Wabash Avenue

"WABASH AVENUE": Betty Grable in top form
Today (6 March 2013) my copy of "Wabash Avenue" arrived! This is part of the FOX ARCHIEVES series that some have
complained about. This film is lovely. The print is great and ANY film that opens with Betty singing "I Wish That I Could Shimmy Like My Sister Kate" while wearing a gold fringe outfit.....is bound to be delightful and pleasing. Betty is still easiy at her peak here AND gets to play a girl who comes up through saloons to become a top entertainer. It is a positively winning combination, If you love Betty or just think you might like Betty..this film will thrill you. Do not miss this chance to own a copy...so far as I
know this film has not been previously released. If you have other GRABLE favorites....keep your eyes open, as a number
of Betty's flms are popping up and it is a treat to be able to have them in good studio copies to enjoy.

Grable Remake
Of the two films CONEY ISLAND and its remake WABASH AVENUE, I found the original to be the best. I am not a fan of Phil Harris who I found to be a bit obnoxious with his smirky, toothy smile. No fault with Grable who is sparkling as usual. Unlike CONEY ISLAND, this MOD film released by FOX is not a satisfying print. This film tends to look too orangey or reddish at times. Other times it looks beautiful. FOX either does not care or is just too sloppy the way they are bringng these films out on DVD. I am hoping FOX will release another Grable film MEET ME AFTER THE SHOW.

AN EXCEPTION TO THE REMAKE RULE
Wabash Avenue is an exception; when the remake is as good as the original. Betty Grable first filmed the story as the 1943 release Coney Island. For Wabash Avenue the location is moved to Chicago; new songs and dances are added; with a few changes to the storyline to create a sparkling, fresh entertainment.

Grable has fun with the character of Ruby Summers, who is arguably more feisty than her Kate Farley in Coney Island. Her wishing to shimmy like her sister Kate number is a wow.

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