Rex Sikes' Movie Beat chats with actor Monica Lewis

Monica Lewis (singer/actor) For almost two decades, Monica Lewis was the idealized, wholesomely sexy sound and image of apple-pie America, lending a curvaceous, dimpled smile and melodious voice of hope to thousands of U.S. troops through two of the 20th century's greatest wars. She starred on the very first "Ed Sullivan Show" telecast, had numerous hit records including "Put the Blame on Mame," "A Tree in the Meadow," "A Kiss to Build a Dream On," "Autumn Leaves" and "I Wish You Love," and provided the memorable singing voice for the popular cartoon character "Miss Chiquita Banana" Records and television led to movies, and in 1950 MGM signed Monica to an exclusive multimedia contract giving her roles in THE STRIP with Mickey Rooney, INSIDE STRAIGHT with Barry Sullivan and EXCUSE MY DUST with Red Skelton. She also co-starred in the Marge and Gower Champion musical EVERYTHING I HAVE IS YOURS, in which she sang the title song and became the only woman other than Marge to ever dance on screen with Gower. AFFAIR WITH A STRANGER, starring Victor Mature and Jean Simmons, and THE D.I. with Jack Webb followed. She marriedJennings Lang MCA/Universal Studios production executive in 1956, and became a featured player in several of her husband's blockbuster Universal movies, including CHARLEY VARRICK, ROLLERCOASTER, AIRPORT '77, THE CONCORDE--AIRPORT '79 and the Top 100 box-office hit EARTHQUAKE. Monica recently completed her photo-filled memoir, "Hollywood Through My Eyes," which is now available from Cable Publishing. Stay tuned to Rex Sikes' Movie Beat for other great interviews, cast and crew listings, events, premieres and more at rexsikes.com

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