Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Battle of the Blondes: Betty Grable VS. Doris Day.


Betty Grable and Doris Day, were/are both talented singers and dancers. They were/are often called, "Sweethearts of the Silver Screen".

Betty Grable (December 18, 1916 – July 2, 1973), was famous for having the most beautiful legs in Hollywood and insured by her studio for $1,000,000 with Lloyds of London.

Grable, performed in many musical films of the 1940s such as: Sweet Rosie O'Grady (1943). A musical film, which takes place in the 1880s, when American Madeleine Marlowe, is performing in the London musical comedy group while engaged to Charles, the Duke of Trippingham. Charles promises her, that they will be married in New York, where she is to star in a new show.

After boarding a ship, Madge's traveling companions Arthur Skinner and Edna Van Dyke, show her a copy of the, The Police Gazette, where the article reveals that her real name is, Rosie O'Grady and that she started out singing in, a beer garden named, Flugelman's. The article, also revels that the duke is only interested in Madge's money. Angry, Madge plans to confront, Sam the newspaper reporter who wrote the story.

When Madge's boat docks, she is met by reporters. Sam "rescues" her and tries to get more information about her engagement, but when Madge learns his true identity, she tells everyone that she and Sam are engaged.

Police Gazette's editor, Tom Morgan, fires Sam for making a laughingstock of the paper. Sam, begs Madge for a truce, but she continues playing up their "romance" to reporters.

Not liking being called a fortune hunter, Sam decides to get even with Madge and serenades her with a song he has written called, "Sweet Rosie O'Grady." Sam then insists that she join him at Flugelman's.

Sam and Madge, have called off their feud and have had to much to drink when they return to her hotel. Charles, has come to New York to surprise Madge and is not too happy to see them together. Madge, becomes angry and she breaks off their engagement.

Madge, decides to take advantage of the publicity and produce a new show around Sam's "Sweet Rosie O'Grady" song.

This is a Musical remake, "Love is News (1937)", which starred Loretta Young. Fox tried again with this story in 1948 titled, "That Wonderful Urge", starring Gene Tierney.


Down Argentine Way (1940). Made a star of Betty Grable in her first leading role and introduced the colorful Carmen Miranda. The film also starred Don Ameche, The Nicholas Brothers, Charlotte Greenwood, and J. Carrol Naish.

 Please click here to learn more about the classic film, Down Argentine Way(1940).






Doris Day (born April 3, 1924). Her entertainment career began, while performing as a big band singer in 1939, with her first hit song, "Sentimental Journey", in 1945. After leaving the Les Brown and His Band of Renown to try a solo career, she started her partnership with Columbia Records. In 1948, she auditioned for Michael Curtiz, which led to the lead in, Romance on the High Seas, her first film with her friend, Jack Carson.

With a legendary Hollywood "girl-next-door" image she performed in 39 films. She received an Academy Award nomination for her performance in the film, Pillow Talk.

Another favorite Doris Day film, Tea for Two (1950). A Musical directed by David Butler. The screenplay by Harry Clork and William Jacobs was inspired by the 1925 stage musical No, No Nanette.

Please click here to learn more about the classic film Tea For Two(1950)


Another favorite Doris Day film, That Touch of Mink (1962). A Romantic/comedy starring Cary Grant and Doris Day. The film co-stars Gig Young, John Astin, Audrey Meadows, and Dick Sargent. Baseball players: Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, and Yogi Berra make cameo appearances.

Please click here to learn more about the classic movie That Touch of Mink(1962)


3 comments:

  1. Dawn,
    I just love your photos!
    This is an easy choice for me! I would have to go with Betty Grable every day, all day. : )

    Dawn, thanks for getting your logo up! We're waiting on a few who will be playing but I hope to get the first round going either Friday or Saturday then other can join in etc.

    Page

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  2. Whenever I think of Betty Grable, I always think of Animal in Stalag 17 and how he had such a massive crush on her. In fact, my first exposure to her was through Animal's crush. I think I've only seen 3 of her movies...Yank in the RAF, Down Argentine Way, and I Wake Up Screaming.

    I adore Doris Day. I've never seen That Touch of Mink. It's been on my watch list for awhile...but you know the routine, so many movies, so little time!!

    Happy Thanksgiving!!!

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  3. Page, Your welcome. I'm not sure how to play.. but, I know it will be fun!

    Patti, Both Betty Grable and Doris Day are favorites of mine. Most of their films are just so much fun to watch, when you just want to be entertained.

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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