Footlight Serenade

I've own this film on a VHS tape for years. Since my aging VCR occasionally catches tapes, I thought that I would buy the DVD. It's a fun film with Betty and 20th Century Fox regulars John Payne and Victor Mature. It also features Jane Wyman, who says that she has as much of a chance of getting her wish as "becoming First Lady" (which would've happened in real life if she stayed married to Ronald Reagan).

Footlight Serenade (1942) has John Payne and Victor Maturecompeting for Betty Grable's affections, but Betty is alreadysecretly married to John. They are all appearing in a Broadwayshow starring boxing champ, Victor Mature. When Mature learnsthe truth on opening night, the boxing match, within the show,becomes a real brawl. Jane Wyman, Phil Silversand James Gleason co-star.This is a fun, tuneful musical comedy in black and white.Betty has some nice song and dance routines, including"I Heard The Birdies Sing" in which she dances and boxeswith her shadow. She even dances with the talented Hermes Pan.There is one unfortunate aspect to this film. The big "MarchingTo A Love Song" finale was cut from the film before it was releasedbecause those in charge felt it didn't work, so they used itin a Movietone short: "All-Star Bond Rally" to raise money forthe War effort. The last moments of the finale can still be seenin this film, but the entire number can be seen on theHidden Hollywood II dvd. (thanks to Lon for that information)Fox Cinema Archives dvd looks excellent with no serious problems.There are no extras.

Great cast and entertaining.

Fast paced backstage Grable musical with two leading men John Payne and Victor Mature competing for her attention. Some nice musical numbers, one of which has Grable tap dancing with choreographer Hermes Pan. Phil Silvers provides some comedy relief. Also in the cast are Jane Wyman (on loan out from WB), James Gleason and Cobina Wright Jr. Seeing a Grable musical in B&W seems a bit odd

Enjoyable early Betty Grable movie. Not as good as Coney Island or Sweet Rosie O'Grady. Would have been better in color.

IT IS A FUN MOVIE SHAME WAS IN BLACK AND WHITE BUT BETTY AT HER BEST AND A BLOND JANE WYMAN SOME GREAT MUSICAL NUMBERS IF YOU A FAN OF BETTY ADD THIS TO YOUR COLLECTION THEY KNEW HOW TO ENTERTAIN IN THOSE DAYS.THANKS AMAZON FOR PUTTING THESE MOVIES OUT TO THE ONES THAT CAN REMEMBER WHAT MOVIES WERE ABOUT . AUSTRALIA SALUTES YOU

very nice betty grable movie.

The film is pleasant entertainment if only Fox cared enough to find source material in better condition and used care in the transfer this series would be more successful.

Love watching this movie.

Good old time musical with good stars but could have been better in colour

Excellent Movie