Stars And Stripes Forever (1952)

After a successful career in the Marines as the director of the United States Marine Band, John Philip Sousa (Clifton Webb) leaves the military life to pursue his dream of his own private band. Very loosely based on Sousa's autobiography, MARCHING ALONG. Was the country really waiting for a movie about John Philip Sousa in 1952? My distaste for marches in general aside and with all due respect to the man, his life just wasn't that interesting. Perhaps sensing this, the movie's writer conjures up an innocuous romantic subplot involving Robert Wagner and Debra Paget that takes up a large portion of the movie. Fortunately, Webb's natural acidity manages to keep the boredom level in check when he's on the screen. The one musical standout is a stirring rendition of The Battle Hymn Of The Republic as sung by a black church choir. Still, I suppose if Sousa marches are your thing, you might find something to enjoy but for the rest of us, it's a tough slog. Directed by Henry Koster (FLOWER DRUM SONG). With Ruth Hussey as Mrs. Sousa, Finlay Currie and Roy Roberts.