How to Be Very, Very Popular
Two strippers on the run hide out in a college fraternity. Director Nunnally Johnson's 1955 musical comedy stars Betty Grable, Sheree North, Robert Cummings, Charles Coburn, Tommy Noonan, Orson Bean, Fred Clark, Alice Pearce, Rhys Williams, Willard Waterman, Leslie Parrish and Jesslyn Fax.
Insights
Plot Summary
A retired baseball star, Skip, is reluctantly drawn into helping his niece, Stormy, an aspiring actress. Stormy becomes involved with a wealthy film producer and a scheming studio executive, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and romantic entanglements. The film follows their efforts to navigate the cutthroat world of Hollywood while trying to achieve fame and fortune.
Critical Reception
While not a critical darling, "How to Be Very, Very Popular" was a commercial success, capitalizing on the star power of Betty Grable. Contemporary reviews often cited its lighthearted escapism and the performances of its leads, though some found the plot predictable. Audiences generally enjoyed its blend of romance and comedy.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its lighthearted entertainment value and star performances.
- Found to be a predictable but enjoyable romantic comedy.
- Its escapist nature resonated with post-war audiences seeking diversion.
Google audience: Audience reception information is not readily available in a consolidated format.
Fun Fact
The film marked Betty Grable's final starring role in a musical film, signaling a shift in her career and the decline of the traditional Hollywood musical.
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