Salute for Three
Brief Synopsis
Cast & Crew
Ralph Murphy
Betty Rhodes
Macdonald Carey
Marty May
Cliff Edwards
Minna Gombell
Film Details
Technical Specs
Synopsis
In New York City, a parade of soldiers inspires theatrical agent Jimmy Gates to concoct a romance between war hero Buzz McAllister and Jimmy's aspiring radio singer, Judy Ames, in order to promote Judy. As part of the ruse, Judy meets Buzz at the Manhattan Canteen, where she performs along with Jimmy's other client, Dona Drake and Her Girl Band. When Judy sees that Buzz is virtually drowning in female attention, she plays hard to get. The tactic works as Buzz finds her apparent disinterest refreshing. Judy and Buzz continue to date, and Jimmy sends his photographer, Foggy, to follow them, but Foggy fails to get any good pictures. Judy, who is in love with Jimmy, resents using Buzz, and begs Jimmy to let her quit. Jimmy agrees to take her out that night, but instead gives the tickets to Buzz. Disappointed, Judy insists on going home, and when Buzz falls in a puddle, she invites him in to dry off. Foggy hides in the dumbwaiter and snatches a photo of them together while Buzz is in his underpants, and an air raid blackout forces Buzz to remain at the apartment. When Judy discovers Buzz has fallen asleep on the couch, she covers him with a blanket and retires to her bedroom. The next morning, Buzz tells Jimmy that he plans to propose to Judy, and when Foggy shows him the picture, Jimmy believes that he has lost his true love. Nevertheless, Jimmy uses the photo to get Judy a featured spot on the "Girl I Left Behind Me" radio program, and publicizes Judy and Buzz's engagement. Judy is completely unaware of Buzz's intentions, however, until later that night, while she is working as a volunteer nurse at a hospital, Buzz proposes. Judy realizes that she now loves Buzz, and accepts his proposal. The next day, however, Buzz learns from Dona that Judy's interest in him was all a set-up and leaves Judy before she can explain that she truly loves him. Jimmy decides to enlist in the Army, and uses his influence with Buzz's commanding officer, an old friend, to force Buzz to appear on the radio show. Buzz reluctantly attends the show, during which Judy tries to explain her situation, but Buzz refuses to listen and walks out, forcing Judy to continue the show heartbroken. The next day, Jimmy visits Judy backstage at the canteen and decides to help her get Buzz back. He sends Foggy to find Buzz and bring him to the canteen, where he is to perform that night. Buzz returns and he and Judy make up, but agree not to marry immediately because Judy does not want to hurt Jimmy, who she realizes is in love with her. In the midst of Judy's song, both Buzz and Jimmy receive their orders to report immediately, and Judy bids them farewell with her music.
Director
Ralph Murphy
Cast
Betty Rhodes
Macdonald Carey
Marty May
Cliff Edwards
Minna Gombell
Lorraine And Rognan
Dona Drake
Charles Smith
Charles Williams
Walter Sande
Harry Barris
Doodles Weaver
Jack Gardner
Robert Emmett Keane
Tony Hughes
Catherine Craig
Linda Brent
Patti Brilhante
Dede Barrington
Frank Moran
Frederic Henry
Frank Wayne
Emmett Vogan
Eddie Dew
Noel Neill
Franklin Parker
Blanche Payson
Isabel Withers
Frank Faylen
Eddie Coke
Billy Wayne
George Sherwood
Lynda Grey
Louise La Planche
Maxine Ardell
Christopher King
Marcella Phillips
Marjorie Deanne
Yvonne De Carlo
Alice Kirby
Tom Seidel
Ralph Montgomery
Edna Bennett
Crew
Doris Anderson
Art Arthur
Jack Donohue
Haldane Douglas
Hans Dreier
Kim Gannon
Edith Head
Max Hutchinson
Don Johnson
Curtis Kenyon
Sol Meyer
Troy Sanders
George Sawley
Arthur Schmidt
Howard Snyder
Theodor Sparkuhl
Jule Styne
Hugh Wedlock Jr.
Wally Westmore
Victor Young
Film Details
Technical Specs
Quotes
Trivia
Notes
The working title of this film was Stage Door Canteen, but the picture was never associated with the 1943 United Artists release of the same name (see below), or with the actual Stage Door Canteen in New York City. Hollywood Reporter news items report the following: Robert Preston was initially cast in the lead role, and Tony Rivers, a war veteran, left the cast due to illness. An article in Los Angeles Times noted that Gil Lamb was slated to appear in the film, but his appearance in the final film has not been confirmed. This was MacDonald Carey's last screen appearance before entering the Marine Corps.
