VividSimon Simply Perfect

Matrixiole Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

Glimmerubro It is not deep, but it is fun to watch. It does have a bit more of an edge to it than other similar films.

Allison Davies The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.

mark.waltz A bunch of energetic adolescents get together for this fast-paced and likable musical comedy based upon a 1941 Broadway musical that has since become a cult classic. It's all about a popular movie star (Lucille Ball as herself) who is sent to a military school as a publicity stunt by her rambunctous agent (William Gaxton) as a date for the teenaged cadet (Tommy Dix). She is recognized by other students who rip off her clothes for souvenirs, getting the cadet into trouble yet getting the publicity she needed. Ms.Ball proves she's a good egg by stepping up to the plate to defend him to the school's general just in time for graduation.This opens up on a truly peppy moment with "Wish I May, Wish I Might", a campy musical number where the dates of the cadets arrive and dream of a successful graduation dance. Pouting Virginia Weidler is cast as Dix's rejected girlfriend who must go with someone else when her beau chooses to go with the red-headed Ball. Lucy looks great in Technicolor, heading into "A" movie musical territory at MGM after 7 years in "B" films over at RKO of varying quality. Her red hair is as flaming as her personality, and you won't confuse her for Lucy Ricardo, Carmichael or Carter here. She's not a clumsy dolt, just a victim of circumstance and her own fame.Then, there's the supporting cast with June Allyson, Gloria DeHaven and the unbelievably talented Nancy Walker ("Rhoda", "McMillan and Wife", "Bounty" commercials). Walker is hysterically funny from the moment she drives up, a younger version of Patsy Kelly, and totally man crazy even though none of the men will look at her. She steals every musical moment she's in, singing and dancing with Harry James in "Alive and Kicking" and getting an unusual disguise when she literally ends up wearing a drum. Allyson and DeHaven provide lighter moments, and join Walker for "The Three B's", an enjoyable tribute to the Barrelhouse, the Boogie Woogie and the Blues.Equally memorable is "Buckle Down, Winsocki", the school song utilized for the finale and sung by the deep voiced but young looking Dix.

ca (lilacbay) I liked the movie - especially the reprise of Buckle Down Winsocki - Tommy Dix wonderful baritone for his age.What ever happened to TOMMY DIX???? from 1955 until now I do not know:BUT......in one blurb I read on the web - in mentioned that he was interested in physics. As he would now be 80??? maybe he got into the sciences??? Some of the others from the play seem to have gone to University??I cant say - between 1944-54 (ten years) - but he is still mentioned as a Broadway Star....1955: Found him through research on the web from the February 2003 Newsletter by "Birmingham Historical Society" Alabama about their historical Clarke Theatre dedication. 1955 opening production of BEST FOOT FORWARD.Tommy Dix photo sing his song on page 2w/the cast;info page 3; (.PDF file) Denotes that Hugh Martin, Jr, a AL native and composer (see best foot forward crew) helped stage this production - I guess he got Dix to come down for the Play??1944 - August 25, 1944 - noted as at the Copley's Oval Room - CAMBRIDGE, MASS noted as the Winsocki Kid,-Tommy Dix. To be interviewed on a radio show says the school newspaper 'THE TECH' Page 2 yup!!! MIT archives...... vol 064 S0112 P002 text '1944'1944 Andy Hardy's 'Blonde Trouble' movie Tommy Dix as 'Mark' --- 1943 'Best Foot Forward' Movie Tommy Dix as 'Elwood'. 1941 Sunday October 8, one week after show opens?? With vocalist Tom Dix, the Benny Goodman Orchestra recorded "Buckle Down Winsocki" on the Columbia label. 'Best Foot Forward' Broadway show at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, NY Opening: Oct 1,1941-Jul 4, 1942-Total Performances: 326 11/26/1940 - The Corn is Green -Broadway show - Tommy Dix as Ensemble. Opening: Nov 26,1940 Closing: Jan 17, 1942 Total Performances: 47711/11/1940 - 'Career of Tommy Dix' Time magazine archives. Here noted as aged 15 in Manhattan - just starting out. Mom sick, widowed two years earlier...gets picked up at the MET and sings baritone.... etc.4/1/1930 Under a Texas Moon movie premier Tommy Dix as 'Tom' age 6?Maybe His Dad was an actor - ????Anyone else know anything else about Mr. Tommy Dix.???

whpratt1 Enjoyed viewing this old timer from 1943 and seeing Lucille Ball acting as herself and getting plenty of laughs. In this film, Lucille's career is sort of fading and her agent thinks it is a good idea for her to get some press coverage by becoming a date for a Senior Prom at Winsocki Military Academy. The lucky guy is Bud Hooper, who at the same time has a girl friend who wants to go with him to the prom also. June Allyson, (Ethel) does some fancy dance steps and sings a few tunes, which sort of launched her career in films. There is some great entertainment from Harry James and his orchestra, he plays a great version of "Flight of the Bumble Bee" and also does a funny dance routine with Nancy Walker, who really was the great comic in the film and got most of the laughs. This is definitely a look back in the past, with plenty of 1943 entertainment. Enjoy

Jim B-2 A glorious array of feminine talent in a superior song-and-dance movie posing as a football film. One of Lucille Ball's roles preceding her charming but ditzy "I Love Lucy" era. Here she is a star playing a star. And what better supporting cast can you want than Gloria DeHaven, Nancy Walker and June Allyson (the latter two making their film debuts). And then there is the music including the sensational "Two O'Clock Jump" and my all-time favorite college "fight song" - Buckle Down Winsockie" They don't make them like this any more. Women galore, and glorious, as stars and appealing to men for its football touch. It is dated and has gaps but it is a not-to-be missed treasure.