In 1939, she appeared opposite her then-husband Jackie Coogan in "Million Dollar Legs", a B-movie comedy that gave Grable her famous nickname. When the film did not become the hit, Paramount had hoped for, the studio released her from her contract, and Grable began preparing to leave Hollywood for a simpler life. However, she changed her mind and decided to take her chance on Broadway; she accepted Buddy DeSylva's offer to star in his musical "DuBarry Was a Lady" starring Ethel Merman and Bert Lahr. The play was an instant critical and audience success, and Grable was branded a new-found star.