Best Foot Forward (1943)

A military cadet (Tommy Dix) writes a letter to a movie star (Lucille Ball) inviting her to the prom. To his shock, she accepts and much to the chagrin of his girlfriend (Virginia Weidler). Mayhem ensues as the cadet and his two pals (Jack Jordan, Kenny Bowers) try to keep the actress and their girlfriends apart. Based on the Broadway musical and directed by Edward Buzzell (NEPTUNE'S DAUGHTER). This energetic MGM Technicolor musical is engaging with a melodic score by Hugh Martin and Ralph Blane who would go on to write the songs for MEET ME IN ST. LOUIS the following year. Ball is a good sport playing herself (her character is called Lucille Ball) as an actress whose career is on the wane and using the prom for publicity in the hopes of reviving her career. This was Virginia Weidler's last movie, she retired at the ripe old age of 16! The choreography is by Charles Walters and the large supporting cast includes June Allyson, Gloria DeHaven, Nancy Walker, Chill Wills, Harry James, William Gaxton, Sara Haden and Donald McBride.