

In 1954, Sheree North signed on with 20th Century-Fox and performed in lead role in How to Be Very, Very Popular, a role that was rejected by Marilyn Monroe. Which received huge media attention. Film historians, claim North's dance performance to "Shake, Rattle and Roll", as the film's most memorable scene. After the success of How to Be Very, Very Popular, North was named by Fox as the "new Marilyn Monroe".

Soundtracks:

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

"How to Be Very, Very Popular"
Music by Jule Styne
Lyrics by Sammy Cahn
Sung by off-screen vocalists during the opening credits
Played occasionally in the score

"Bunny Hop"
Written by Ray Anthony and Leonard Auletti
Sung by the students

"The Bristol Bell Song"
Music by Lionel Newman
Lyrics by Ken Darby
Sung by the girls before commencement
Also sung on the bus at the end

"The Whiffenpoof Song"
(uncredited)
Music by Tod B. Galloway
Lyrics by Meade Minnigerode and George S. Pomeroy
Sung by the girls before commencement

"Shake, Rattle and Roll"
(uncredited)
Written by Charles F. Calhoun
Played by the band at commencement

Follow the Fleet (1936)- In the Super-Dreadnought of Musical Shows.

2010-03-27T14:30:00.001-07:00

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.
Follow the Fleet movie clip.

FUN FACT:
The fifth (of ten) dancing partnership of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Soundtracks:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"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

The Gay Divorcee (1934). Betty Grable's (age17) small part in the film.

2010-03-22T05:56:00.000-07:00

Let's K-nock K-neez".
Written by Harry Revel (music), Mack Gordon (lyrics).
Song performed by Betty Grable (age 17) as Guest Performer and Edward Everett Horton.
Dance performed by Betty Grable, Edward Everett Horton.

The jumpsuit that Betty Grable wears in the "Let's Knock Knees" dance number was a garment previously worn by Dolores del Rio in Flying Down to Rio (1933).

Betty Grable.

2010-03-16T06:26:00.000-07:00

Carole Landis (the Ping Girl)

2010-03-16T06:14:00.001-07:00

Carole Landis dropped out of high school at age 15 and went on to a career in show business. She started out as a hula dancer in a San Francisco nightclub and later sang with a dance band.. She dyed her hair blond and changed her name to "Carole Landis" after her favorite actress, Carole Lombard. Her 1937 film debut was as an extra in A Star Is Born. She performed in bit parts until 1940 when Hal Roach cast her as a cave girl in One Million B.C.. The movie turned Carole into a star. A press agent nicknamed her "The Ping Girl" (because "she makes you purr"). Landis performed in many successful films in the early forties, usually as the second female lead. In a time when the singing of many actresses was dubbed in, Landis's own voice was considered good enough and was used in her few musical roles. Landis landed a contract with 20th Century Fox. She had roles playing opposite fellow pin-up girl Betty Grable in Moon Over Miami and I Wake Up Screaming, both in 1941.
Carole Landis websight.
FUN FACTS :

Actress Diana Lewis once gave Carole a gold cross as a gift. Carole wore the cross for the rest of her life and was even buried wearing it.

Spent more time visiting troops during World War II than any other Hollywood star. She nearly died from malaria she contracted while traveling overseas.

Carole Landis list of films:

Brass Monkey (1948)
Noose (1948)
Out of the Blue (1947)
It Shouldn't Happen to a Dog (1946)
A Scandal in Paris (1946) .
Behind Green Lights (1946)
Having Wonderful Crime(1945)
Secret Command (1944)
Wintertime (1943)
The Powers Girl (1943)
Manila Calling (1942)
Orchestra Wives (1942)
It Happened in Flatbush (1942)
My Gal Sal (1942)
A Gentleman at Heart (1942)
Cadet Girl (1941)
I Wake Up Screaming (1941)
Dance Hall (1941)
Moon Over Miami (1941) Movie Clip Betty and Carole car hopping.
Topper Returns (1941)
Road Show (1941)
Mystery Sea Raider (1940)
Turnabout (1940)
One Million B.C. (1940)
Cowboys from Texas (1939)
Daredevils of the Red Circle (1939)
Three Texas Steers (1939)
Four's a Crowd (1938)

I wake Up Screaming (1941). Suspense film.

2010-03-15T07:26:00.000-07:00

I Wake Up Screaming (1941). Suspense film. Cast: Betty Grable, Victor Mature, and Carole Landis. It is based on the novel with the same title by Steve Fisher, with a screenplay by Fisher and Dwight Taylor. It was one of the few times Betty Grable had a straight dramatic role in a picture.

