Anson Weeks & His Orchestra Movies

The seemingly ageless Eddie Quillan heads the cast of the Monogram musical Melody Parade. Eddie plays Jimmy Tracy, a nightclub busboy who hopes to become a big-time producer. Mary Beth Hughes costars as Anne O'Rourke, a hatcheck girl with singing aspirations. The arrival of supposed heriess Gloria Brewster (Irene Ryan) would seem to bode well for Jimmy and Anne's showbiz future-but alas, Gloria turns out to be a phony. Never mind: no matter how many complications and setbacks, it's a sure bet that Melody Parade will end with an elaborate, all-smiles production number. Providing extra chuckles are Irene Ryan's husband/vaudeville partner Tim Ryan, and the ineluctable Mantan Moreland. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Since Universal was out of the "B"-western business by 1951, many former Universal contractees were obliged to seek work elsewhere. Monogram's Rhythm Inn stars Jane Frazee, Kirby Grant and Lois Collier, Universal alumni all. It all begins when bandleader Dusty Rhodes (Kirby Grant) is forced to pawn his musician's instruments. It so happens that pawnshop clerk Eddie Thompson (Charles Smith) is an aspiring songwriter. Thus it is that band-singer Carol Denton (Jane Frazee) is able to sweet-talk Thompson into allowing the musicians to use their instruments after office hours, with the promise that the clerk's songs will be performed. Complications ensue when Thompson's girl friend Betty (Lois Collier), misunderstanding the situation, becomes jealous. Specialty numbers in Rhythm Inn are provided by the Anson Weeks orchestra, Armida, Jean Ritchie, Ames & Arno and the Ramon Bros. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi