Show Boat

Starring:Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, Howard Keel, Joe E. Brown, Marge Champion, Gower Champion, Robert Sterling, Agnes Moorehead, Leif Erickson, William Warfield, Ian MacDonald, Boyd Ackerman, Joseph Roach, James Pierce, Emory Parnell, Marietta Elliott, Anne Dore, Fuzzy Knight, Linda Christian, Bert Roach
Director: George Sidney (II)
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The show that first defined the Broadway musical has never come to the screen intact, despite three tries. But take this splashy 1951 MGM extravaganza on its own terms, and it boggles the eyes. Not to mention the ears: The Kern-Hammerstein score includes some staples of the American songbook, such as "Make Believe," "After the Ball," and "Can't Help Lovin' That Man." Perhaps a riverboat gambler is almost too-easy casting for Howard Keel, and Kathryn Grayson is overly twittery, which may be why the film's middle sags when they take center stage. But any time the uncannily beautiful Ava Gardner smolders, a lush tragic undertone takes over (even if the most interesting parts of her story seem to take place offscreen). The physical production is extraordinary: the busy riverside setting, the outrageous color design, and best of all an "Old Man River" (sung by William Warfield) staged in the mists of morning. -- Robert Horton

Customer Reviews:

Oldie but goodie.......2007-06-15

The acting left a little to be desired but the music is delightful. Overall I give it a thumbs up.

beautiful music with mixed results from a (relatively) strong cast............2007-05-19

SHOW BOAT has some of the most beautiful music I have heard, written by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein. Some of the most memorable songs from their score include "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man of Mine," "Old Man River," and "Bill." The music is greatly important in the musical, because it helps tell the story so well. The problem is I could never warm up the story, nor the melodrama.

Gaylord Ravenalle (Howard Keel) is a compulsive gambler who has a chance encounter with beautiful Magnolia "Noley" (Kathryn Grayson), the daughter of the purveyors of a show boat, docked in the water, bringing singing, dancing and joy to all who get on board. This includes many African-American workers, toiling under the hot sun, searching for some respite to their relentlessly difficult lives, in the post-slavery South. What's more, Julie (Ava Gardner), a beautiful stage performer, married to her singing partner, is one of the starring attractions there....Okay, no more summary. I don't want to ruin the plot for you.

I will say this. The story takes a look at racism, emotionally unavailable parenting and plenty of desperation. Sometimes these themes only make a story more compelling. For me, a little went a long way. I believe that racism is a very important subject that needs to be addressed more, but I almost sensed that it was painted more as an over-the-top farce than a legitimately unfortunate epidemic of society. The cast in this production does the best it can, with the material it is given. However, I found Kathryn Grayson's high soprano shrill and excessive, Howard Keel's macho preening and Joe E. Brown's drunken shenanigans to be ridiculous. Nevertheless, this is worth a viewing, for historical and cultural reasons (if not for the beautiful score, alone).

Restored and digitally remastered classic musical.......2007-03-09

Wonderful restoration and the music is wonderful; a classic musical--a must have in a video library! I loved it!

An excellent escape, however..........2007-02-11

While I fully expect the majority of those contemplating buying this movie to have in all probability already seen it, if you're nonetheless reading these reviews, you're obviously doing so for a purpose. My purpose for submitting this review has nothing to do with the movie which is arguably one of the finest examples of the classic musical genre, but rather with the quality of the delivered physical product. I received the DVD in nothing more than a plastic frame covered in cardboard...suitable for trashing. My next purchase was a 10 pack of DVD cases for about $4.00 and change. After surgically cutting and resizing the cardboard cover from the original product and inserting it into a real DVD case, I had something I could add to the DVD cabinet. If you want a DVD you can add to your library, plan on buying additional cases and have a sharp razor blade.

5 stars.......2007-01-11

It's with great pleasure I see this film. It is a great story with great singers.In 1953 I had the pleasure to be on one of those riverboats when I visited New Orleans so it's easy to recall the feeling.

Edna Ferber's Show Boat - 1936 - Irene Dunne High Quality Import

Average customer rating:

Too good for this printing

Edna Ferber's Show Boat - 1936 - Irene Dunne High Quality Import
Director: James Whale
Manufacturer: Classicline
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Classics | Genres | DVD | Video

NAUGHTY MARIETTA with Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy (Oh Marietta!) (High Quality Import Edition-NTSC format-Region 1-Playable in North America)
Blood and Sand
The Gang's All Here
The Return of Frank James
The Clock

ASIN: B000K2XOJ2

Customer Reviews:

