Review of Show Boat

I may be a bit partial to the 1951 remake of Show Boat because I saw it first (and liked most of it). Nevertheless, the original 1936 film version of the famous Kern-Hammerstein musical is still good and, yes, probably better than the remake. It does have more fully rounded characters, is a lot more unsentimental, and the story is presented a bit more satisfyingly, (and apparently, more faithfully to the Broadway show). There were four big differences I caught between this version and the remake (Spoilers will be revealed!): 1) Queenie and Joe have bigger roles. 2) After singing "Bill" and seeing Magnolia audition, Julie walks out and does not appear again after that. 3) Magnolia and Gaylord's daughter is born before he leaves, and she grows up and becomes a stage star following in Magnolia's footsteps. 4) Magnolia does not go back to the show boat, instead continuing her singing career, becoming a star. Also Cap'n Andy and Parthy leave the boat and live with her. I guess these just make this one better, (though I did miss Julie's later appearence) and more in the spirit of the stage version. No problem at all with the acting and singing, though I did wish they didn't rush through "Ol' Man River" and "can't Help Lovin' Dat Man." (Paul Robeson and Helen Morgan nevertheless were great!) Also, fine performances from Irene Dunne, Charles Winninger, Hattie McDaniel, and whoever played Parthy. Yes, the scenes wher Magnolia "shuffles" and performs in blackface are a bit uncomfortable, but more in the spirit of the time they were taking place in. All-around a pretty good production. At least equals the remake, but probably tops it. Now I've got to see this show on stage!