The Dolly Sisters

This colorful musical directed with great style by Irving Cummings is a delightful way to spend some happy moments. This 1945 Fox film presents the life of two sisters that became a sensation in America at the beginning of the last century. The music is the best excuse to watch this happy movie.

We first meet the young Dolly Sisters, Jenny and Rose, as they arrive in America from their native Hungary. The girls are talented and soon, they are delighting the vaudeville circuit with their charm and talent. Their career soared after Harry Fox, who later became Jenny's husband, introduces them to the great Oscar Hammerstein, who sees in the women, an amazing capacity to entertain the public of the era.

As played by Betty Grable and June Haver, the Dolly Sisters are irresistible! The real sisters were not blond, but who could fault the stars with the disarming way they act in the musical? Ms. Grable and Ms. Haver are a sight for sore eyes!

As the man in Jennie's life, John Payne plays Harry Fox convincingly. Mr. Payne projects a virile figure and he is perfect opposite the gorgeous Betty Grable. His composition in the movie, "I'm Always Chasing Rainbow" was written by Harry Carroll and Joseph McCarthy whose inspiration is the Chopin's Fantasy and Impromptu in C Minor and it blends perfectly in the composition and in the subtext of the film. There are also appearances by that charming character actor, S. Z. Sakall, who plays the girl's uncle. Also Reginald Gardiner does good work as the Duke of Breck.

This is a fine musical that will delight fans of the genre.