SHOW BOAT

This was Universal’s second attempt at bringing Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein’s Broadway sensation to the screen and it still shines as Hollywood’s best adaptation. Director James Whale channels the play’s frank depictions of gambling, alcoholism and racism into brooding, expressionist compositions while giving ample sweep and bounce to riveting musical numbers including Paul Robeson’s always stirring rendition of “Ol’ Man River” and Helen Morgan’s heartbreaking “Bill.” New 35mm print courtesy of UCLA Film & Television Archive. (Description courtesy of UCLA Film & Television Archive)