Moon Over Miami (MOM) was an early entry in the Betty Grable 20th Century Fox Technicolor canon--released right after her breakout role in Down Argentine Way. Grable was then made up in a somewhat soft and more natural way (as compared to her almost plastic-like appearance in some of the later films in this series), and her Kewpie doll wholesome loveliness did occasionally need some discreet lighting to help mitigate the distraction of her tiny double chin. But who is complaining? She was pert, charming and simply adorable!
Ignore the timeworn plot involving two broke sisters looking for rich husbands in a fabulous romantic setting. Look instead at the dazzling color, spectacular sets and costumes, great musical numbers and the unique opportunity to take in the visual glory of Miami Beach at that wonderful time just before WWII.
The tragic Carole Landis shines as the other sister. What a loss it is to us that she died so young. Charlotte Greenwood and Jack Haley were acquired tastes as performers. Let's just say that their appearances here did not detract from the joys of this entertaining film.
Don Ameche plays his amiable low key romantic role very nicely. And he gave us the rare opportunity to hear him sing--in a lovely tenor voice, it should be added. As for Robert Cummings, he has appeared in a few significant movies over the years--see e.g. Saboteur, King's Row and Dial M for Murder. However, it must be said that Cummings was not the reason that those films were significant. Here, he plays the second male lead and fits in just fine.
There are two other notable moments in MOM that are worthy of mention. One is the specialty dancing appearance of the highly talented yet little-known Condos Brothers. They were remarkable! And the other is the rare on-camera appearance of Fred Astaire's choreographer-collaborator Hermès Pan in a splendid dance number with Grable. The physical resemblance of Pan to Astaire is downright astonishing!
However, MOM belongs to Betty Grable. She seldom--if ever--looked better than she did here. Betty had a rare beauty that went beyond cute but didn't quite reach glamor and was never threatening or off-putting. If only every girl next door looked like Betty!
This is a most enjoyable piece of 1940s escapism!
Ignore the timeworn plot involving two broke sisters looking for rich husbands in a fabulous romantic setting. Look instead at the dazzling color, spectacular sets and costumes, great musical numbers and the unique opportunity to take in the visual glory of Miami Beach at that wonderful time just before WWII.
The tragic Carole Landis shines as the other sister. What a loss it is to us that she died so young. Charlotte Greenwood and Jack Haley were acquired tastes as performers. Let's just say that their appearances here did not detract from the joys of this entertaining film.
Don Ameche plays his amiable low key romantic role very nicely. And he gave us the rare opportunity to hear him sing--in a lovely tenor voice, it should be added. As for Robert Cummings, he has appeared in a few significant movies over the years--see e.g. Saboteur, King's Row and Dial M for Murder. However, it must be said that Cummings was not the reason that those films were significant. Here, he plays the second male lead and fits in just fine.
There are two other notable moments in MOM that are worthy of mention. One is the specialty dancing appearance of the highly talented yet little-known Condos Brothers. They were remarkable! And the other is the rare on-camera appearance of Fred Astaire's choreographer-collaborator Hermès Pan in a splendid dance number with Grable. The physical resemblance of Pan to Astaire is downright astonishing!
However, MOM belongs to Betty Grable. She seldom--if ever--looked better than she did here. Betty had a rare beauty that went beyond cute but didn't quite reach glamor and was never threatening or off-putting. If only every girl next door looked like Betty!
This is a most enjoyable piece of 1940s escapism!