Too good for this printing.......2007-04-06

the 1936 movie edition of show boat was outstanding and featured much more of the play than the later 1954 MGM version. however, this was an international copy (DVD) and the last scenes of the movie do not play. I do not know why; the seller even sent me another copy and it still does not play (it is pixalated (sp?) and cuts out). I assume it's because it comes from Brazil (I believe). there are no extas, which is fine, but at the conclusion of the movie, with the highlight of (spoiler alert!) gay and magnolia singing "you are love" together, all i can get is bits and pieces, which broke my heart. at any rate, it is far superior to the MGM version and truer to the play. the movie, and the play, however, do not really resemble the ferber novel, except for the first part of the play/movie. the situations concerning julie and the endings concerning gay and magnolia and kim and captain andy and parthy are very different. however, this is worthwhile for the glorious music and some great performances. helen morgan is a terrific julie and the parts of magnolia and gay are very touchingly performed. i recommend it as the only way to see, even partially, what show boat was meant to be.

Average customer rating:

Oldie but goodie
beautiful music with mixed results from a (relatively) strong cast.....
Restored and digitally remastered classic musical
An excellent escape, however...
5 stars

Show Boat
Starring: Kathryn Grayson , Ava Gardner , Howard Keel , Joe E. Brown , and Marge Champion
Director: George Sidney (II)
Manufacturer: MGM (Video & DVD)
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Oklahoma! (50th Anniversary Edition)
Seven Brides for Seven Brothers
Carousel (50th Anniversary Edition)
Kiss Me Kate
Annie Get Your Gun

ASIN: 0792835964
Release Date: 1997-08-20

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Oldie but goodie.......2007-06-15

The acting left a little to be desired but the music is delightful. Overall I give it a thumbs up.

beautiful music with mixed results from a (relatively) strong cast............2007-05-19

Restored and digitally remastered classic musical.......2007-03-09

Wonderful restoration and the music is wonderful; a classic musical--a must have in a video library! I loved it!

An excellent escape, however..........2007-02-11

5 stars.......2007-01-11

Charlie Rose with Gerald Lefcourt, Ted Wells, Stephen Gillers & Sonya Hamlin; Peter Falk; Elaine Stritch (March 3, 1995)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Gerald Lefcourt, Ted Wells, Stephen Gillers & Sonya Hamlin; Peter Falk; Elaine Stritch (March 3, 1995)

Manufacturer: Charlie Rose
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

First, Gerald Lefcourt, consultant to CBS News; Ted Wells, a criminal defense attorney and consultant to CBS News; Professor Stephen Gillers of New York University's school of law; and jury consultant Sonya Hamlin discuss Rosa Lopez' testimony in the OJ Simpson trial. Then, actor Peter Falk talks about his movieRoommates. Finally, actress Elaine Stritch discusses her new show, Show Boat.

Average customer rating:

Showboat (1936)
Seminal Musical Classic Well Worth Seeing Seventy Years Later
THE COMPLETE SHOW BOAT ON DVD
Hollywood's First True Musical
They still freeze Robeson

Show Boat
Starring: Irene Dunne , Allan Jones , Charles Winninger , Paul Robeson , and Helen Morgan
Director: James Whale
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( S ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Show Boat
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Applause
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ASIN: B00005JNFX

Amazon.com

Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II's Showboat, based on Edna Ferber's 1926 novel, is a seminal American musical, the first to explore serious themes (most notably racism) and to truly integrate song with story and character. The plot follows three generations of a theatrical Mississippi riverboat family from the 1880s to the 1920s. The 1936 film version, directed by Englishman James Whale (Frankenstein), is probably the one that best captures the spirit its creators intended. First and foremost, it features Paul Robeson as Joe. His indelible rendition of "Ol' Man River," delivered strong, straight, and without bathos, is a stunningly powerful anthem about the plight of African Americans in the United States. (The song is set against a fascinating expressionist montage in 1930s social realist style.) Other standout performances include torch singer Helen Morgan as Julie, the actress banished from the showboat for her "mixed race" ancestry. Her "Bill" and "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" are simply sublime. Hattie McDaniel (Gone With the Wind) is her usual outrageous self. Irene Dunne (The Awful Truth) is spunky and delightful as Magnolia Ravenal. Her most endearing moment occurs early in the film when she leads the company in a funky cakewalk, swinging her hips with joyful abandon. (She also does a number in blackface!) When Dunne and the narrative leave the riverboat for the big bad city, fame, and heartbreak, the movie loses much of its snap and substance and descends into rather conventional melodrama. Still, this film represents an essential moment in the American musical theater, one not to be missed. --Laura Mirsky

Customer Reviews:

Showboat (1936).......2006-11-15

Can't live without (the 1936 version) it! It is the Holy Grail of Hollywood musicals!

