Show Boat (Criterion Collection)

The second film version of the classic Hammerstein-Kern/Edna Ferber musical stars Irene Dunne as Magnolia Hawks, the paddleboat performance progeny fated for romance and heartbreak at the hands of ne'er-do-well cardsharp Gaylord Ravenal (Allan Jones). Charles Winninger, Helen Morgan, Paul Robeson, Helen Westley, Hattie McDaniel co-star under James Whale's direction; legendary score includes "Bill," "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man," "Ol' Man River," "Ah Still Suits Me." 113 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH); audio commentary; bonus documentary "Paul Robeson: Portrait of an Artist" (1979).