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.

you came along

the year: 1945

the genre: drama

the cast: Robert Cummings (Major Bob Collins); Lizabeth Scott (Ivy Hotchkiss); Don DeFore (Captain W. “Shakespeare” Anders); Charles Drake (Lt. R. “Handome” Janoschek)



the plot: While participating in a nationwide war-bond drive, three rowdy war heroes-Bob Collins, Shakespeare and Handsome -elect to have as much fun as possible, which translates to an endless supply of wine, women and song. The three carousers are chaperoned (after a misunderstanding) on their tour by pretty Ivy Hotchkiss, with whom Bob falls deeply and genuinely in love. After some amusing escapades, Bob and Ivy become romantically involved, agreeing it's "just fun up in the air." Then Ivy finds out the real reason why it shouldn't be anything more.



don’t miss: Bob edging the other two guys out of time with Ivy.




check out: the Fliers Chapel at the Mission Inn in Riverside. Quaint.


listen for: the title song “You Came Along.”


count: how many war bond rallies the flyers attend.



you might: recognize “Handsome” from A Night in Casablanca – in that movie Charles Drake played the hero, Lt. Delmar.


and p.s. Erika has requested that I let you know that this has a bittersweet ending. Hanky rating 2 (out of 5).