SHOW BOAT (1951)

[didi-5]

I actually agree with The Champions being too good for Frank and Ellie, but they're fun.

I think the failure - understandable at the time - not to cast a black or mixed race actress as Julie did make that part of the storyline muddled. I didn't fully understand the 'negro blood' reference until I saw the corresponding scene in the 1936 version, which makes it much more obvious (although still having a white actress in the role). Even if the time had allowed it, would Lena Horne have been a good enough performer to play the role outside of putting across the songs?

[Ray Faiola]

Here is the 1936 radio prevue to SHOW BOAT:

http://www.chelsearialtostudios.com/sho ... prevue.mp3" target="_blank

[entredeuxguerres]

I think the failure - understandable at the time - not to cast a black or mixed race actress as Julie did make that part of the storyline muddled.

No, it did not, if the premise was that Julie had been "passing for white." What is so difficult (for some) to grasp about the meaning of "passing for white"? Are "black or [obviously] mixed race" persons capable of "passing for white"? Only in PC-Land would such a thing be possible.

[Rob Ray]

I think the failure - understandable at the time - not to cast a black or mixed race actress as Julie did make that part of the storyline muddled.

No, it did not, if the premise was that Julie had been "passing for white." What is so difficult (for some) to grasp about the meaning of "passing for white"? Are "black or [obviously] mixed race" persons capable of "passing for white"? Only in PC-Land would such a thing be possible.

Lena Horne might be able to "pass for white" with the proper makeup and lighting, but the role of Julie should never be cast with anyone who is generally known to be black or "mixed race." It would completely eliminate the surprise when the audience discovers that Julie's been passing. ("Of course Julie's been passing -- that's Lena Horne!") The audience has to assume that Julie is white for the big reveal to work.

Fredi Washington in "Imitation of Life" is terrific casting, for in that case, the audience is already wise to the deception.

[BixB]

Speaking of the '36 Whale version. Does anyone know if the film was originally released with a Universal airplane logo? My speculation is that it did but was removed by MGM when they acquired the film. They removed the Paramount logo from the '31 JEKYLL & HYDE which has thankfully been restored.

[Harlett O'Dowd]

Speaking of the '36 Whale version. Does anyone know if the film was originally released with a Universal airplane logo? My speculation is that it did but was removed by MGM when they acquired the film. They removed the Paramount logo from the '31 JEKYLL & HYDE which has thankfully been restored.

Good question, but the film was also released during the Laemmles losing control of the studio - and that opening credits sequence is pretty speactacular on its own.

Losing (at least temporarily) the airplane logo may have been a way to indicate the new order at the studio

[Harold Aherne]

Good question, but the film was also released during the Laemmles losing control of the studio - and that opening credits sequence is pretty speactacular on its own.

Losing (at least temporarily) the airplane logo may have been a way to indicate the new order at the studio

Show Boat premiered on 14 May; I *think* I've seen My Man Godfrey (6 Sep.) with the plane logo. But I don't recall seeing Three Smart Girls (20 Dec.) with it, and the "plexiglass globe" didn't officially debut until Top of the Town (18 Apr. 1937).

-HA

[BixB]

Good question, but the film was also released during the Laemmles losing control of the studio - and that opening credits sequence is pretty speactacular on its own.

Losing (at least temporarily) the airplane logo may have been a way to indicate the new order at the studio

That thought had crossed my mind.

[Ray Faiola]

Doesn't it have the airplane End Title? That means it had the logo at the head. MY MAN GODFREY was the first big picture, I believe, to be released sans logo. The new plexiglass globe logo was created for 1937's TOP OF THE TOWN with a fanfare by the film's composer Jimmy McHugh.

[BixB]

It does indeed, Ray. Sounds like the MGM was the culprit. Hopefully they'll restore if it ever makes it to DVD.

[Morwen Edhelwen]

Kathryn Grayson's voice always reminds me of Mary Costa, who voiced Sleeping Beauty in the Disney movie.