This version of Demonstrate Boat was released by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer in 1951. It is one of the finest movie musicals ever made and was the second biggest money maker of all films released in 1951. This movie represented MGM at their best. However, there are a number of people who recall the earlier 1936 Universal version of Exhibit Boat to this one. To ogle why, there are two different ways to occupy this movie into consideration…
First, as a camouflage adaptation of the Broadway play. If a person takes the movie in that method, then he/she will obtain that this version is dreadfully unfaithful to the B’way fresh (that is the current complaint about this movie) . The 1936 Universal version is generally common as the most faithful version (which, really, it is, out of all 3 versions; 1929, 1936, 1951) . I cannot go into too many particulars on that version, as I have never seen it. But from what I’ve read, it generally follows the play scene by scene, with only the ending altered. A few songs were added for that version and one song, “Why Do I Care For You?,” dropped for running time. Someone please honest me on that if I’m atrocious. This 1951 version cuts down the role of Joe and all but eliminates the Queenie character (who actually had a fairly gigantic role on stage) .
[Please note: the 1929 version is actually a portion silent/part talkie cover adaptation of the novel current. After the Kern/Hammerstein play opened, a few songs were added.]
Second, as a movie-musical in its contain proper…
Buy,Download, Or Stream Show Boat! Click Here
Buy,Download, Or Stream Show Boat! Click Here
If one does not remove this movie as a camouflage version of the Broadway musical, it is a lot easier to search for where this movie soars. What a movie! Salubrious cast, amazing sets, dazzling sound, and lush technicolor get this version a feast for both gawk and ear. Kathryn Grayson and Howard Keel are both improbable as Magnolia and Ravenal. Whenever I read about Expose Boat, Grayson and Keel are the first people that arrive to mind. Grayson’s singing may sound a small harsh on the ears at times, she’s level-headed the best Magnolia. I also buy Keel’s singing to that which I’ve heard on any of the revival/studio cast albums. And Ol’ Man River has never been sung better. William Warfield’s breathtaking rendition of the classic song always sends chills up my wait on, especially during the closing sequences. He became sononymous with the role of Joe as did Paul Robeson and Jules Bledsoe before him. Incredible. Done in the factual MGM fashion, this is not one to be missed. The best!
Note: another reviewer is in error. He states that MGM’s Display Boat was shot and released in 4 track stereo, which it was not. The immortal Kern and Hammerstein find was recorded by placing “stem” mics around the recording stage to seize the different orchestral angles, with the vocals recorded on separate tracks, which were combined into a monaural mix down track for utilize in the film. The film was thus released in monaural. This practice had been in expend at MGM since the thirties. By today’s standards, to have recorded tracks in this device is considered to have been recording them in monaural, since they were mixed to mono, even though many of these “stem” tracks (where they exist) from the enormous MGM musicals are being remixed for stereo. Legal stereo recording in the movies was quiet a few years away. MGM’s first film recorded and released in stereo was “Kiss Me Kate,” also starring Keel and Grayson, in 1953.
So what if this isn’t very faithful scriptwise. The record they did have, plus the music, plus the singing, kept me glued to my seat, unable to catch my eyes off it. Not since West Side Anecdote has a movie musical had this carry out on me. I mumble that if you grew up seeing the stage play, you might be taken aback by the cuts, but how many of you would really be willing to sit and glance a movie for the four hours that the fresh play takes? You can’t even sit through Gone With the Wind without taking a microscopic “intermission.” The singing is astonishing. I treasure to hear Kathryn Grayson hit those oh-so-high notes, and I appreciate to hear Howard Keel, well, anytime. After hearing the soundtrack I was kind of excited that they didn’t let Ava Gardner do her possess singing, but her extraordinary performance makes you forget about it. One reason I am overjoyed they changed the record for the movie is when we ogle Julie at the very waste. It’s the kind of bittersweet finishing touch that gets ya choked up no matter how many times you survey it. So occupy this movie, gosh darnit, and be prepared to sit relieve and relish a cinematic masterpiece.
pvs 14
canon eos 30d