The Girl from Monterrey is a musical comedy film released in 1943, directed by Wallace Fox. The movie follows the story of Gloria (played by Armida), a talented singer from the small town of Monterrey who dreams of becoming a star in the big city of Mexico City.

Gloria’s chance comes when she meets a famous singer named Jorge del Campo (played by Luis Alcoriza), who offers her a job singing in his nightclub. With the help of Jorge and his manager, Gloria becomes an overnight sensation and quickly rises to fame.

However, Gloria’s success attracts the attention of the jealous and conniving Rosita (played by Maria Luisa Zea), who is also a singer and wants to steal Gloria’s spotlight. Rosita hatches a plan to ruin Gloria’s reputation and career, but Gloria’s loyal friends and allies come to her aid to help her overcome the obstacles in her way.

As Gloria’s fame continues to grow, she must navigate the ups and downs of the entertainment industry and confront the challenges that come with her newfound success. Ultimately, Gloria learns valuable lessons about the true nature of friendship and the importance of staying true to oneself.

The Girl from Monterrey is a fun and lively musical comedy that showcases the talents of Armida as a singer and actress, as well as the vibrant culture and music of Mexico.

Directors:
Wallace Fox

Writer:
Robert Gordon, George Green, Arthur Hoerl

Stars:
Armida, Edgar Kennedy, Veda Ann Borg

“Girl o’ My Dreams” is a 1934 American romantic musical comedy film directed by Ray McCarey and starring Mary Carlisle, Edward Nugent, Sterling Holloway, and Charles Starrett. The film follows the story of a small-town girl named Sally (Mary Carlisle), who wins a beauty contest and heads to Hollywood to become a movie star. Along the way, she meets and falls in love with a struggling musician named Bob (Edward Nugent).

When Sally arrives in Hollywood, she quickly realizes that the world of movie stardom is not what she expected. She faces a series of disappointments and setbacks, including a sleazy talent agent who tries to exploit her. But through it all, she remains determined to succeed and make a name for herself in the industry.

Meanwhile, Bob is also struggling to make it in the music business. He and his band play gigs at various clubs around town, but they can’t seem to catch a break. When Sally and Bob meet, they immediately hit it off and begin a romance. But their relationship is tested when Sally is offered a movie contract and has to choose between her career and her love for Bob.

In the end, Sally decides to turn down the movie contract and stay with Bob. They both realize that their love for each other is more important than fame and fortune. The film ends with Sally and Bob performing a musical number together, as they set out to make their dreams come true together.

“Girl o’ My Dreams” is a light-hearted and entertaining romantic comedy that captures the glamour and excitement of Hollywood in the 1930s. It showcases the talents of its young stars and features several catchy musical numbers that will keep audiences tapping their toes.

Directors:
Ray McCarey

Writer:
George Waggner

Stars:
Mary Carlisle, Sterling Holloway, Edward J. Nugent

“Miss London Ltd.” is a British musical comedy film released in 1943, directed by Val Guest and starring Ronald Shiner, Arthur Askey, and Anne Shelton.

The film is set in wartime London, where the Miss London Ltd. beauty contest is taking place. The contest is being held to raise funds for charity, and the winner will receive a prize of £25,000. The contest is hosted by Arthur Goodbody (Arthur Askey), a radio presenter who is also the master of ceremonies for the contest.

The contestants include a diverse group of young women, each with their own unique backgrounds and personalities. One of them, Peggy (Anne Shelton), is a talented singer who catches the eye of Arthur. However, Peggy’s boyfriend, a soldier named Tommy (Max Bacon), is also in London on leave, and he is not pleased to see her in the contest.

As the contest progresses, a series of mishaps and misunderstandings ensue, leading to chaos both onstage and off. Meanwhile, Arthur and Peggy grow closer, but their budding romance is threatened by the presence of Tommy, as well as by the scheming of a rival contestant, Trixie (Evelyn Dall).

In the end, the winner of the contest is announced, and Arthur and Peggy are able to reconcile and perform a duet together. The film ends on a high note, with the contestants and audience celebrating the success of the contest and the triumph of love over adversity.

Directors:
Val Guest

Writer:
Marriott Edgar, Val Guest

Stars:
Arthur Askey, Evelyn Dall, Anne Shelton

“Li’l Abner” is a musical comedy film released in 1940, directed by Albert S. Rogell and based on the popular comic strip of the same name by Al Capp. The film tells the story of Abner Yokum, a lazy but lovable hillbilly who lives in the small town of Dogpatch, USA.

The plot centers around the town’s efforts to attract a government contract for a new atomic bomb testing site, which will bring in much-needed jobs and money. However, the corrupt General Bullmoose and his assistant, Appassionata Von Climax, are also vying for the contract and will stop at nothing to get it.

Meanwhile, Abner falls in love with Daisy Mae Scragg, a beautiful young woman who is also being pursued by the wealthy and arrogant Stupefyin’ Jones. The two men engage in a hilarious battle for Daisy Mae’s affections, culminating in a climactic chase scene through the streets of Dogpatch.

The film features a talented cast, including Granville Owen as Li’l Abner, Martha O’Driscoll as Daisy Mae, and Mona Ray as Stupefyin’ Jones. It also includes several memorable musical numbers, including the classic “Jubilation T. Cornpone.”

Overall, “Li’l Abner” is a fun and entertaining comedy that captures the humor and charm of the beloved comic strip. Its combination of slapstick humor, catchy songs, and colorful characters make it a classic of the genre.

