Get ready for a dated musical. Coney Island buys into every offensive stereotype, so only the die-hard Betty Grable fans need to watch it. There are black waiters in the saloon who sing and dance while serving the patrons, a perpetually drunk Irishman, a blackface production number, and a villain who actually strokes his mustache during his "mean" lines. Poor Charles Winninger, who normally plays lovable Irish characters, has to make fun of his heritage in every scene. He's always drinking, always drunk, and always ready for a fight. During a barfight, Charles is all bluff and doesn't even get in a single punch before passing out. He's lured awake again by the smell of whiskey.
The main plot of the movie is the thievery of George Montgomery. He steals Cesar Romero's saloon by means of an elaborate deceit and blackmail. He repeatedly insults the lead performer, Betty Grable, and forces her to change her style by handcuffing her until she does his bidding. He lies, cheats, manipulates, and yet Betty prefers him to Cesar? Cesar is kind, respectful, and has the grace to be a good loser - and he's way cuter. This movie doesn't make sense.
I never would have thought it, but Phil Silvers is the best part of the movie. Charles Winninger asks Phil Silvers his choice at the bar, and Phil says, "Nothing. Just breathe in my face. That'll be enough." In the most hilarious scene, he tries to communicate a secret message to his business partner George and ad-libs a song with funny lyrics. If you love Betty Grable and Phil Silvers, you can try renting this, but it really doesn't stand the test of time well.
The main plot of the movie is the thievery of George Montgomery. He steals Cesar Romero's saloon by means of an elaborate deceit and blackmail. He repeatedly insults the lead performer, Betty Grable, and forces her to change her style by handcuffing her until she does his bidding. He lies, cheats, manipulates, and yet Betty prefers him to Cesar? Cesar is kind, respectful, and has the grace to be a good loser - and he's way cuter. This movie doesn't make sense.
I never would have thought it, but Phil Silvers is the best part of the movie. Charles Winninger asks Phil Silvers his choice at the bar, and Phil says, "Nothing. Just breathe in my face. That'll be enough." In the most hilarious scene, he tries to communicate a secret message to his business partner George and ad-libs a song with funny lyrics. If you love Betty Grable and Phil Silvers, you can try renting this, but it really doesn't stand the test of time well.