Stage Door Canteen

US (1943): Musical/War

Dozens of the biggest Hollywood stars make appearances in this wartime musical parade with the Benny Goodman, Guy Lombardo, Count Basie, and Freddy Martin bands adding the swing. The ignorable story follows three soldiers who meet three girls before going overseas. But don't miss the chance to get a rare look at stage great Katherine Cornell, Lunt and Fontanne, Harpo Marx, and everyone else in Hollywood and on Broadway. Memorable numbers include Gracie Fields singing "The Lord's Prayer", Ethel Merman belting "Marching Through Berlin", Peggy Lee smoking "Why Don't You Do Right?" and Yehudi Menuhin fiddling a blazing "Flight of the Bumble Bee."

The profits went to the American Theater Wing to support the Stage Door Canteens that offered good times to hundreds of thousands of enlisted men during WW II. Frank Borzage directs this UA release. (amctv.com)

 View a clip of Benny Goodman and Peggy Lee performing "Why Don't You Do Right?" in this film on YouTube.com.

2 nominations