Movieland. (1949)

COLUMBIA If it’s a case of rhumba jumps you want, Xavier Cugat’s got a recipe that’ll fix you up in no time. “Cugat’s Nugats” is the best Latin number to show up in months. The rhythm patterns are tempt¬ ing and the climax is full of beat. On the flip, Cugie gives a melodic inter¬ pretation of a native Mexican folk dance called “The Mexican Shuffle.” It’s lively and fun but not quite so appealing as “Nugats.” If you missed the sensational Benny Goodman-Peggy Lee record, “Why Don’t You Do Right,” several years ago, you’ll welcome this opportunity to add it to your collection. It’s been reissued. The rhythm blues with a sure-fire set of lyrics is perfect for Peggy’s easy-going styling. Not quite so good is the coupling “Somebody Else Is Taking My Place.’ It show-cases the jumping rhythm sec¬ tion and a lot of “swing” for which Goodman is rightly famous. Too bad such solid swing has given way to be¬ bop. Tony Pastor’s newest etching “I Wanna Sleep” is a far cry from his recent hottempoed numbers. Fully orchestrated, set to a lilting slow dance beat, the band’s slick and simple backing for Tony’s vocal makes for good listening. For “There’s a Man at the Door,” Tony employs the ensemble vocal and a sol¬ id arrangement to turn out a lively jumperoo. From “Romance on the High Seas comes “Put ’Em in a Box, Tie ’Em with a Ribbon.” Because of the fine lyrics and tune most any jump vocal with rhythm backing would be snappy but somehow the Hal McIntyre rendition doesn’t come up to that of Doris Day (Columbia) or Ray McKinley (Victor). There’s just not enough punch. It s still pleasant though. The reverse is “On an Island with You” from M-G-M’s picture of the same name. It’s just plain slow with a Latin beat. Not stand-out in melody or arrangement but smooth. Art Lund has a couple of new tear jerkers to hold you spellbound. It Only Happens When I Dance with You gives him a good chance to delve into some schmaltz which he does with a great deal of finesse. Everyone knows Art’s the master of rhythm numbers so it’s only right he should be given a chance to try his voice in the field ol dreams and romance. You 11 like his approach on both this and the flip, May I Still Hold You?” CAPITOL The Benny Goodman smash rendition of “The World Is Waiting for the Sun¬ rise” has withstood the test of time. Red Norvo, Mel Powell are among those in the sextet who join King Benny to ride through the old favorite. It’s mas¬ terfully executed and rhythmically per¬ fect. “Shirley Steps Out” on the flip features good doubling by Benny s clar¬ inet and Red’s vibraphone. This side spotlights individual solos with sustained bounce tempo but can’t compare with its mate. . , .. . , Gordon McRae gives a full-throated performance on the lovely new ‘ It s Magic” from “Romance on the High Seas.” He has a lot of feeling and will do a lot to sell the tune. But even bet¬ ter is “Spring in December.” He phrases cleanly and with feeling. The tune’s such a lovely one. with an emphasis on romance, and so well done by Gordon. The End Besides making records and movies, Gordon McRae has taken on a new project — farming. Both Universal stars, both swoon bait plus. Tony Martin, Dick Haymes strike up a duet. No wonder Cugie’s chihuahuas only had bit parts in his film “On an Island With You ! This bewitching lace-trimmed Peplum dress, made of finest quality rayon crepe, will just thrill you! See how the Peplum dips grace¬ fully down in the back ... the way it gener¬ ously overlaps in front and is caught at the waist with dainty flowers. Chantilly lace, dyed to match, edges the peplum as well as the flattering cap sleeves. BLACK with BLACK LACE BROWN with brown lace GREEN with green lace WINE with wine lace ROYAL BLUE, royal blue lace 87