Betty Hutton - Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry

*** This rights to this clip are in the public domain ***

Betty Hutton plays "Bessie Day" in the 1942 Paramount Pictures production "The Fleets In". Hutton steals the movie from headliner Dorothy Lamour. This number was written specifically for Ms. Hutton by Johnny Mercer and Victor Schertzinger.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Betty
• Hutton
• Paramount
• Musical
• Dancing

[hebneh]

I'm surprised that the lyrics of this song are actually somewhat derogatory in describing the Arthur Murray dance studio chain. She's saying that she really didn't end up being able to dance, and while that's partly her fault due to her own lack of talent, the lessons were "in a hurry" and not satisfactory.

I can only assume that Arthur Murray himself thought that any publicity, even if it wasn't completely positive, was better than none. Especially if this was free.

[mkrobinson95]

@hebneh - here are some funny factoids about Arthur Murray's reputation in another song and on a sitcom:

- In 1946, Desi Arnaz starred in the film Cuban Pete, and recorded a song of the same name, featuring the lyric, "Cuban Pete doesn't teach you in a hurry like Arthur Murray/You're now in Havana, and there's always mañana".

- In an episode of Sanford & Son, when asked to dance, Fred says "I've been told I can't dance." The young lady says, "Arthritis?", Fred responds, "No, Arthur Murray."

[mkrobinson95]

I can try to put that up here soon.  Thx for asking!

[johnnynazz52]

WOW! and by the way, was the costume an Edith Head creation?

[mkrobinson95]

ha ha ... not sure if Ms. Head would want to that to be attributed to her, but maybe you're right! I'll have to look at the credits at the end of the movie sometime and see. Thx for the comment.

[LeMorteNoir]

I love older films, but sometimes the humor seems a little dated and barely gets a chuckle out of me. Not so with this song and dance gem! She is one funny lady, and her use of physical comedy is right on.

[GLBXA]

WOW!!! Betty Hutton RAPS at 1:50

[damenjai]

Anyone else only know about this song because of "Big Top Pee-Wee?" It's what Pee-Wee and his animals are playing in the cellar while the storm is raging outside. Since I was really young, I've never forgotten this song and the sound of this lady's voice.

[brownhairedkid1]

the nine day trembles? (sorry, i dont know what it means)

[ChristophePhilippe]

I want to know how the three philistines are who don't appreciate this. They're probably too busy basking in the stupidity of "Hoarders" and "The Jersey Shore," I imagine.

[DA90027]

I love Betty Hutton and as for Arthur Murray he had tons of dance studios I'm sure he really didn't care who made fun of him or talked about him, he was rich because of it.

[degrassikc]

I get to sing this song for a theater masterclass, and i have never been so excited.

[Jayee123]

What a performer. Love her.

[wpl955g]

@hebneh Funny you should mention it. Murray was not entirely thrilled by the song. There are those who say he threatened to sue, and those who say he mildly amused but understandably concerned about his reputation & saw a good chance of publicity by pretending to be offended, but either way Johnny Mercer submitted to a highly publicised dance lesson from AM himself to show there were no hard feelings. I've seen a press cutting of this somewhere, can't find it quickly on Google though.

[lark005]

Hilarious! Some of her facial expressions remind me of Lou Costello.