Musical Mondays: Show Boat (1951)

     Show Boat was released on July 17, 1951. The third adaptation of Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein's 1927 Broadway play which, in turn, was based on Edna Ferber's 1926 novel, it is directed by George Sidney with a screenplay by John Lee Mahin. In it Magnolia Hawks (Kathryn Grayson), the daughter of a riverboat captain, falls in love with a gambler played by Howard Keel.

     Apparently the original play, which I'm unfamiliar with, was much darker and socially conscious, focusing on the racial issues (especially miscegenation) in late 19th century America. I think this shows in the film. These themes are present early on, as we see Julie (Ava Gardner), the leading lady on the showboat, forced to leave when it is revealed that she is part-black but married to a white man, Steve (Robert Sterling) as miscegenation is illegal in the south at this time. Indeed the song "Ol' Man River", is all about the hardships faced by black American's in the post-antebellum south. After this scene, however, these issues are barely touched on so, when "Ol' Man River" is reprised at the end of the film it feels a little out of place.

     What the film does focus on is the relationship between Magnolia and Gaylord Ravenal (Keel). The two fall in love almost instantly, as Ravenal, looking for passage aboard the boat, catches her rehearsing for Julie's part. Though not an actor herself, Magnolia dreams of being one. After Julie is dismissed Magnolia takes over her part and Ravenal is hired to replace Steve. The two grow closer over the months as they tour various cities on the Cotton Blossom and eventually decide to get married and leave the ship. Making a living off of Ravenal's gambling winnings they are lucky at first, and maintain a fairly high standard of living. They happiness is short lived however, as Ravenal's luck turns sour and they end up in debt. Magnolia who, unbeknownst to Gaylord, is pregnant, becomes resentful that he is so obsessed with his gambling lifestyle, causing him to walk out on her.

     With the help of Ellie Shipley and Frank Schultz (Marge and Gower Champion), a song and dance team she knows from her years on the Cotton Blossom, she is able to get a job at a nightclub where she is seen by her father Cap'n Andy (Joe E. Brown) who offers to take her in and care for her child. Years later Gaylord, learning about his daughter from Julie, who has kept track of Magnolia, determines to reunite with her and make amends for leaving. The film ends with the family reunited as a heartbroken Julie (Steve left her many years ago) watches on.

     Despite it's flaws, the 1951 Show Boat is still very entertaining. The songs, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein are very well written and also well performed by the cast. The standout is certainly "Ol' Man River", sung with heartfelt emotion and gusto by William Warfiel's Joe. The love theme "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" is reused throughout the film to mark the progress of Magnolia and Gaylord's relationship, and it works quite well. The song and dance numbers are well staged, with Marge and Gower Champion's being a real treat. John Lee Mahin's direction is competent and features some great blocking and use of tracking shots.

     All the cast do a good job. Howard Keel is swaggering and charming as Gaylord but also does a good job with the more emotional moments. His voice, of course, is magnificent. Kathryn Grayson is fine, though somewhat unremarkable as Magnolia. Ava Gardner is great as Julie. I could barely recognize her in the later scenes when she's a sad, broken woman. She couldn't sing and was dubbed, somewhat noticeably, by Annette Warren. Joe E. Brown is absolutely as Cap'n Andy and provides one of the film's most heartfelt moments as her encourages Magnolia as she struggles to sing for the crowd in the nightclub. Agnes Moorehead is also great as Magnolia's overbearing mother Parthy.

     In the end, though it feels unfocused and lacks the social commentary of earlier versions, the 1951 version of Show Boat is still an entertaining musical with a great cast and even better musical numbers.

Score: 8/10