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Plot
On the grand Mississippi River floats a sparkling spectacle of life and drama, the Cotton Blossom showboat. At the heart of this floating world is the innocent and charming Magnolia Hawks, daughter of the jovial Captain Andy Hawks and his ever-nagging wife, Parthy. Magnolia shares a heartfelt friendship with the star of the show, Julie LaVerne. When a dark secret revealing Julie's mixed-race heritage forces her and her husband to leave the boat, the stage is set for a profound metamorphosis.
In the wake of this upheaval, the suave gambler, Gaylord Ravenal, steps in as the new male lead, while Magnolia transforms from the sheltered captain's daughter to the showboat’s radiant new star. As the spotlight shines on the new duo, their on-stage chemistry spills into real life, and they fall passionately in love, much to Parthy's dismay. They marry and, blessed with a little daughter, Kim, they bid farewell to the showboat, embarking on a whirlwind life in Chicago.
Their fortunes rise and fall with the rhythm of Gaylord's unpredictable luck in gambling. In an opulent city where fortunes are made and lost overnight, they experience dizzying highs and crushing lows. During a particularly brutal streak of bad luck, a defeated Gaylord abandons Nola and Kim, leaving them to fend for themselves.
However, like the timeless song of the showboat, 'Old Man River', Nola doesn’t surrender. With her daughter in tow, she bravely returns to the stage. Her spirit, resilience, and undying love for the stage transform her into a star, embodying the essence of the show boat's mantra - just keep rolling along. Thus unfolds the story of Show Boat, a poignant tale of love, betrayal, perseverance, and the enduring allure of the stage.
Where to watch Show Boat?
Show Boat is a comedy movie featuring Irene Dunne and directed by James Whale.
Show Boat is currently streaming on HBO Max.