Welcome to OTRCAT.com: Old Time Radio Catalog
Loading. Please wait...

Betty Grable Collection

One of the top box office draws and household name, Betty Grable was a hit with G.I.s serving overseas and appeared on Command Performance and Mail Call

Betty Grable

32 old time radio show recordings
(total playtime 16 hours, 3530 min)
available in the following formats:

1 MP3 CD
or
20 Audio CDs


Choose your CD format
or order disks individually: Add to Cart
Add to wishlist
Print

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

Betty Grable
(1916 – 1973)

Betty Grable

Betty Grable's photograph was made into a poster and became the most requested pin-up by G.I.s serving overseas, eventually surpassing Rita Hayworth’s iconic bedroom picture of 1941.

Elizabeth Ruth Grable was born in St. Louis, Missouri, on December 18, 1916. Her father was a stockbroker, and her mother, Lillian Rose Gable, was a "stubborn and materialistic" woman who pressured her youngest daughter to become a performer. Betty was enrolled in dance school at the age of three, and was entered in several beauty contests where she did quite well in spite of a lifelong fear of crowds.

In 1929, about the time of the great Wall Street Crash, the Grable family took a holiday to the West coast, and Lilian got it into her head that she and Betty should remain in Hollywood when the rest of the family returned to St. Louis. Her mother lied about Betty’s age to get her a job in chorus of "Let’s Go Places", but her true age was discovered after the first show and she was fired.

Sam Goldwyn hired Betty in 1930 to be one of his "Goldwyn Girls", an ensemble which included future stars like Lucille Ball and Paulette Goddard. The Goldwyn Girls appeared in the mega-hit Whoopee! (1930), the film that made Eddie Cantor a movie star. In 1932, Betty was signed to a contract with RKO Radio Pictures, and the studio assigned her to acting, singing and dancing classes. Her first credited role was in Probation (1932) when she was 14, but for the next few years she was assigned to minor, uncredited roles in some rather big films. Eventually she was given bigger parts in The Gay Divorcee (1934) and Follow the Fleet (1936) starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

In 1937, Betty wed Jackie Coogan, who had been a child star during the Silent Picture Era. Coogan had also been pressured by his mother and stepfather to perform. He eventually sued his parents to recover his earnings which they had squandered on diamonds, fur coats and expensive cars. His mother stated "No promises were ever made to give Jackie anything. Every dollar a kid earns before he is 21 belongs to his parents. Jackie will not get a cent of his earnings." The stress of the suit took a toll on the young couple, and Betty and Jackie divorced in 1939.

Before the split, the couple starred together in the campus B-movie Million Dollar Legs (1939). The only thing memorable about the film was that it gave Betty a nickname that would stick with her for the rest of her career. After the divorce she considered returning to a simpler life, but took a chance on Broadway, starring in the musical comedy DuBarry Was a Lady with Ethel Merman. After the play she was branded as a new found star.

Twentieth Century Fox offered her a long term contract and gave her the lead in Down Argentine Way (1940) with Don Ameche and Carmen Miranda. The part had been intended for Fox’s reigning star, Alice Faye, who bowed out with an unspecified illness. Next, she worked in Tin Pan Alley (1940), costarring with Ms. Faye. There were rumors circulating of a rivalry between Faye and Grable, based on the established star losing her place to an up and comer. In fact, the ladies were good friends and admirers of one another. It would not be the last time publicity departments would take advantage of a supposed rivalry with Betty Grable.

In 1943, Grable was voted the year’s top box office draw over Bob Hope, Gary Cooper, Greer Garson, Bogie and Clark Gable. It was the same year that the famous pin-up poster came out, which certainly helped her popularity at the box office. The pin-up also made her popular on AFRS favorites like Command Performance and Mail Call. The folks back home got to hear a lot of her in support of her films on movie anthology programs like Lux Radio Theater, Screen Directors Playhouse and The Gulf Screen Guild Theatre.

Betty married trumpeter Harry James in 1943, after working with him in Springtime in the Rockies (1942). The couple had two daughters, but the marriage was marred by alcoholism and infidelity. Her star continued to rise through the 40’s, although there were a few hiccups along the way, such as The Beautiful Blonde from Bashful Bend (1949), a Western send-up that even Betty badmouthed.

During the 1950’s, Grable began to have contract problems with the studio. She starred with Marilyn Monroe and Lauren Bacall in How to Marry a Millionaire (1953). The publicity department attempted to get some mileage out of a supposed back-lot rivalry between Betty and Marilyn, showing Grable as a Star in decline and Monroe as the sex kitten on the rise. Betty and Marilyn actually got along very well, and Betty reportedly told Marilyn "Go get your honey! I’ve had mine!"

In 1955, Betty signed on to star in How to Be Very, Very Popular with the understanding that her friend and Fox’s current top money-maker, Marilyn Monroe, would costar. Marilyn was not happy with the script, however, and dropped out of the project. The film was hyped but flopped because of a lack of chemistry between Grable and Sheree North, Monroe’s replacement. It would be Betty Grable’s last film.

