Customer Reviews

Betty Grable: The Pin-Up Girl (Soundtrack Anthology) [ORIGINAL RECORDINGS REMASTERED]

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a wonderful collection of songs that spans her very first singing appearances in 1930 in "Whoopee" and ending with her songs in 1945's "The Dolly Sisters" with June Haver. I love this CD, but I want there to be more of it. There are no songs from her films from the late 40s and early 50s, which is a shame and could easily fill out a third CD. Betty was a fine singer and through these recordings from the soundtracks you can really begin to appreciate her warmth, genuineness and "on-screen" sparkle she had, and in many cases her sense of humour, a rarity amongst singing actresses of the time. Betty has a delivery style all her own, putting her own indelible mark on these classic tunes, which is a cherished thing amongst fans of hers and 20th Century Fox fans of 40s musicals. If you are a Grable fan, do not hesitate to make this part of your collection.

An excellent example of the musical talents of Betty Grable, who was much underrated as a singer. Check out her lively duetting with Alice Faye from "Tin Pan Alley". Kindergarten Conga (from Moon Over Miami) is also a showstopper - you can practically 'see' her dancing! Also loved the touching I'm Always Chasing Rainbows (Dolly Sisters) and her wonderful version of Sing Me A Song of the Islands. A magical musical item and a must for all Grable fans, and those interested in the classic 20th CF musicals of the Forties.

Thank God for modern technology. Here you have recordings that otherwise, you would only be able to listen to and view from screenings. This collection covers almost all of her work at 20th Century Fox, as well as early RKO material. What a gem she was, and through these sound recordings that capture her magic, an appreciation of her talent, beauty, and humor live on forever. Plus, it gives the listener a wonderful segment of musical history as the times encompassed the style of music presented here. A style, much forgotten but so much fun to listen to and enjoy. A very important piece of American film musical history.

Betty is remembered as an actress and pin-up, but her music is often overlooked. During the thirties and forties, Hollywood produced several singer-actresses, including Judy Garland, Alice Faye, Frances Langford and Dorothy Lamour. Betty may not have been absolutely the best singer among them, but she was still a fine singer whose music is well worth listening to.

This comprehensive collection begins with six songs from the thirties, during which Betty was kept busy but never made it big. These are followed, in chronological order, with songs from the musicals that she is best remembered for - Down Argentine way. Tin pan alley, Moon over Miami, A yank in the RAF, Footlight serenade, Song of the islands, Springtime in the Rockies, Coney Island, Sweet Rosie O'Grady, Pin-up girl, Billy Rose's diamond horseshoe and The dolly sisters.

Although these recordings were made during the period of the Great American Songbook, you won't find any classics here. Nevertheless, I find that the upbeat, fun music is very enjoyable to listen to, even though I haven't seen any of the movies from which the songs are taken. If you are familiar with Betty's work as an actress, I imagine that you will get even greater enjoyment from these superbly re-mastered recordings.

I enjoyed this CD very much and I actually found it while doing a search for the Dolly Sisters soundtrack. I liked the selection and the sound was quite good. For example, Pan American Jubilee sounds horrible on a Carmen Miranda CD I have and on this one it was quite clear even though the version was slightly different. I have found other songs on this CD to be edited versions of what was actually in the films. Powder, Lipstick and Rouge had the main part edited on this CD. There is no "Mascara", "Rosey Rouge" etc verses in this version which I thought was the best part of that number. That was disappointing, but overall, I like this set very much and still give it 5 stars.

This CD holds one great tune after another from Betty's various movies. It has a broad range of songs, from the Astaire-Rogers movie "The Gay Divorcee", "Let's K-Knock K-Nees", to the song that made her a star, " Down Argentine Way". This is a true pleasure to own.

...for anyone who likes or is interested in Betty Grable, this is a CD to cherish. It has a real cross section of film sound track materials from very nice source material. Betty sounds as if she were still with us.

Wanted Item received in good time in Australia and much appreciated.
Thank you,
Roger Ustick (Dr),
Melbourne

For those who enjoy nostalgia and comfort and just plain happiness in their music, Betty Grable delivers all in this compilation of her film and radio presentations. Not known for her singing talent, Betty Grable, nonetheless, presents herself with a perfect pitch singing style as her shiney personality comes through and touches the listeners sensitivities that few performers do.

Betty Grable had a small voice, which she openly admitted, but she had clear diction and a pretty sound. Her vitality and enthusiasm and 20th Century Fox's superb sound compensated. No CD can quite capture her performances because much of her appeal was visual.

Grable only made one commercial recording in 1945, a version of "I Can't Begin to Tell you" from "The Dolly Sisters" and recorded with her husband Harry James. Her voice deteriorated later quite significantly, probably due to chain smoking, but this CD comprises of soundtrack material until she was about 28, so that is not a problem.