My Gal Sal

Zanuck made some fine films, of course, but he had a penchant for producing weak musicals. Here is a prime example. The script is extraordinarily weak. Wait until you see how the Indians cleaned up Victor Mature after a tar-and-feathering job administered by angry town folk! Aside from the film's title, the music is utterly forgettable. Wait until you see Victor Mature "playing" two pianos at once! Rita Hayworth is lovely and in her prime; this is the year of "You Were Never Lovelier." But she's given little of interest to do here. Her singing is obviously dubbed. The dancing is only average (Hermes Pan was a partner in one scene). Carol Landis is wasted entirely. No wonder Alice Faye turned down a chance to be in this film. It is a bomb. "My Gal Sal" is generally unavailable to the public. Lucky public.

Rita Hayworth is charming in this film which has flattering shots of her. She is quite good looking, and if nothing else the film is a masterclass in hair and make-up, lighting, costume and production design. The cinematography is good as well, but it's almost wasted on a mediocre story. Victor Mature is average in this film, although there are some happy scenes between him and Hayworth. It's good seeing him in Technicolor before 'Samson and Delilah'. I'm not particularly a Hayworth fan, but she does look beautiful in this film.

This biopic chronicles the life of songwriter Paul Dresser, played by Victor Mature, in the Gay Nineties, as he moves from carnival entertainer into New York society. Rita Hayworth stars and does the songs-dubbed by Nan Wynn. More a curiosity than a memorable musical.

I think I heard of Paul Dresser and wanted to hear his music. Only song I can say I knew - faintly- was the Wabash song, which turns out to be the Indiana State song. So, yeah, I didn't know much about this story. It was interesting to see the 1890s period sets. Mostly I watched this to see Rita Hayworth. Never saw anything of hers (but I probably did). She is actually a good actress and dances well. Victor Mature seemed to be an odd pick for the role of Paul. But their chemistry on screen was apparent. It's interesting that Paul started out singing at carnivals before hitting the big time on Broadway. I suppose that's similar to singers/songwriters who toiled away in bars before getting discovered. Anyway, the movie was comfortable, pleasant, relaxing to watch and gave me a glimpse into a seemingly simpler happy world, even if it's idealistically presented. Thank you TCM for keeping these flicks on the air.

Amiable musical is loaded with good music and sprightly performances. Originally planned for Betty Grable whose pregnancy prevented her appearance, then Carole Landis who stubbornly refused to change her hair color and was punished by Zanuck by being relegated to a secondary part he then borrowed Rita from Columbia. She was in the midst of her climb to the top having made strides over the previous two years in a succession of spotlight parts and this continued her ascent. As a biography it's worthless but as a showcase for Rita's talent and beauty it can't be beat. There are one or two occasions where she is so heavily made up and dressed in an unflattering pink that she appears corpse like but otherwise looks sensational in her period costumes and her dancing and singing are marvelous. Mature is fine as the male lead but is overshadowed by Rita. Not a classic but a bright, pleasant entertainment. A must for Hayworth fans.