Atlantic City

Ray McCarey directs this Betty Grable-style musical (think CONEY ISLAND) for a surprisingly good Republic flick. The leads are competent, although relatively unknown, but there is an excellent supporting cast, including Charley Grapewin, and the film is eked out with some marvelous vaudeville and performing talent, including Joe Frisco, Al Shean, Louis Armstrong, Paul Whiteman and Buck and Bubbles, a great dancing act.

The plot concerns Stanley Brown, who -- in the movie, anyway -- came up with all the ideas that made Atlantic City a major resort in the first half of the 20th Century, but stepped on everyone on the way up. The performances and photography are excellent and serve as a fine backdrop. If you're a fan of old-time vaudeville, definitely worth your time.