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Show Boat Reviews

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DEFINITIVE FILM VERSION.
This middle version of SHOW BOAT is the most authentic. Although the 1951 M-G-M version is mighty pretty to look at in its ravishing Technicolor, this version is much truer to what Edna Ferber had in mind. Without going into great detail about the story, I'll just say that the film is about the life and loves of the personnel on an old-time Mississippi showboat. Charles Winninger is terrific as Captain Andy (he played the role on Broadway). The little-seen-in-movies Helen Morgan played her role of Julie on the stage as well, and her performance is unforgettable: a rare chance to watch a legendary artist at work: she would die in obscurity via alcoholism in 1941. Irene Dunne is fine as Magnolia, few movie-goers know that she was a professional singer as well as a fine dramatic actress and a wonderful Screwball comedienne. Paul Robeson is magnetic when he sings that classic paean to the the Mississippi river, Ol' MAN RIVER. Helen Westley and Hattie McDaniel shine in their supporting roles as Parthy Hawks and Queenie Joe's wife respectively. In fact, the cast is full of diverse character actors: Barbara Pepper (Doris Ziffle on GREEN ACRES), Elspeth Dudgeon (the ancient patriarch in THE OLD DARK HOUSE), Flora Finch (she was a silent star circa 1915 in comedy shorts called "Bunnyfinches" with her co-star John Bunny) Marilyn Harris (whom Frankenstein's monster threw into the lake), Harry Barris (one of the original Rhythm Boys with Bing Crosby & brother of blues singer Mildred Bailey), Helen Jerome Eddy (Annie Alden in Mae West's KLONDIKE ANNIE). The story had been filmed less successfully priorly in 1929 with the now-forgotten Laura LaPlante as Magnolia. The acting kudos went to the heroin-addicted Alma Reubens as Julie; Reubens would die in an insane asylum at the age of 33.

The Definitive Show Boat
Movie musicals in the 1930s still were experimental, but I feel that the "Show Boat" of 1936 was and is still the definitive of all of the versions and revivials. This black and white version is almost a word-to-word reproduction of the stage show, unlike the overrated 1951 version which is choppy and much shorter.

Helen Morgan, the original Julie, reprises her role for the last time. By 1936, Miss Morgan was an alcoholic and performed most of her scenes either leaning or sitting down. Fortunately, her voice was still there, and her renditions of "Can't Help Lovin Dat Man" and "Bill" are breathtaking. Unfortunately, Helen Morgan died an alcoholic in 1940. much like her character of Julie.

Irene Dunne, is magnificant as Magnolia. I truly wish that Dunne would of made more musicals than she did. I believe this is Ms. Dunne's last musical before moving to dramas and light comedies. Allan Jones, the father of Jack Jones, is a bit stiff in his role, but still conveys depth and warmth. Unfortunate stars Paul Robeson and Hattie MacDaniels round out the cast as well. Robeson died in proverty after being branded a Communist, and even though MacDaniels won an Oscar in 1939, she was killed when a car hit her in 1949.

Even with the steller cast, it is the Hammerstein and Kern score that makes "Show Boat" what it is. Even 64 years later, this grand old musical keeps on rolling along...

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