Soon after Vicky Lynn is killed, New York City police question Frankie Christopher, a promoter who sponsored Vicky. Policeman Jerry MacDonald, asks Frankie to tell them how he met Vicky, and Frankie begins his story: One evening, Frankie goes with his friends to a lunchroom where Vicky works as a waitress. Impressed with her beauty Frankie takes her to the El Chico Club and helps her get invited to the table of influential Mrs. Handel. By the end of the evening Vicky is offered two modeling jobs. After her screen test Vicky tells Frankie that she is going to Hollywood without him. Feeling betrayed, Frankie storms out of her apartment and talks with Robin and Larry, both of whom have fallen in love with Vicky. As Jill begins sharing her side of the story: she tells the police that she does not believe that Frankie is guilty of killing her sister. She informs them that before Vicky met Frankie, a strange man had been following her, and when detective Cornell enters the interrogation room, Jill realizes that he was the man who was following Vicky. Frankie believes that detective Cornell is determined to pin the killing on him. Will Jill, the victim's sister help him prove his innocence?
I Wake Up Screaming deleted scene.
I Wake Up Screaming Movie Clip #2.
Dramatic, low-key lighting is what I remember most about this film. This was Betty Grable's first non-musical role. She's sweet, practical, and a brave film noir heroine. Victor Mature is a strong and appealing protagonist. The stand-out performance is Laird Cregar as the creepy, police detective Cornell. He's truly one of the most memorable noir villains. "I Wake Up Screaming" is a wonderful film noir.
Carole's websight: I wake up screaming.

A Lovely Pic of Betty...

2010-03-10T09:32:00.001-08:00

MEET ME AFTER THE SHOW(1951).

2010-03-02T05:01:00.000-08:00

Meet Me After the Show (1951). Musical. Cast: Betty Grable, MacDonald Carey, Rory Calhoun, Eddie Albert and Fred Clark. The film was one of Grable's last musical films for Fox.

Delilah Lee, is trained by her husband Jeff Ames, for his new Broadway show. Delilah becomes so successful that she feels that Jeff thinks of her more as an asset than a wife. When the shows backer Gloria Carstairs begins a affair with Jeff, Delilah leaves him and heads for Miami, but.. regrets it later and tries to win him back. She pretends to have a romance with a Miami playboy. When Jeff learns of the affair he heads to Miami. But is lead on quite a hilarious chase until she finally allows herself to get caught. Highlighted by several wonderful musical numbers. You will find more dancing than is usual in this Grable film.

Soundtracks:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"MEET ME AFTER THE SHOW"
Written by Jule Styne, lyrics Leo Robin
Sung and danced by Betty Grable with chorus

"BETTING ON A MAN"
Written by Jule Styne, lyrics Leo Robin
Sung and danced by Betty Grable with chorus

"OH, ME! OH, MI-AMI"
Written by Jule Styne, lyrics Leo Robin
Sung by chorus

"IT'S A HOT NIGHT IN ALASKA"
Written by Jule Styne, lyrics Leo Robin
Sung and danced by Betty Grable with chorus

"(EV'RY DAY IS LIKE) A DAY IN MAYTIME"
Written by Jule Styne, lyrics Leo Robin
Sung by Macdonald Carey

"NO TALENT JOE"
Written by Jule Styne, lyrics Leo Robin
Sung and danced by Betty Grable with Gwen Verdon and chorus

"I FEEL LIKE DANCING"
Written by Jule Styne, lyrics Leo Robin
Sung and danced by Betty Grable and Gwen Verdon with chorus

"NIGHT MUSIC"
Written by Hal Schaeffer (instrumental only)
Danced by Betty Grable and chorus

SPRINGTIME IN THE ROCKIES (1942)

2010-02-24T03:33:00.001-08:00

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:

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

"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

JUNE HAVER the 'Pocket Grable".

2010-02-09T08:20:00.000-08:00

June Haver, born in Rock Island, Illinois as Beverly Jane Stovenour. "June" was her nickname. She is best remembered in 20th Century-Fox musicals in the late 1940s, most The Dolly Sisters, with Betty Grable. She is also often linked to her second husband, actor Fred MacMurray.

Haver began singing on stage at the age of six. As a teenager she performed with the Ted Fio Rito Orchestra. In 1943 20th Century Fox, with her first starring role as Cri-Cri in Home In Indiana (1944). Later that year she co-starred with future husband, Fred MacMurray, in Where Do We Go From Here?, which was the only time they performed in a film together. During her career at Fox, Haver was to be the next Betty Grable (she was known as "Pocket Grable"). She co-starred with Grable in the film, The Dolly Sisters (1946). Unfortunately, her acting career was short lived. At the urging Ann Miller and Ann Rutherford, Haver joined the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences at the age of 75. June Haver has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
JUNE AND BETTY SINGING TOGETHER.

