Rhapsody in Blue (1945)

George Gershwin is a driven composer whose need to succeed destroys his relationship with singer Julie Adams and socialite Christine Gilbert.

Director:

Irving Rapper

Writers:

Sonya Levien (original story), Howard Koch (screenplay)

Stars:

Robert Alda, Joan Leslie, Alexis Smith

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Alda	...	George Gershwin
Joan Leslie	...	Julie Adams
Alexis Smith	...	Christine Gilbert
Charles Coburn	...	Max Dreyfus
Julie Bishop	...	Lee Gershwin
Albert Bassermann	...	Prof. Franck
Morris Carnovsky	...	Morris Gershwin
Rosemary DeCamp	...	Rose Gershwin
Oscar Levant	...	Oscar Levant
Paul Whiteman	...	Paul Whiteman
Al Jolson	...	Al Jolson
George White	...	George White
Hazel Scott	...	Hazel Scott
Anne Brown	...	Bess
Herbert Rudley	...	Ira Gershwin

Storyline

Composer George Gershwin is driven by his need to succeed. Unfortunately his drive destroys his romantic relationships with singer Julie Adams, who is desperately in love with him, and aloof socialite Christine Gilbert.

---

Plot Keywords:

composer | reference to johann sebastian bach | opera | reference to ludwig van beethoven | concerto | 

---

Taglines:

Warners' Crowning Glory!

---

Genres:

Biography | Drama | Musical | Romance

---

Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 September 1945 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rapsodia en azul

Filming Locations:

Warner Brothers Burbank Studios - 4000 Warner Boulevard, Burbank, California, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Warner Bros.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

135 min 151 min (with overture)

Sound Mix:

Mono (RCA Sound System)

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Gershwin's tumor was diagnosed as glioblastoma multiforme at the time, but as he complained of "smelling rubber" date back to 1934, most specialists today agree that he actually suffered from pilocytic astrocytoma, which would have caused that symptom so early.

---

Goofs

After Christine brings the terrier Tinker for George, when the camera angle is on George, Tinker's head is pointing up and his mouth is open. When the camera angle is on Christine, Tinker's head is level and his mouth is closed.

---

Quotes

George Gershwin: Work is a compulsion. It's an obsession. And there's so much I want to do.
Ira Gershwin: What are you trying to prove, Georgie? You've already done...
George Gershwin: Don't you see, Ira? It's only with my music that I can prove my right to live. I must write... and I can't even hear it inside me anymore.

---

Connections

Featured in Broadway: The American Musical (2004)

---

Soundtracks

Blue Monday Blues
(uncredited)
Music by George Gershwin
Lyrics by Buddy G. DeSylva
Performed by Anne Brown, Harry Stockwell, Dante DiPaolo (dubbed by John B. Hughes) and ensemble
Conducted by Paul Whiteman

User Reviews

A Very Good Composer Bio

The "Gershwin Years" were very exciting times, and the life and career of George --and his brother, Ira--are well captured in this memorable classic, "Rhapsody in Blue." Tackling this subject was a difficult one, and it manages to reveal the composer's exuberance for his art, his trials and his successes. Robert Alda is a perfect choice for George; others making fine contributions are Oscar Levant and Alexis Smith. A host of great artists, many playing themselves round out a star-studded cast. A wonderful selection of Gershwin's works are represented, some in near-complete versions. This is one of the most successful of classical composer bios ever brought to the screen. It is a cherished part of my video library, and I thoroughly enjoy watching and listening to this recreation of the life, times, and music of one of American's great composers.