Seminal Musical Classic Well Worth Seeing Seventy Years Later.......2006-10-04

Sadly not available yet on DVD, the classic black-and-white 1936 version of the seminal 1927 Oscar Hammerstein-Jerome Kern musical is rarely seen these days since it's been overshadowed by the far more elaborate 1951 MGM color remake (which is on DVD). That's a shame since this one is like a piece of cameo jewelry from a bygone era, a sublimely entertaining piece of Americana so naïve in its approach that its pervasive use of racial stereotypes comes across more as quaint than demoralizing.

Directed by James Whale (the protagonist of 1998's "Gods and Monsters" and most famous for his 1931 classic, "Frankenstein"), it's a multi-generational story that starts with the Hawks family who runs a variety entertainment showboat in the 1880's. The jovial Captain Andy is the boat's impresario who is constantly goaded by his mean-spirited wife Parthy. They have a musically inclined daughter Magnolia who is best friends with the show's star, mulatto chanteuse Julie LaVerne. The local sheriff forces Julie out of the show for being half-black. Andy has Magnolia take her place just as gambler Gaylord Ravenal comes to town and becomes recruited as the show's leading man. Gaylord and Magnolia fall immediately in love, marry, move to Chicago and have a girl they named Kim. There, he gains and loses a fortune and then leaves Magnolia and Kim. Over the years, Magnolia becomes a big stage star and passes the torch to Kim.

The music, of course, is unbeatable with standards, chief among them "Make Believe", "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" and "You Are Love". Even though Irene Dunne was in her late thirties when she made this film, she amazingly gets away with the first half where she plays Magnolia as an ingénue. What's more, she was the rare actress who could act and sing (quite beautifully) at the same time, even when she is required to perform in blackface in "Gallivantin' Around". Allan Jones is a fine singer as Gaylord, though not as interesting an actor especially in the second half when misfortune takes over. When they sing "You Are Love" together, it's still quite magical.

What a treat to be able to see the redoubtable Paul Robeson as Joe singing "Ol' Man River" so powerfully (and filmed with an intriguing montage of woeful images), as well as legendary torch singer Helen Morgan play Julie and perform her signature song, "Bill", so touchingly. Familiar character actor Charles Winninger probably has his best role as Captain Andy, while Hattie McDaniel plays Joe's forceful wife Queenie in a performance as good as her Mammy in "Gone With the Wind". The film is really an intriguing mix of melodrama and great music with socially relevant observations regarding racism, alcoholism and gambling addiction.

THE COMPLETE SHOW BOAT ON DVD.......2006-09-27

Someone needs to petition Warner Bros to release a DVD version of MGM's COMPLETE SHOW BOAT Laser Disc set, with the 1929, 1936 and 1951 versions, and the SHOW BOAT segment from TILL THE CLOUDS ROLL BY. If it ever happens, I hope they will be able to include all the LD audio bonuses from the 1951 recording sessions and still photo galleries of the three films as contained in the Laser Disc set. If George Feltenstein is lurking about reading these posts, it would be really nice to get some of the Criterion content from their release, if they're willing. Could we also please have as much of the 1929 Ziegfeld Prologue as possible? And while I don't usually recommend this type of thing, the alternate stereo mix of the last LD issue of the 1951 film (with the Ava Gardner vocal tracks in place) would be a dream come true!
In fact, after BEN-HUR and GWTW, an entire fourth disc of bonuses would not be out of the question.

Hollywood's First True Musical.......2006-09-20

I have had the pleasure of seeing this film twice. James Whales' "Show
Boat" is a wonderfully crafted film filled with great performances, lovely
songs and outstanding black and white cinematography. This film is one
of the first effort by a hollywood studio to bring a broadway musical
intact to the screen. Whoever owns the rights to this unjustly forgotten
film should bring it out on DVD so that future generations may learn
what real film making is about.

They still freeze Robeson.......2006-08-21

I was lucky enough to see the 1936 version on TV in the 1970's before I ever laid eyes on the MGM 1951 version, so I came to the latter with expectations that were not quite met. I don't write it off to the extent that some of your other critics do, because viewed purely as a musical rather than as a play it works fairly well. Howard Keel certainly scores over Alan Jones as Ravenal, Marge and Gower Champion get more scope for their featured numbers, and Katherine Grayson works aesthetically and vocally, if not theatrically. Otherwise the 1936 version wins hands down; truer to the novel, the play and the stage original. Unfortunately for its chances of revival on DVD, its' weakness as well as its' strength is the presence of Paul Robeson. Even 30 years after his death and half a century after being rendered a non-person by the character assassination carried out by a combination of Senator McCarthy, AFL-CIO, and the NAACP, elements of the blacklist remain. It is still nearly impossible to find his better movies on VHS, let alone DVD. The spirit of the late junior senator from Wisconsin walks the land in the era of Dubya, much as it did in the age of Ike, albeit more obliquely.

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