Ann Blyth is about 15 years old here in her first movie, Chip Off the Old Block, which was released in February 1944. Ernest Truex is on the left, and Helen Hinson, center, played her mother. In this Universal musical, Ann is the third generation of actresses in her family. Donald O'Connor is her persistent beau and first co-star. From my book on Ann's career: Ann Blyth: Actress. Singer. Star.:
Our introduction to Ann Blyth is on a train. Donald sits apart from her, doing eye exercises for his lousy vision, and she misinterprets it as somewhat grotesque flirting. After a spat and reconciliation, they are cozily ensconced on the rear train observation platform (a much-used movie setting for tête-à-têtes) and sing a duet “It’s Mighty Nice.” Her voice is a pleasing soprano, but nowhere near the range, control and richness she developed with more training by the next decade...
Wish these Universal musical movies were available.
ReplyDeleteMe, too, Moira. Universal had quite a roster of musical teen stars, but as we know, much of "the vault" has yet to be released.
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