THE DOLLY SISTERS (1945)

2010-02-05T04:24:00.000-08:00

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.

Soundtracks:
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"Hungarian Dance No. 5 (uncredited)
Music by Johannes Brahms
Played by the band at the Little Hungary restaurant
Danced by Evon Thomas and Donna Jo Gribble, Betty Grable and June Haver

"The Vamp"
(uncredited)
Written by Byron Gay
Performed by Betty Grable and June Haver during the rehearsal at the Elmira theater

"I Can't Begin to Tell You"
(uncredited)
Music by James V. Monaco
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Sung by John Payne during the rehearsal at the Elmira theater
Also performed by John Payne, Betty Grable and June Haver
Played often in the score

"Give Me the Moonlight, Give Me the Girl"
(uncredited)
Music by Albert von Tilzer
Lyrics by Lew Brown
Sung by Betty Grable, John Payne and chorus on record

"We Have Been Around"
(uncredited)
Music by Charles Henderson
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Betty Grable and June Haver

"Carolina in the Morning"
(uncredited)
Music by Walter Donaldson
Lyrics by Gus Kahn
Performed by Betty Grable and June Haver

"Don't Be Too Old Fashioned (Old Fashioned Girl)"
(uncredited)
Music by Charles Henderson
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Betty Grable and June Haver

"Powder, Lipstick and Rouge"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Revel
Lyrics by Mack Gordon
Performed by Betty Grable, June Haver, and showgirls

"I'm Always Chasing Rainbows"
Music by Harry Carroll
Lyrics by Joseph McCarthy
Played during the opening credits and often in the score
Sung by John Payne and Betty Grable

"The Darktown Strutters' Ball"
(uncredited)
Written by Shelton Brooks
Performed by Betty Grable, June Haver and showgirls

"Arrah Go on, I'm Gonna Go Back to Oregon"
(uncredited)
Music by Bert Grant
Lyrics by Sam Lewis and Joe Young
Sung by the soldiers as Harry reads the letter
Also sung by John Payne

"Mademoiselle from Armentières"
(uncredited)
Traditional
Sung by the soldiers at the train station

"Oh! Frenchy"
(uncredited)
Music by Con Conrad
Lyrics by Sam Ehrlich
Sung by the soldiers at the train station

"Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile, Smile!"
(uncredited)
Music by Felix Powell
Lyrics by George Asaf
Sung by the soldiers at the train station

"The Sidewalks of New York"
(uncredited)
Music by Charles Lawlor
Lyrics by James W. Blake
Played during the opening scene
Also performed by Betty Grable and June Haver at the benefit

"Me-ow"
(uncredited)
Music by Mel Kaufman
Played during the trained seal act

"Oh You Beautiful Doll"
(uncredited)
Music by Nat Ayer
Played when Harry and the girls are having coffee

"Smiles"
(uncredited)
Music by Lee S. Roberts
Lyrics by J. Will Callahan
Played as dance music at the London party
Sung by the soldiers when Harry is shown the magazine

"On the Mississippi"
(uncredited)
Music by Harry Carroll and Arthur Fields
Lyrics by Ballard MacDonald
Sung by a chorus when Harry gets the divorce notice

"Give My Regards to Broadway"
(uncredited)
Music by George M. Cohan
Played when the sign for the benefit is shown

"Cheyenne"
(uncredited)
Music by Egbert Van Alstyne
Played during the rope trick act at the benefit show.

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.

MY BLUE HEAVEN (1950)

2010-01-29T09:53:00.000-08:00

MY BLUE HEAVEN (1950). Musical. Cast: Betty Grable, Dan Dailey, David Wayne, Jane Wyatt, Mitzi Gaynor. Director: Henry Koster.

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. The Foundation's 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, on PBS, 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?

FUN FACTS:

James Cagney and Fred Astaire were considered for the male lead before Dan Dailey was cast.

Third of four movies that paired Betty Grable and Dan Dailey.

Even with the auto accident resulting in Kitty not being able to have children of her own. The plot still manages to come off as fluffy, entertaining, musical. The song and dance numbers are wonderful. Look for a young Mitzi Gaynor in her film debut as Gloria, who wants to get into show business.

