Quote Of The Day

"It isn't what they say about you, it's what they whisper."

-Errol Flynn

"Down Argentine Way"

I really think you can do no wrong by coupling Don Ameche and Betty Grable. I love them together and on their own. This cute film which is bursting with technicolor is no different.

Don and his father sell horses and father tells Don that he won't sell any to the Crawfords (they are bad news). While at a horse race, Don meets Betty who wants to buy the horse. He agrees because she is so beautiful, until he learns she is a Crawford!

She gets mad at him and heads back to the USA. She tells auntie (Charlotte Greenwood, who I love) that she wants to buys some horses and is heading to Argentina again to shop. Auntie knows whats up and calls her out. She is really going down to find Don!

When she arrives Betty is taken out by what she thinks is her dad's friend, but us really a tour guide. She has a blast with him until she sees Don. After a slap, they decide to be friends.

Don and Betty learn from Don's worker that his best jump horse likes to race, and they decide to train him to be a winner. Auntie teams up with the tour guide for some fun.

Father is going to be furious when he finds out that Don is racing  the horse and canoodling with a Crawford! But the two are in love. 

Carmen Miranda has a bit part in this film, as it is her first. 

The Nicholson Brothers also have a cameo and do a wonderful dance that was lengthened by the director because of how well it did during test screenings.

This film really set Betty's career into full motion and gave Carmen Miranda the attention from the USA she was looking for. Don Ameche just looks handsome as always.

"Niagara"

Despite not liking Marilyn Monroe, I do like this film. Maybe because she isn't in the whole thing. This is a great film noir with excellent scenery and cute costumes costarring Joseph Cotten, Jean Peters, and Max Showalter. 

George (Joseph) is married to Rose (Marilyn) and on vay cay at Niagara Falls. They are unhappy and sleeping in. Newlyweds Polly (Jean) and Ray (Max) are visiting the same stop and meet Rose as she is leaving for the market. During sightseeing time at the falls they spy Rose swapping spit with someone other than her husband.

Later that night the couple meet Rose again during the motel dance off and learn that her hubby has issues. Rose dresses sexy and plays sexy tunes, and her husband gets mad and breaks the record.

George and Polly get better acquainted when she helps him with his cut hand. He seems normal but depressed.

This dress makes me want to sew!

George knows something is up when he finds a ticket for the falls in Rose's pocket. Meanwhile, Rose calls her lover and tells him the "plan" must go down tomorrow at the falls...

The next day Rose knows what is going to happen but plays dumb and tells Polly and Max she is worried because George is MIA. Polly and Max meet up with work friends and take to the falls.

Rose gets word that the plan worked and goes to see the body at the morgue. What she sees sends her to the hospital with fret. The wrong person was murdered! The one that got away is now after Rose.

There is a long chase and in the end, Rose gets what she deserves and the killer is on the loose. He captures a boat with Polly on it that is headed to the falls!

With Max watching with fear (Oh my!), Polly gets a chance to jump ship right before the boat goes over with the killer still inside. What a vacation to remember!

This was a fun movie with a few serious scenes and some silly ones as well. This is the only role Marilyn would have where her character was killed. She was still under contract and ended up making less money for this film then the crew.

Picture Of The Day

Fred and his shoes.

Yum Yum

With the 4th of July approaching, one of the first things I think about is what and where am I going to be eating. It's a rarity to see the oldies stuff their face, but luckily some cameras were around to take a peek at them munching away.

Audrey Hepburn and William Holden do din-din.

Bette Davis enjoying a tasty treat. (Cute top)

Jean Harlow caught in the act.

Clark Gable and Carole Lombard racing.

Fred MacMurray and Lana Turner during a causal lunch.

Marlene Dietrich chewing with determination.

Patricia Neal and Farley Grange with too many cups.

Peter Lorre seeing what the next table ordered.

Robert Taylor and Irene Dunne having milk and cookies.

Sophia Loren chowing down.

Foreign Film Poster Friday

Mildred Pierce, 1945

"It Should Happen To You"

In this cute film, Judy Holliday is at her best just coming off of "Born Yesterday". This film also marks the film debut for Jack Lemmon.

Pete (Jack) meets Gladys Glover (Judy) in the park one day. He is making a documentary film, and she is down in the dumps because she hasn't made a name for herself yet.

Gladys gets the idea to rent a huge sign in Lincoln Circle with her name on it. She splurges all her dough for a three month rental. She even scolds the painters when they goof up on her name!

Ad man Evan (Peter Lawford) wants the space for his soap ads and tries to talk Gladys out of it. She won't budge. Pete ends up moving into Gladys' apartment and they start dating, although he isn't to keen on her sign idea.

Gladys finds herself dating both men while one just wants her for her ad space. Pete falls hard for her, but all she can think about is her sign. People start to know her name and she gets some modeling gigs.

After the three months, Gladys must choose between her boyfriend who cares about her, her boyfriend who is a player, and her new found fame.

I think this film is kitschy and cute and showcases Judy and Jack for the talented actors that they are.