Betty and Harry James divorced in 1965. In 1972, she discovered that she had lung cancer and died of the disease the next year. She was 56 years old. Dorothy Lamour, Mitzi Gaynor, Alice Faye, Don Ameche, Cesar Romero, George Raft and ex-husband Harry James attended her funeral.

A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6525 Hollywood Blvd honors Betty Grable’s contributions to Motion Pictures.

Betty Grable

Text on OTRCAT.com ©2001-2024 OTRCAT INC All Rights Reserved. Reproduction is prohibited.

These classic recordings are available in the following formats:

  • Show Rating

    5
    5     0


    COMMENTS

    Be the first to comment on "Betty Grable"


    Leave a comment

    You have reached the maximum number of votes for a unregistered user.

    Please login or create a new account to continue...

    You have reached the maximum number to down votes in this page.

  • MP3 CDs are delivered by mail. These archival quality MP3 CDs are playable in your computer and many MP3 player devices.



    32 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00. Total playtime 16 hours, 3530 min
    32 recordings on 1 MP3 CD for just $5.00
    total playtime 16 hours, 3530 min
    Add MP3 CD Collection to Cart

    1. 32 shows – total playtime 16 hours, 58 minutes
    2. Bob Hope 3955 390411 029 Betty Grable.mp3
    3. Command Perf 420507 012 Jack Benny, Judy Canova.mp3
    4. Command Perf 421103 040 Edgar Bergen, Judy Canova.mp3
    5. Command Perf 430227 055 Margaret Whiting, Mel Blanc.mp3
    6. Command Perf 430711 075 Bing Crosby, Harry James.mp3
    7. Command Perf 450927 193 Its Only Paper Moon Afrs.mp3
    8. Gi Journal 440429 42 Bob Hope 1st Its Love, Love, Love.mp3
    9. Lux Radio Theater 440522 440 Springtime In Rockies.mp3
    10. Lux Radio Theater 460930 539 Coney Island Repeat.mp3
    11. Lux Radio Theater 480202 601 Mother Wore Tights.mp3
    12. Lux Radio Theater 490425 655 When My Baby Smiles For Me.mp3
    13. Lux Radio Theater 491114 676 Mother Wore Tights Repeat.mp3
    14. Lux Radio Theater 501113 720 Wabash Avenue.mp3
    15. Lux Radio Theater 520225 779 My Blue Heaven.mp3
    16. Mail Call 430109 019 Groucho Marx, Judy Garland.mp3
    17. Mail Call 440726 102 Tribute To Hawaii Crosby, Connie Haines.mp3
    18. Mail Call 450516 145 George Jessel, Mills Brothers.mp3
    19. Mail Call 481013 320 Peggy Knudsen Gregory Ratoff O. Welles.mp3
    20. Movie Preview 340000 Gay Divorcee Astaire, Rogers, Grable.mp3
    21. Movie Preview 360000 Pigskin Parade Judy Garland.mp3
    22. Movie Preview 390000 Man About Town Jack Benny, D.Lamour.mp3
    23. Movie Preview 420000 20th Century Fox Song Of Islands.mp3
    24. Movie Preview 420000 Springtime In Rockies.mp3
    25. Philco Radio Time 490105 Harry James And Betty Grable.mp3
    26. Screen Dir Playhouse 500505 067 When My Baby Smiles At Me.mp3
    27. Screen Guild Theater 410223 075 Altar Bound.mp3
    28. Screen Guild Theater 420222 105 Love Is News.mp3
    29. Screen Guild Theater 421026 115 Yank In Raf.mp3
    30. Screen Guild Theater 460422 Perfect Specimen.mp3
    31. Suspense 490421 Copper Tea Strainer.mp3
    32. Treasury Salute 440807 091 Johnny David Hutchins.mp3
    33. Vallee Varieties 400613 015 Betty Grable.mp3
  • MP3 downloads are available instantly after purchase!



    32 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00. Total playtime 16 hours, 3530 min
    32 recordings on 1 MP3 Collection Download for just $5.00
    466 MB – total playtime 16 hours, 58 min
    Add Instant Download Collection to Cart