Soundtracks:
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"My Blue Heaven"
(uncredited)
Music by Walter Donaldson
Lyrics by George Whiting
Sung during the opening credits by Betty Grable, Dan Dailey and chorus
Danced by Betty Grable and Dan Dailey

"It's Deductible"
(uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Sung by Betty Grable, Dan Dailey and chorus

"What a Man"
(uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Sung by David Wayne and chorus with Dan Dailey

"Halloween"
(uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Sung and danced by Betty Grable, Dan Dailey and David Wayne

"Cosmo Cosmetics"
(uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
TV-commercial parody sung and danced by Mitzi Gaynor

"I Love a New Yorker"
(uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Sung and danced by Betty Grable and Dan Dailey

"Live Hard, Work Hard, Love Hard"
(uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Sung and danced by Dan Dailey, Mitzi Gaynor and Betty Grable

"The Friendly Islands"
(uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Sung and danced by Betty Grable, Dan Dailey and chorus

"Don't Rock the Boat, Dear"
(uncredited)
Music by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Ralph Blane
Sung and danced by Betty Grable and Dan Dailey

DOWN ARGENTINE WAY (1940)

2010-01-22T03:27:00.000-08:00

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

PIN UP GIRL(1944)

2010-01-15T07:57:00.000-08:00

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

The guide book on HOW TO MARRY A MILLIONAIRE (1953)

2010-01-08T07:06:00.001-08:00

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

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

BETTY GRABLE AND HARRY JAMES

2009-12-28T12:47:00.001-08:00

In 1943, she married trumpeter and big band leader Harry James. The couple had two daughters, Victoria and Jessica. The couple divorced in 1965.

BETTY GRABLE (1943) leaving an imprint of her legs.

2009-12-18T04:48:00.000-08:00

Grauman's Chinese theater in Hollywood, is the most famous movie theater in the world and home of hand and foot prints of the Hollywood stars. Ted Mann, bought the theater in (1973) and in (1986) Mann the theater to Paramount Pictures, which sold half interest to Warner Bros.

Warner Bros. and Paramount continue to own the theater today.

(1943) The year Betty started filming Sweet Rosie O'Grady. Her footprints were preserved in concrete in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater on Hollywood Boulevard.

#1 PIN UP GIRL of WORLD WAR II.

2009-12-18T03:23:00.000-08:00

Betty Grable (December 18, 1916 – July 2, 1973) Dancer, singer, and actress.
Her bathing suit photo made her the number-one pin-up girl of World War II. Grable was famous for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood. Grable's legs were insured by her studio for $1,000,000 with Lloyds of London.

Happy Birthday Betty

2009-12-17T16:02:00.001-08:00

Tomorrow is Betty Grable's birthday on the 18th. Almost slipped my mind, but no harm done. Let's all remember the very talented Ms. Grable by posting a pic or a favorite movie of hers or whatever catches your fancy. I think this pic captures the mood perfectly being her birthday and Christmas.

BETTY GRABLE

2009-12-02T06:38:00.000-08:00

LADY IN ERMINE(1948)

2009-12-02T06:19:00.000-08:00

THIS LADY IN ERMINE(1948) Is a beautiful period film/ musical. As the Austrian army takes over Italy, beautiful Countess Mariana marries Count Adrian Murillo before he leaves to defend the castle. The overbearing General Dostal makes his headquarters at the castle of Countess Beltrami and immediately competes with the Austrian Crown for her attention. At midnight, all the portraits in the gallery come to life and ask Francesca, Angelina's great, great, great, great grandmother, to save the castle .

Count Murillo disguised as a gypsy breaks through the Austrian lines and is able to return to the castle. He is caught and ordered to be shot as a spy. The countess shares with him a time 300 years ago when her grandmother saved her husband by going before the general wearing only an ermine coat.

The colonel, enjoys Mario's musical performance, hires him to be his "personal gypsy." He soon learns that Mario is Angelina's husband and offers to let him go if she will dine with him at nine. Angelina does not come that evening, but Francesca later visits the colonel while he is sleeping. As the clock goes back to nine, Angelina joins him and demands a kiss from him. As she puts her arms around him, she throws the knife at the clock, stopping time.They dance and sing together, as the portraits watch them.The next day, when the colonel awakens he realizes that it has all been a dream .

Angelina rushes in and says that she could not reach Mario's general to plead for his life. The colonel sets Mario free, he tells her about the dream. She is deeply touched when he confesses he will always love her. She cries as she watches him from the balcony.

Will Mario walk out on her?
Will Angelina ever see the Colonel again?

Cast: BETTY GRABLE, DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS JR. and CESAR ROMERO.

Though this film is listed in his filmography as his last, Ernst Lubitsch only directed eight days' worth of shooting before he died of a heart attack on November 30, 1947. Otto Preminger was called in to finish the film, but took no credit and allowed Lubitsch to stand as director.

