The Dolly Sisters [DVD] [1945]

Fox studio head, Darryl F. Zanuck, purchased John Kenyon Nicholson's story, 'The Dolly Sisters' as a vehicle for Betty Grable and Alice Faye. Unable to persuade Alice to make a comeback June Haver was cast in her place. The fictionalised account of the two Hungarian singing stars, Jenny and Rosie Dolly,(both brunettes), was turned into a box office success under Irving Cummings direction. A typical Fox musical with a fragile, predictable plot, it was a Technicolored turn-of-the century escapism romp full of glitzy showmanship. Several old and new numbers were used with the romance supplied by John Payne (Gable's choice) and Frank Latimore (Haver's man). The costumes were stunning as were the performances of the blond leads. The two hit songs to emerge from the film were 'I Can't Begin To Tell You', by Mack Gordon and James V. Monaco (Oscar nominated), sung by Grable, Payne and Haver, and 'I'm Always Chasing Rainbows', based on a Chopin melody, sung by Grable. The support cast are admirable as are the rest of the songs and dance routines staged by Seymour Felix.The film is wonderful, compulsive entertainment despite its biopic and period inaccuracies with a few kitschy scenes. Made in 1945 and lasting 83 minutes, they don't make them like this anymore, as the saying goes. Thoroughly enjoyable.

This is ostensibly a biopic of the famous Dolly Sisters, 'icons of the jazz age'. I can't say how accurate it is, as I don't know anything about the Dolly Sisters. However, given that they were brunette, while Haver and Grable are blonde, I suspect it isn't terribly so.However, as entertainment, it is superb. The leg-show is well done and tasteful, the costumes and acting superb. Yes, the plot is formulaic 'boy meets girl', albeit multiplied by two. John Payne plays his normal selfish rogue of an entertainer, while June Haver and Betty Grable are scrumptious in the title roles. The film was designed to show off Haver and Grable, and it suceeds in this. Although I'm reliably informed the two were at each other's throats off-screen, on screen, they make a most agreeable double-act and are believeable as sisters.The print is excellent, and the DVD includes the film trailer and newsreel footage from the premiere. If you like Betty Grable or technicolour musicals, you'll love this item.

This is one of the better Betty Grable vehicles, a light and fluffy musical biopic featuring some well presented musical numbers from the early 1900s.Grable is teamed with June Haver who portrayed Rosie and Betty Grable portrayed Jenny who make passable sisters if not identical twins and the multi-talented John Payne who shines as the song and dance man who became Jenny's first husband.The disc is a good transfer with a decent soundtrack.A fun, glossy piece of Hollywood entertainment

This is one of the good old fashioned movies of the 1940's, good songs, good acting, good story.The picture quality is perfect, the colours brilliant, if you would like to wallow in nostalgia, I would highly recommend this movie.Just one small quibble, I don't understand why the person who wrote the synopsis of the film on the package, says that the June Haver character is killed by a passing car, when in fact she is not involved in a car accident at all, she is alive and well when the film ends.

Purchased originally for my Mum and Dad but I have really enjoyed watching it with my Daughter, The story isn't anything special but Betty Grable and June Havers Hair and clothing is fabulous along with the rest of the cast a must see if you are a vintage lover

Old favourite of my mums

Very good film

Ok film