mkawagoye Review of Reveille with Beverly

Reveille with Beverly (1943)

Take a 'swing' down the memory lane of WWII

[7/10 · 31 August 2007]

Just took another trip down memory lane by watching the 1943 movie, "Reveille With Beverly". A few of the details had been forgotten over the 64 years since the original viewing but the music was remembered! The reprise of the records which were so popular at that time and which kept wearing out turntable needles was a joy to the ears. The Mills Bros. (with John Sr instead of the original John Jr) were a soothing sound. Count Basie was a must with his 'One O'Clock Jump'. Bob Crosby with bassist Bob Haggart and drummer Ray Bauduc gave us "Big Noise From Winnetka". Then Duke Ellington and his great organization gave us his theme song, 'Take the A Train'. Frank Sinatra gave us a production staged rendition of ' Night and Day'. That is to say, it featured many violinists and pianists of gowned femininity. But the arrangement was the record which was so popular on a 78. Ella Mae Morse with the backing of Freddie Slack and his orchestra gave us the 'Cow Cow Boogie' in her own inimitable way. Finally the Radio Rogues were brought in to give us a smorgasbord of various popular radio performers of the time and of the past. There were the usual imitations of 'Lum and Abner'; 'Amos and Andy'; Kate Smith; Ben Bernie; Red Skelton; etc. Ann Miller finished up with a production number which was strapped by budget. If you like swing and remember WWII, this is a delight.