For me Grable is convincing in her performance of her two contrasting characters. And shares the honours in the verbal duels with her male supporting leads. Fairbanks in particular is wonderful.

Soundtracks:
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"Ooh! What I'll Do (To That Wild Hungarian)"
(uncredited)
Written by Friedrich Hollaender
Lyrics Leo Robin
Sung by Betty Grable and chorus
Danced by Betty Grable and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

"The Melody Has to Be Right"
(uncredited)
Written by Friedrich Hollaender
Lyrics Leo Robin
Sung by Betty Grable

"The Jester's Song"
(uncredited)
Written by Friedrich Hollaender
Lyrics Leo Robin
Sung by Reginald Gardiner

"This Is the Moment"
(uncredited)
Written by Friedrich Hollaender
Lyrics Leo Robin
Sung by Betty Grable and Douglas Fairbanks Jr.

"There's Something About Midnight"
(uncredited)
Written by Friedrich Hollaender
Lyrics Leo Robin
Betty Grable vocal deleted from release print, but partial vocal by chorus remains in film

A Beautiful Betty Grable

2009-11-28T18:20:00.000-08:00

Hope you like this pic Dawn...

MOON OVER MIAMI (1941) Oh me, oh Mi- Ami.

2009-11-25T06:47:00.000-08:00

Moon Over Miami(1941). Musical. Director: Walter Lang. Cast: Betty Grable, Don Ameche, Robert Cummings, Carole Landis, Jack Haley, and Charlotte Greenwood. It was one of Haley's last appearances in a major, large-budgeted film; after 1943 he began making mostly B-pictures. Haley, is best known for his performance as the, Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz.

Kay and Barbara Latimer, both holding down jobs, singing at the Texas drive-in restaurant as car hops, with their aunt Susan, who is flipping burgers. Waiting for the mailman to bring their inheritance check of $55,000. Only to read the disappointing news they will only receive only $4,000. They talk Susan, into spending the money on a trip to Miami, to find rich husbands. Barbara, comes up with a plan to pretend to be Kay's secretary, and Susan her maid. They fly off to the Flamingo Hotel and make quick friends with Jack, a bartender who tells them he will protect them from the Gold Diggers.

Kay tricks Jeff into an invitation, to his party. Where she also meet meets Phil, heir to the McNeil Mines. Close friends Jeff and Phil, begin a playful competition for Kay affections. Kay finds herself not able to choose whom she would like to marry. Her sister Barbara has secretly fallen in love with Jeff.

The women find themselves in financial trouble, after a couple weeks of living it up at the fancy hotel. They need $150 to pay their hotel bill. Kay, has plans to go dancing with her two friends later that evening. Kay invites Barbara, to come along so she can dance with Jeff, while she talks with Phil.

Phil admits to her that he is broke. Kay, also admits, that she came to Miami, to find a rich husband. They decide that they are not right for each other. Phil searches out Jeff to tell him that Kay loves him, after which they becomes engaged . As the women 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 women quickly leave for the island.

Phil, decides he can not live without Kay, and comes up with a plan to stop the wedding. The woman 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.

Cast: Don Ameche, Betty Grable, Robert Cummings, and Carole Landis.
Soundtracks
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"Moon Over Miami"
(1935) (uncredited)
Music by Joseph Burke
Played during the opening credits
Played also as dance music at both parties

"What Can I Do For You?"
(1941)
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung by Betty Grable and Carole Landis as singing waitresses

"Miami (Oh Me, Oh Mi-Ami)"
(1941)
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung by an offscreen chorus
Sung and danced to by Betty Grable, Carole Landis and Charlotte Greenwood
Played during the end credits

"You Started Something"
(1941)
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Played on piano by Robert Cummings at the party and sung by him and Betty Grable
Danced to by Betty Grable, Frank Condos and Harry Condos
at the party
Reprised by Don Ameche as he danced with Betty Grable
Reprised by Betty Grable, Don Ameche, Robert Cummings and Carole Landis at the end

"I've Got You All To Myself"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung by Don Ameche

"Is That Good?"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung and danced to by Jack Haley and Charlotte Greenwood
Reprised by them at the end
Played as background and dance music

"Loveliness and Love"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung by Don Ameche, Betty Grable and chorus

"Kindergarten Conga"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Contains traditional nursery songs "Ring Around the Rosey" and "London Bridge is Falling Down"
Sung by Betty Grable
Danced to by Hermes Pan, Betty Grable and chorus

"Solitary Seminole"
Music by Ralph Rainger
Lyrics by Leo Robin
Sung and danced to by Jack Cole and Co., Frank Condos and Harry Condos