(Victor Saville, US 1945, 92 min., 35mm)
This war-time musical romance teams Rita Hayworth and Paul Bowman as a showgirl and RAF pilot, respectively. Framed by the story of a journalist arriving in London to recount the legend of the Music Box Theatre, which never missed a performance during World War II, the film follows American songstress Rosalind Bruce (Hayworth) and her interaction with the troupe. Sam Royce (Ernest Cossart) is the stage manager; May Tolliver (Florence Bates) is the choreographer; Tommy Lawson (Marc Platt) is the new, young dance star; and Judy Kane (Janet Blair) is Rosalind’s fellow choirine. When squadron leader Paul Mundy (Bowman) wanders into the theater and German planes discharge their bombs over the theater, Paul and Ros meet in the basement as they take shelter. But his deception may stifle their relationship before it even gets started. Songs by Jule Styne and Sammy Cahn highlight the film, including the title track and “Cry and You Cry Alone.”
Post-screening discussion with Michael Lasser.