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.

topper returns

the year: 1941

the genre: comedy / suspense


the cast: Joan Blodell (Gail Richards); Carole Landis (Ann Carrington); Roland Young (Cosmo Topper); Billie Burke (Clara Topper); Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson (Eddie); Dennis O'Keefe (Bob the taxi driver)


the plot: Banker Cosmo Topper gallantly offers a lift to pretty hitchhikers Gail Richards and Ann Carrington, who are en route to a chilly old mansion, recently inherited by Ann and populated by all manner of sinister types. The only person whom the girls can trust -- or can they? -- is Ann' father. Unable to sleep in the creepy mansion, Gail suggests that she and Ann exchange bedrooms. This proves to be a fatal error when a mysterious, hooded assailant, intending to murder Ann, kills Gail instead. Gail’s ghost convinces Mr. Topper to help her identify her killer and to rescue Ann from a similar fate.


count: the number of candelabras - Liberace would be jealous!


don’t miss: the showdown between Rochester and the seal.

check out: the supporting characters: the bumbling Sgt. Roberts, Emily, the harried maid, and the Rebecca-esque housekeeper Lillian.


listen for: “Oh yes, there's something else. Let me see, I paid the milkman, that luncheon's been changed from Thursday to Friday...oh yes - there's been a murder."


watch the trailer: here



extra bonus points: (this is an easy one) name Billie Burke's most famous role.