Best Foot Forward

  • 1943
  • NR
  • 95m
movieMx RATING
6.8
5
VERDICT
HIT
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Best Foot Forward Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict

Last updated: May 12, 2026

movieMx Editorial
📅 Updated: May 12, 2026 🎟️ Verified Screening

Movie Overview: Best Foot Forward

MovieBest Foot Forward
Release Year1943
DirectorEdward Buzzell
GenreComedy / Music
Runtime95 minutes (1h 35m)
LanguageEN

🎬 Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?

Is Best Foot Forward (1943) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.8/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Comedy.

🎭 Cast & Character Study

The performances in Best Foot Forward are led by Lucille Ball . The supporting cast, including William Gaxton and Virginia Weidler , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.

💡 movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?

After analyzing the verified data, our assessment of Best Foot Forward (1943) is generally positive—a solid choice for fans of the genre. With a platform rating of 6.8/10, it currently stands as a HIT in our database.

What Works in the Movie

Best Foot Forward stands out as a strong entry in the Comedy genre. The film benefits from engaging storytelling, memorable performances, and solid production values that help keep viewers invested.

  • Compelling performances from the main cast
  • Strong visual storytelling and direction
  • Well-structured Comedy narrative
  • Satisfying emotional or dramatic payoff

What Doesn't Work

Despite its strengths, Best Foot Forward has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.

  • Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
  • Some predictable plot developments
  • May not appeal to audiences outside the Comedy fanbase

Story & Plot Summary: Best Foot Forward

Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1943, Best Foot Forward is a Comedy, Music film directed by Edward Buzzell, written by Irving Brecher. The narrative brings laughter through sharp writing and comedic timing, providing amusement while touching on deeper societal themes. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Lucille Ball as Lucille Ball.

Ending Explained: Best Foot Forward

Best Foot Forward Ending Explained: Bud Hooper, a cadet at Winsocki Military Academy, sends an invitation to movie star Lucille Ball to come to Winsocki's big dance. Directed by Edward Buzzell, this 1943 comedy film stars Lucille Ball (Lucille Ball), alongside William Gaxton as Jack O'Riley, Virginia Weidler as Helen Schlesinger, Tommy Dix as Elwood C. "Bud" Hooper. With a 6.8/10 rating, the ending has divided audiences.

What Happens at the End of Best Foot Forward?

Bud Hooper, a cadet at Winsocki Military Academy, sends an invitation to movie star Lucille Ball to come to Winsocki's big dance. Ball's publicity-hungry agent convinces her to go in order to boost her career. Complications arise when Bud's girlfriend Helen Schlesinger unexpectedly shows up, too.

Edward Buzzell's narrative builds toward a resolution centered on Lucille Ball (Lucille Ball)'s journey. Ball's publicity-hungry agent convinces her to go in order to boost her career.

How Does Lucille Ball (Lucille Ball)'s Story End?

  • Lucille Ball: Lucille Ball's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
  • William Gaxton (Jack O'Riley): William Gaxton's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
  • Virginia Weidler (Helen Schlesinger): Virginia Weidler's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.

What Does the Ending of Best Foot Forward Mean?

Best Foot Forward's ending attempts to resolve the major plot threads, though some narrative elements involving Lucille Ball may feel rushed. Edward Buzzell's final act has been both praised for its ambition and criticized for its execution.

Best Foot Forward Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?

Is Best Foot Forward Based on a True Story?

No, Best Foot Forward is a work of fiction. While the comedy, music film directed by Edward Buzzell and starring Lucille Ball may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.

Who Should Watch Best Foot Forward?

Worth Watching If You:

  • Enjoy Comedy films and don't mind familiar tropes
  • Are a fan of Lucille Ball or the director
  • Want some laughs and light entertainment

Box Office Collection: Best Foot Forward

Metric / RegionCollection (Approx)
Production Budget $1.2M
Worldwide Gross $2.7M
Trade Verdict CLEAN HIT

Best Foot Forward Budget

The estimated production budget for Best Foot Forward is $1.2M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.

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Where to Watch Best Foot Forward Online?

Streaming Hub

🎟️ Rent on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
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🏷️ Buy on

Amazon VideoAmazon Video
Apple TV StoreApple TV Store
Google Play MoviesGoogle Play Movies
YouTubeYouTube
Fandango At HomeFandango At Home

Best Foot Forward Parents Guide & Age Rating

1943 Advisory
NR

Official Age Rating

Wondering about Best Foot Forward age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:

Best Foot Forward is rated NR.

⏱️ Runtime & Duration

The total runtime of Best Foot Forward (1943) is 95 minutes (1h 35m). Directed by Edward Buzzell, the film runs for 95 minutes in its complete theatrical version.

Verdict Summary

Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.8/10, and global performance metrics, Best Foot Forward is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 1943 cinematic calendar.

HIT
Official movieMx status for Best Foot Forward. Rating: 6.8/10

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Best Foot Forward worth watching?

Best Foot Forward is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Comedy movies. It has a verified rating of 6.8/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.

Where can I find Best Foot Forward parents guide and age rating?

The official parents guide for Best Foot Forward identifies it as NR. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.

What is the runtime of Best Foot Forward (1943)?

The runtime of Best Foot Forward (1943) is 95 minutes (approximately 1h 35m).

🛡️

movieMx Verified

This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.

This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.

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Expert Consensus
Live Rating
MOVIEMX
★ 6.8
Best Foot Forward
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