Directors:
Albert S. Rogell

Writer:
Charles Kerr, Tyler Johnson, Al Capp

Stars:
Jeff York, Martha O’Driscoll, Mona Ray

“Killer Diller” is a 1948 musical film directed by Josh Binney and starring Nat King Cole and Sheila Guyse.

The story follows “Killer” Diller (Cole), a talented pianist who is falsely accused of a crime and sent to prison. While in jail, he meets a young woman named Georgia (Guyse), who is also a musician. Together, they form a band with other inmates, performing for the rest of the prison population and gaining popularity.

After being released from prison, Diller and Georgia attempt to make a living as musicians, facing numerous obstacles and setbacks along the way. They encounter a ruthless nightclub owner named Harry (Jester Hairston), who tries to exploit their talent for his own gain. However, Diller and Georgia are determined to succeed on their own terms, refusing to compromise their music or integrity.

As they continue to perform and gain recognition, Diller and Georgia also develop a romantic relationship. However, their success is threatened when Diller is accused of another crime and must clear his name.

In the end, Diller and Georgia are able to prove his innocence and are welcomed back into the music scene with open arms. They perform a final, triumphant concert together, showcasing their love for each other and their music.

“Killer Diller” is notable for featuring an all-black cast and for its representation of the post-war jazz scene. It also tackles issues of injustice and perseverance, highlighting the power of music as a means of overcoming adversity.

Directors:
Josh Binney

Writer:
Hal Seeger

Stars:
Dusty Fletcher, George Wiltshire, Butterfly McQueen

“Paradise in Harlem” is a 1939 musical film directed by Joseph Seiden and starring Mamie Smith and Norman Astwood.

The story follows Billie Williams (Smith), a young singer from Harlem who dreams of making it big in the music industry. She meets a wealthy businessman named Bradley (Astwood), who offers to help her achieve her dreams. However, Billie soon discovers that Bradley is a con artist who is using her talent to make money for himself.

Meanwhile, a group of neighborhood kids, known as the “Harlem Tuff Kids,” are causing trouble around the neighborhood, stealing and causing mischief. Billie takes an interest in the kids and tries to steer them in a more positive direction by organizing a community center for them to participate in music and dance classes.

As Billie’s career takes off, she becomes increasingly aware of Bradley’s shady dealings and tries to break away from him. However, Bradley is not willing to let her go and schemes to keep her under his control.

In the end, the Harlem Tuff Kids come to Billie’s rescue, helping her to expose Bradley’s true intentions and saving her from his clutches. Billie is then able to focus on her music and her community center, creating a better life for herself and those around her.

“Paradise in Harlem” is notable for featuring an all-black cast and for its representation of Harlem’s vibrant music and culture. The film also tackles issues of exploitation and empowerment, highlighting the importance of self-determination and community support.

Directors:
Joseph Seiden

Writer:
Frank H. Wilson, Vincent Valentini

Stars:
Frank H. Wilson, Mamie Smith, Norman Astwood

“Pot o’ Gold” is a 1941 American musical comedy film directed by George Marshall and starring James Stewart and Paulette Goddard.

The story follows Jimmy Haskell (Stewart), a young man who has just been fired from his job and is struggling to make ends meet. He discovers that his grandfather has left him a deed to a run-down music store, which he decides to sell. However, when he meets Molly McCorkle (Goddard), the daughter of the owner of a rival music store, he decides to keep the store and compete with her father.

Jimmy soon learns that his store has a unique feature – a hidden safe containing a large sum of money, known as the “pot o’ gold”. However, he must keep the safe a secret from Molly and her father, who are determined to put him out of business.

As the competition between the two music stores heats up, Jimmy and Molly begin to fall in love. But when Molly discovers the existence of the pot o’ gold, she uses it to her advantage, threatening to reveal its location unless Jimmy agrees to sell his store to her father.

In the end, Jimmy and Molly team up to perform a successful benefit concert, using the money raised to pay off both their debts and to improve their stores. They also discover a shared passion for music, and decide to join forces in both business and love.

“Pot o’ Gold” is known for its upbeat musical numbers, including the title song “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling,” and for its charismatic performances by Stewart and Goddard. It is also notable for its portrayal of Irish-American culture, featuring traditional Irish music and dance.

Directors:
George Marshall

Writer:
Walter DeLeon, Andrew Bennison, Monte Brice

Stars:
James Stewart, Paulette Goddard, Horace Heidt

“Boy! What a Girl!” is a 1946 musical comedy film directed by Arthur Dreifuss. The film stars Tim Moore as a porter named Sam, and former chorus girl, Lucille Ball, as a dancer named Terry. The film also features The Peters Sisters, a singing and dancing trio, and various other performers.

The plot of the film revolves around Sam’s attempts to help Terry achieve her dream of becoming a Broadway star. Terry is working as a taxi dancer at a local nightclub, but she dreams of bigger and better things. Sam, who is also an aspiring songwriter, sees potential in Terry and decides to help her by writing a song for her and getting her an audition with a Broadway producer.

Despite various setbacks and misunderstandings, including a case of mistaken identity that results in Sam being taken for a gangster, Sam and Terry eventually succeed in their mission. Terry impresses the Broadway producer with her singing and dancing skills, and Sam’s song is picked up for the show.

The film features several musical numbers, including a lively tap dance routine by Ball, and several performances by The Peters Sisters. The film is a light-hearted and entertaining romp that showcases the talents of its stars and provides a glimpse into the world of 1940s show business.

Directors:
Arthur H. Leonard

Writer:
Vincent Valentini

Stars:
Tim Moore, Elwood Smith, Duke Williams