Strike up the band... Big star showcases were a staple of the World War Two era, and one of them was 1943's Thousands Cheer. MGM's trade paper, The Lion's Roar, declared, "On all the Broadways of America, there’s a milling to get into the most extravagant extravaganza in years entitled “Thousands Cheer”." On one hand, Lion's hyperbole is … Continue reading For the Boys
Esther’s New Suit
Hello, Miss Esther... One of the fun things about Esther Williams' movies is seeing all the ways MGM devised to get her into the water, and so far I think my favorite is the 1949 film, Neptune's Daughter. It's not only a fun movie, but it's the point in Esther's career in which she started … Continue reading Esther’s New Suit
Come On In, the Water’s Fine
Swimmers, take your marks... Esther Williams never set out to be a movie star. She was a champion swimmer who dreamed of competing in the Olympics. When the 1940 games were cancelled, she got a job working as a floor model at I. Magnin's Los Angeles store, and then landed a gig with Billy Rose's … Continue reading Come On In, the Water’s Fine
Taking Up Room 