Show Boat (1951)

On a Mississippi show boat, the show's leading lady (Ava Gardner) is forced to leave due to miscegenation laws. She is bi-racial and married to her white leading man (Robert Sterling). A gambler (Howard Keel) takes over the male lead while the showboat Captain's (Joe E. Brown) daughter (Kathryn Grayson) takes over the female lead. Based on the classic musical by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein by way of the Edna Ferber novel and directed by George Sidney (BYE BYE BIRDIE). This is the third film adaptation of the Ferber novel (previously filmed in 1929 and 1936) and is (unfairly) dismissed in favor of the 1936 version. The 1936 has Paul Robeson (from the London cast) and Helen Morgan (from the Broadway cast) in the movie but I've always preferred this vivid Technicolor MGM version in spite of the changes from the original show. So sue me! Acting wise, Grayson is just fine until she opens her mouth to shriek/sing then it's time to take cover. Keel cuts a dashing figure as Gaylord Ravenal but the acting honors belong to Gardner who brings a touching pathos to Julie. It's a pity they dubbed her because her singing voice isn't bad at all, certainly on a par with Annette Warren who dubbed her. A big shout out to Conrad Salinger and Alexander Courage for their orchestrations, Robert Tucker for his vocal arrangements and Adolph Deutsch for his conducting. With Marge Champion, Agnes Moorehead, Gower Champion, William Warfield and Leif Erickson.