moon over miami

the year: 1941

the genre: musical


the cast: Betty Grable (Kay Latimer / Miss Adams); Don Ameche (Phil O’Neil); Carole Landis (Barbara Latimer / Miss Sears); Robert Cummings (Jeffrey Boulton II); Charlotte Greenwood (Aunt Susan Latimer); Jack Haley (Jack O’Hara)


the plot: After coming into a much smaller inheritance than expected, Kay and Barbara and their Aunt Susan Latimer abandon the Texas greasy-spoon where they work to and head to Miami in search of rich husbands. With Barbara posing as Kay's secretary and Susan as her maid, the three check into a posh Miami hotel. Soon Kay is in the delightful predicament of being pursued by two handsome, wealthy bachelors at once. Of course, complications arise…



count: how far behind on their rent the girls get.



don’t miss: Jack and his penchant for “Guaca-mala” sauce.


check out: how Kay gets invited to Jeff's party.


listen for: “Let's see what do we want? We want you, the juice of the grape and a good hot dance band.” “But right now we'll settle for those potato chips and cheese.”


extra bonus points: if you can name Jack Haley’s most famous movie role.

how to marry a millionaire

the year: 1953

the genre: comedy

the cast: Lauren Bacall (Schatze Page); Betty Grable (Loco Dempsey); Marilyn Monroe (Pola Debevoise); William Powell (J.D. Hanley); David Wayne (Freddie Denmark); Cameron Mitchell (Tom Brookman); Rory Calhoun (Eben); Fred Clark (Waldo Brewster)


the plot: Three New York models move into a Manhattan penthouse apartment and set out to find eligible millionaire bachelors to marry. Do they choose love or money?


count: the acreage of trees that "belong to" Eben.


don’t miss: my favorite scene: “Men aren't attentive to girls who wear glasses.”






check out: the poetic justice for Mr. Brewster.


listen for: “We'd better put a check on that one. Nobody's mother lives in Atlantic City on Saturday.”



extra bonus points: if you know why Schatze’s line “I've always liked older men... Look at that old fellow what's-his-name in The African Queen. Absolutely crazy about him.” is so funny.