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.

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Plot Keywords:

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

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Taglines:

The jubilant story of George Gershwin.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Did You Know?

Trivia

Although modern sources state that Joan Leslie's singing voice was dubbed by Louanne Hogan, Leslie's voice was actually dubbed by Sally Sweetland.

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Goofs

The aria, "Summertime", from "Porgy and Bess", is performed first by the character Clara, and later, in a tragic scene, by Bess. But not only by Bess, as the film seems to depict. The film also gives the impression that the first verse is performed by chorus, which is not the case. The chorus only hums an accompaniment.

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Quotes

George Gershwin: Maybe way down deep, I'm just a family man - without a family.

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Connections

Featured in Hollywood and the Stars: The Immortal Jolson (1963)

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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

Less a bio-pic, more a great tribute to the great Gershwin.

Thank God the film-makers trusted in the power of Gershwin's music to allow almost complete versions of the title composition, and "An American in Paris" to be included in the film - as well as many complete songs. All the music is superbly orchestrated and the songs sung beautifully by a wide variety of artists, many of whom were really the first artists to sing them. The film is excellently directed and photographed, with musical scenes well realised visually. The montage of Gershwin wandering about Paris as we hear "An American In Paris" is excellent - and the use of lights and shadows to film the orchestra playing "Rhapsody in Blue" is magnificent - would that contemporary films of orchestras were this imaginative.

Yes I know it is largely fiction - but so what? This is a tribute, not a documentary. And Alda is fine in the lead, backed by an excellent supporting cast. I loved this film from start to finish.

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

22 September 1945 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rhapsody in Blue

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