Watch Ladies of the Chorus

Ladies of the Chorus is a musical film from 1948 directed by Phil Karlson. The movie follows the story of Peggy Martin, played by Adele Jergens, a young woman who works as a burlesque dancer at a club in New York City. Peggy has dreams of becoming a famous performer, but her mother Mae, played by the legendary actress Gladys George, disapproves of her career choice and wants her to marry well.

One night, Peggy meets wealthy young man Randy Carroll, played by Rand Brooks, who, impressed by her talent, falls in love with her. However, Randy's parents are against their relationship, seeing Peggy as unworthy of their son because of her job as a burlesque dancer. As Peggy and Randy try to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way of their love, Peggy is invited to audition for a famous Broadway producer, and her dreams of stardom may finally come true.

The highlight of Ladies of the Chorus, though, is Marilyn Monroe, who plays Peggy's best friend and fellow dancer in the burlesque troupe, her first major motion picture role. Monroe shines in her performance, showcasing her incredible beauty, charisma, and acting skills, even in a supporting role. She sings two songs in the movie, "Anyone Can See I Love You" and "Every Baby Needs a Da-Da-Daddy," displaying her sultry voice and captivating presence.

The film's music is composed by Richard Himber, who wrote some catchy and memorable tunes, performed by Peggy, Randy, and the chorus girls, such as "Ladies of the Chorus," "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend," and "Every Baby Needs a Da-Da-Daddy." The choreography by Jack Donohue is also well executed, featuring some fun and playful dance numbers that showcase the talents of the cast.

Overall, Ladies of the Chorus is an entertaining and charming musical film that showcases the early careers of two iconic actresses, Adele Jergens and Marilyn Monroe. Although not a big commercial success at the time of its release, the movie has gained a cult following over the years, thanks to Monroe's rising fame and the nostalgic appeal of old Hollywood glamour. The story may seem overly simplistic and predictable by today's standards, but the film's energetic performances and catchy songs make it a delightful treat for fans of classic Hollywood musicals.

Ladies of the Chorus is a 1949 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.1.