    1. 32 shows – 466 MB – total playtime 16 hours, 58 minutes
    2. Bob Hope 3955 390411 029 Betty Grable.mp3
    3. Command Perf 420507 012 Jack Benny, Judy Canova.mp3
    4. Command Perf 421103 040 Edgar Bergen, Judy Canova.mp3
    5. Command Perf 430227 055 Margaret Whiting, Mel Blanc.mp3
    6. Command Perf 430711 075 Bing Crosby, Harry James.mp3
    7. Command Perf 450927 193 Its Only Paper Moon Afrs.mp3
    8. Gi Journal 440429 42 Bob Hope 1st Its Love, Love, Love.mp3
    9. Lux Radio Theater 440522 440 Springtime In Rockies.mp3
    10. Lux Radio Theater 460930 539 Coney Island Repeat.mp3
    11. Lux Radio Theater 480202 601 Mother Wore Tights.mp3
    12. Lux Radio Theater 490425 655 When My Baby Smiles For Me.mp3
    13. Lux Radio Theater 491114 676 Mother Wore Tights Repeat.mp3
    14. Lux Radio Theater 501113 720 Wabash Avenue.mp3
    15. Lux Radio Theater 520225 779 My Blue Heaven.mp3
    16. Mail Call 430109 019 Groucho Marx, Judy Garland.mp3
    17. Mail Call 440726 102 Tribute To Hawaii Crosby, Connie Haines.mp3
    18. Mail Call 450516 145 George Jessel, Mills Brothers.mp3
    19. Mail Call 481013 320 Peggy Knudsen Gregory Ratoff O. Welles.mp3
    20. Movie Preview 340000 Gay Divorcee Astaire, Rogers, Grable.mp3
    21. Movie Preview 360000 Pigskin Parade Judy Garland.mp3
    22. Movie Preview 390000 Man About Town Jack Benny, D.Lamour.mp3
    23. Movie Preview 420000 20th Century Fox Song Of Islands.mp3
    24. Movie Preview 420000 Springtime In Rockies.mp3
    25. Philco Radio Time 490105 Harry James And Betty Grable.mp3
    26. Screen Dir Playhouse 500505 067 When My Baby Smiles At Me.mp3
    27. Screen Guild Theater 410223 075 Altar Bound.mp3
    28. Screen Guild Theater 420222 105 Love Is News.mp3
    29. Screen Guild Theater 421026 115 Yank In Raf.mp3
    30. Screen Guild Theater 460422 Perfect Specimen.mp3
    31. Suspense 490421 Copper Tea Strainer.mp3
    32. Treasury Salute 440807 091 Johnny David Hutchins.mp3
    33. Vallee Varieties 400613 015 Betty Grable.mp3
  • Standard Audio CDs are delivered by mail on archival quality media with up to 60 minutes on each CD and play in all CD players



    32 recordings on 20 Audio CDs. Total playtime 16 hours, 58 min
    32 recordings on 20 Audio CDs
    total playtime 16 hours, 58 min

    Betty Grable Disc A001

    1. Movie Preview 340000 Gay Divorcee Astaire, Rogers, Grable
    2. Movie Preview 360000 Pigskin Parade Judy Garland
    3. Movie Preview 390000 Man About Town Jack Benny, D.Lamour
    4. Bob Hope 3955 390411 029 Betty Grable

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A002

    1. Vallee Varieties 400613 015 Betty Grable
    2. Screen Guild Theater 410223 075 Altar Bound

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A003

    1. Movie Preview 420000 20th Century Fox Song Of Islands
    2. Movie Preview 420000 Springtime In Rockies
    3. Screen Guild Theater 420222 105 Love Is News

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A004

    1. Command Perf 420507 012 Jack Benny, Judy Canova
    2. Screen Guild Theater 421026 115 Yank In Raf

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A005

    1. Command Perf 421103 040 Edgar Bergen, Judy Canova
    2. Mail Call 430109 019 Groucho Marx, Judy Garland

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A006

    1. Command Perf 430227 055 Margaret Whiting, Mel Blanc
    2. Command Perf 430711 075 Bing Crosby, Harry James

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A007

    1. Gi Journal 440429 42 Bob Hope 1st Its Love, Love, Love

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A008

    1. Lux Radio Theater 440522 440 Springtime In Rockies

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A009

    1. Mail Call 440726 102 Tribute To Hawaii Crosby, Connie Haines
    2. Treasury Salute 440807 091 Johnny David Hutchins

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A010

    1. Mail Call 450516 145 George Jessel, Mills Brothers
    2. Command Perf 450927 193 Its Only Paper Moon Afrs

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A011

    1. Screen Guild Theater 460422 Perfect Specimen

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A012

    1. Lux Radio Theater 460930 539 Coney Island Repeat

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A013

    1. Lux Radio Theater 480202 601 Mother Wore Tights

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A014

    1. Mail Call 481013 320 Peggy Knudsen Gregory Ratoff O. Welles
    2. Philco Radio Time 490105 Harry James And Betty Grable

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A015

    1. Suspense 490421 Copper Tea Strainer

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A016

    1. Lux Radio Theater 490425 655 When My Baby Smiles For Me

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A017

    1. Lux Radio Theater 491114 676 Mother Wore Tights Repeat

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A018

    1. Screen Dir Playhouse 500505 067 When My Baby Smiles At Me

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A019

    1. Lux Radio Theater 501113 720 Wabash Avenue

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00
    Betty Grable Disc A020

    1. Lux Radio Theater 520225 779 My Blue Heaven

    Add Audio CD to Cart - $5.00

LISTENERS WHO ENJOYED THESE RECORDINGS ALSO COLLECTED