This was a great read! His career has so many interesting periods, and I haven't heard of this movie, but I look forward to it now, to see this transitional point. I think the earliest I've seen him is that musical with Betty Grable, the name of which escapes me right now... I think it's the heat! XD

ETA: Tin Pan Alley! The title in Spanish is so different that I had to give up and look it up!