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SHOW BOAT Screens Saturday Morning at The Hi-Pointe
“There’s still not enough room on this boat for the two of us!”
SHOW BOAT (1951) is one of Hollywood’s most beloved musicals and you’ll have a chance to see it on the big screen at St. Louis’ fabulous Hi-Pointe Theater this weekend as part of their Classic Film Series. It’s Saturday, May 14th at 10:30am at the Hi-Pointe located at 1005 McCausland Ave., St. Louis, MO 63117. Admission is only $5.
SHOW BOAT (1951) a colorful version of the Edna Ferber novel may not be held in as high regard as the 1936 adaption directed by James Whale and starring Irene Dunn and Paul Robeson, but is a big, fun musical nonetheless.
The songs by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein are considered some of the best either ever composed and are sung by those talented performers Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel. Both do excellent work both musically and dramatically even if it’s a bit of a stretch for 29-year old Grayson to be believable as the teenage Magnolia.
Taking full advantage of being shot in Technicolor SHOW BOAT is a feast for the eyes brimming with vibrant purples, reds and greens as well as being loaded with talent. And what talent! Marge & Gower Champion contribute several fine numbers full of bounce and zest, Joe E. Brown is a memorable Cap’n Andy, funny and touching in turn, Agnes Moorehead is delightful as the vinegary Parthy and opera singer William Warfield provides a soaring and haunting rendition of Ol’ Man River.
The real standout however is Ava Gardner as the tragic, wounded Julie. Originally intended for Judy Garland until her meltdown and firing and while she would have made a memorable Julie full of jittery vulnerability Ava nails the part with a haunted sadness. A shame they felt the need to dub her vocals since they do appear on the cast album and are both very good and have the right feeling for the songs. Her final scene is a star making moment as surely intended by Metro.
Across the board, SHOW BOAT is a five-star winner of a movie musical, one of the best the dream factory ever turned out, and you’ll have the opportunity to see it on the big screenthis Saturday at St. Louis’ fabulous Hi-Pointe Theater
The Hi-Pointe’s site can be found HERE
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