Main Cast: Betty Grable, Victor Mature, Phil Harris, James Barton, Reginald Gardiner
Release Year: 1950
Country: US
Run Time: 92 minutes
Plot
Betty Grable's Wabash Avenue is an agreeable remake of Grable's 1943 hit Coney Island. The locale is changed from New York to Chicago, but the plot remains basically the same. Once again, the star is cast as a honky-tonk singer, Ruby Summers, who is groomed for classier show-business endeavors by a handsome producer -- in this case, Andy Clark (Victor Mature). Saloon owner Uncle Mike (Phil Harris) doesn't want to lose Ruby (Grable) for both professional and personal reasons, but Clark is more persuasive, and, frankly, better-looking. Once she reaches the top in a Hammerstein show, Ruby's head is turned by Clark's suave, sophisticated partner English Eddie (Reginald Gardiner). Margaret Hamilton has a wonderful cameo as a Carrie Nation-style saloon basher, while old-time vaudevillian James Barton steals the show with his rendition of such standards as "Harrigan" and "Green River." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Review
In 1950, a studio could still get away with a musical as slight as Wabash Avenue, a film that packs in some two dozen musical numbers into its 92 minute running time. Clearly, the emphasis here is on the song-and-dance routines rather than on the story, and these are certainly diverting. Choreographer Billy Daniels turns in some notably strong work; there's nothing innovative about what he achieves here, but it's distinctive and effective and certainly showcases the performers quite well. Of those performers, Grable is her usual appealing and charming self, selling the title song and "I Wish I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate" (among others) for all they're worth. Phil Harris brings out his reliable Harris schtick to good effect, and James Barton is a delight with his accurate recreations of several period chestnuts. Director Henry Koster keeps things moving, allowing only as much time to focus on the thin plot as is necessary, and the color sets and costumes provide distraction from the sometimes-painful dialogue. Not one of Grable's greatest films, Wabash is still amiable if unambitious. ~ Craig Butler, All Movie Guide
