tavm After years of reading about this movie, I finally got to see Best Foot Forward last week though the DVD I borrowed from the library was defective since the picture started-and-stopped during the beginning credits and also the first number so I waited to order another copy from Netflix which I just watched. Lucille Ball played herself as a very popular movie star though she probably wasn't as popular in real life at the time as she was so depicted in the movie. And, of course, her characterization is much different from the one that really made her such a success a decade later when she and hubby Desi Arnaz starred on TV in "I Love Lucy". Still, she brings the funny in her wisecracks and in being humiliated quite a few times so in that way, she wasn't too different from her usual characterization. Anyway, this was a wonderfully contrived musical comedy about a cadet from Winsocki writing to Ms. Ball about going to the prom with him since his real girlfriend wasn't initially going to show up. The girlfriend is played by Virginia Weidler-a former child actor whose last film this turned out to be. There's also some good female singers in the cast like Gloria DeHaven and June Allyson. Oh, and comedienne Nancy Walker does self-depreciation in making fun of her looks to a fine art as well as provide some brassy charm when doing her Big Band numbers especially during the "Alive and Kickin'" song she clowns in with musician Harry James who also provide some additional great numbers. The songs by Hugh Martin & Ralph Blane are tunefully enjoyable. So on that note, I highly recommend Best Foot Forward. P.S. The reason I watched this just now was because since I've been reviewing the Our Gang comedies the past several months, I decided to also review films outside of the series which had individual members appearing like Darwood "Waldo" Kaye as a young student named "Killer"! Also, Sara Haden, who had played Miss Pipps in the series short Come Back, Miss Pipps, appears here as Miss Talbert.

slhtexas For all those like me who have wondered and searched for information on what became of Tommy Dix.I came across a site with information on him from 2009. According to the site Dix was drafted after "Best Foot Forward" and severely injured in a stateside training accident. I don't know what the injury was. Because of the injury he was unable to go overseas with his regiment which was decimated at the Battle of the Bulge. He apparently lives in Savannah Georgia. I wish he had been able to continue his career.I really enjoyed his singing. "Wynsocki" tends to stick in your mind.The music makes this otherwise mundane movie worth watching. I hope Tommy Dix's life has been rich and satisfying

ca (lilacbay) I liked the movie - especially the reprise of Buckle Down Winsocki - Tommy Dix wonderful baritone for his age.What ever happened to TOMMY DIX???? from 1955 until now I do not know:BUT......in one blurb I read on the web - in mentioned that he was interested in physics. As he would now be 80??? maybe he got into the sciences??? Some of the others from the play seem to have gone to University??I cant say - between 1944-54 (ten years) - but he is still mentioned as a Broadway Star....1955: Found him through research on the web from the February 2003 Newsletter by "Birmingham Historical Society" Alabama about their historical Clarke Theatre dedication. 1955 opening production of BEST FOOT FORWARD.Tommy Dix photo sing his song on page 2w/the cast;info page 3; (.PDF file) Denotes that Hugh Martin, Jr, a AL native and composer (see best foot forward crew) helped stage this production - I guess he got Dix to come down for the Play??1944 - August 25, 1944 - noted as at the Copley's Oval Room - CAMBRIDGE, MASS noted as the Winsocki Kid,-Tommy Dix. To be interviewed on a radio show says the school newspaper 'THE TECH' Page 2 yup!!! MIT archives...... vol 064 S0112 P002 text '1944'1944 Andy Hardy's 'Blonde Trouble' movie Tommy Dix as 'Mark' --- 1943 'Best Foot Forward' Movie Tommy Dix as 'Elwood'. 1941 Sunday October 8, one week after show opens?? With vocalist Tom Dix, the Benny Goodman Orchestra recorded "Buckle Down Winsocki" on the Columbia label. 'Best Foot Forward' Broadway show at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre, NY Opening: Oct 1,1941-Jul 4, 1942-Total Performances: 326 11/26/1940 - The Corn is Green -Broadway show - Tommy Dix as Ensemble. Opening: Nov 26,1940 Closing: Jan 17, 1942 Total Performances: 47711/11/1940 - 'Career of Tommy Dix' Time magazine archives. Here noted as aged 15 in Manhattan - just starting out. Mom sick, widowed two years earlier...gets picked up at the MET and sings baritone.... etc.4/1/1930 Under a Texas Moon movie premier Tommy Dix as 'Tom' age 6?Maybe His Dad was an actor - ????Anyone else know anything else about Mr. Tommy Dix.???

bruno-32 This movie was originally set for Hedy lamarr, but she refused ( wisely ) and was in turn, denied the role in Casablanca. Louis B Mayer was spiteful to be sure. The best thing in this movie was the rendition of the "3 B's", sung by the youthful Nancy Walker, Gloria De Haven and June Allyson, and Harry james orchestra. "Buckle Down Winsocki" was the hit of its day, sung magnificently by a Tommy Dix. Whatever happened to him?