In 1941 Carole starred in the wartime musical Cadet Girl. She had the leading role of Gene Baxter, a nightclub singer who falls in love with a West Point cadet. Betty Grable and Alice Faye were both considered for the role of Gene before she got the part. Carole was under contract at 20th Century Fox and this was the first movie in which she received top billing. The cast includes George Montgomery (as Gene's love interest), John Shepperd, Janis Carter (in her film debut), Chick Chandler, and Edna Mae Jones. While making the movie she and George Montgomery enjoyed a brief romance. Her friend Peggy McKenna worked as her stand-in. Filming took place at 20th Century Fox studios in Los Angeles from July 14 until August 7, 1941. Cadet Girl was directed by Ray McCarey.
Carole and George Montgomery
Carole and John Shepperd
The costumes were designed by Herschel. Carole sings several songs including "She's A Good Neighbor", "I'll Settle For You", and "She's A Good Neighbor". Cadet Girl was released on November 28, 1941. It got mixed reviews from critics and became a modest hit. One reviewer said it was "pretty good entertainment" but that "Carole seems deserving of better material." Unfortunately Cadet Girl has never been released on video or DVD. It has not been shown on television since the early 1970s. There is a print of the film in UCLA's archives but it can only be seen by request. The movie was screened at the Cinecon festival in 2010. In 2022 several of the songs from the film's soundtrack were released on CD.
Carole wearing dresses designed by Herschel
Carole with Janis Carter and George Montgomery
It Happened, It's Over, Let's Forget It
I'll Settle For You
She's A Good Neighbor
Three of Carole's Cadet Girl songs are available on CD
