HIT PARADE OF 1943

US, 1943, 83 minutes, Black and white.
John Carroll, Susan Hayward, Eve Arden, Melville Cooper, Dorothy Dandridge, Gail Patrick.
Directed by Albert S. Rogell.

Hit Parade of 1943 was made as part of the war effort by Republic Studios. It is of interest now because of its starring Susan Hayward at the beginning of her career.

The film's plot is typical of its time: the songwriter (who steals other people's work), is a young man played by John Carroll who meets a young woman, Susan Hayward. They clash, they collaborate - with Susan aiming to unmask John, while inevitably falling in love with him. Gail Patrick is the other woman, who fosters John's career, sings his songs, and spreads mischief about his intentions towards Susan. On the other hand, Eve Arden is bright and tart as usual.

There are the usual ingredients in a short running time, some songs and some nonsense lyrics about song writing which work quite effectively as songs with a touch of irony. There is verbal sparring. Everything seems to go wrong with John at the end as he loses Susan, popularity, money, but he sees the light and wins her back by singing her song. It goes over the radio and there is the inevitable happy ending.

Bonuses from the film are appearances by Count Basie and a young Dorothy Dandridge.