Show Boat, directed by James Whale of Bride of Frankenstein fame, is not only the first Hollywood musical to break the mould with regards an emphasis on the relationship between plot and songs, it is also thought of by many film critics as the best musical ever to be committed to celluloid.

With songs by the great Jerome Kern and script and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, Show Boat follows the turbulent fortunes of the "Cotton Blossom Floating Palace Theatre" as it charts the waters of the Mississippi. Based on the novel by Edna Ferber, the musical addresses issues of race and miscegenation that must be considered radical for its time and, with its haunting songs and a tragic subplot, manages to avoid the mawkish pitfalls of many later musicals. 

Including such classics as Can't Help Lovin Dat Man and Ol' Man River (sung by the incomparable Paul Robeson), Show Boat promises to be a brilliant start to our Decades of Musicals programme. Come early for a glass of rum punch to toast the film and stay for a sing-song round the joanna…if audience members are brave enough…!

Here is a sneak preview of Robeson singing Ol Man River. A performance that was so good, one take was enough!

I spent many a happy hour watching this film as a child and am so glad we managed to find a 35mm print of it to show at Star and Shadow. Do come along on Sunday for almost two hours of musical AND visual pleasure.

Your dedicated Star and Shadow Programmer