Saw three great classic "B" films from the early 1940s, starring Lucille Ball. Before the television comedy, Miss Ball was an actress at RKO studios, making dramatic, comedic and even musical films. The three films are The Big Street; Dance, Girl, Dance; and Dubarry Was A Lady. Ironically, in all three films she portrays an entertainer in either a nightclub or burlesque theatre, something that her latter persona, Lucy Ricardo, would not be allowed to do thanks to Ricky.
The Big Street is a drama based on a short story "Little Pinks" by Damon Runyon, you know, the creator of the Guys and Dolls characters. In this film, Miss Ball portrays a singer in a supper club, Gloria Lyons. She wants riches, good food, jewels, etc. Her boyfriend is a mob leader. She meets a busboy, Little Pinks (Henry Fonda) and somehow their lives intertwine in an interesting way. She earns the nickname "Your Highness" and it sticks with her throughout the film. As luck would have it, Gloria wants to go out with other men; her boyfriend does not think so. He slaps her hard that she falls down some stairs and is hurt badly- paralyzed from the waist down. Little Pinks wants to help her in any way he can- he is smitten with her. Miss Ball's character is so bitchy, a far cry from her comedy persona. She does not like being taken care of by Pink and his neighbors. She cannot see how kindness can help one get through a personal hell. She wants to go to Miami Beach and Pinks helps her achieve this dream. She is after a millionaire, by the way, who does not want damaged goods. Many other things happen and towards the end Gloria realizes how good she has had it with Mr. Pinks. By the way, have that box of tissue at hand. Among the supporting players is one Agnes Moorehead- young and witty. And I swear there is a young Hans Conreid as a head waiter of the supper club. Hmm.
Next, Dance, Girl, Dance with Maureen O'Hara, Ralph Bellamy and Maria Ouspenskaya. Miss Ball's character in this film is Bubbles. She's a dancer, a rather good one, in a club that doubles as an illegal gambling joint. Her best friend, Judy, is also a chorine. Both lose their jobs and return to New York City. Judy aspires to dance in the ballet. In New York they return to a dance school run by Maria Ouspenskaya, a classic character actress, wherein she must lower her standards and teach her students the hula. Judy does not have the "oomph" needed to work in a club; Bubbles lands a job in New Jersey, eventually becoming a headliner in a burlesque theatre. It's a great comedy and Judy works hard to achieve her dream. There is a great "cat fight" between Judy and Bubbles. No tissues for this one, just laugh and feel good.
Lastly Dubarry Was A Lady a hilarious musical comedy co-starring Red Skelton and Gene Kelly, and Tommy Dorsey and his orchestra. In a supporting role, a young and not so chubby Zero Mostel. The story opens in a nightclub (yes, again) and Lucy is a headliner. Red Skelton and Gene Kelly are in love with her. The first 45 or so minutes are in New York, then a trip back in time to Paris in the 18th Century where we meet Madame Dubarry and her control of Louis XV. Three Cole Porter songs are used in the film, which is based on a Broadway stage version. Miss Ball's voice is dubbed for the opening song, but her real voice is used in the finale, Friendship. It is funny and filmed in lush technicolor. You can see her red hair fire up each scene she is in.
So, check out these films for a chance to see Lucy before she became the Lucy we all know and love. Some of the lines are dated, so it's good to know your American history or slang from the times.
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