Show Boat (1951)

Amidst the setting sun of the nineteenth century, the South of North America is brought to life by the effervescent melodies emanating from the "Cotton Blossom." This enchanting show boat, a floating bastion of musical entertainment, is the pride of the Hawk family. Julie LaVerne, a woman of mixed heritage, and her white husband, Stephen Baker, are the radiant stars of the show. However, their world shatters when a tip-off to the local police leads to their forced departure from the show boat due to the forbidding laws against interracial marriages. In the wake of this upheaval, Magnolia Hawk, the spirited daughter of Captain Andy Hawks, ascends to the limelight as the new lead of the show boat. She is joined by Gaylord Ravenal, a charming yet impulsive gambler. Their on-stage chemistry quickly spills into real life, sparking a passionate love affair that culminates in a whirlwind marriage, much to the dismay of Magnolia's mother, Parthy Hawks. Their marital bliss leads them away from the "Cotton Blossom" to the bustling city of Chicago, where they nestle into a glamorous hotel. However, Gaylord's gambling addiction soon casts a shadow over their happiness, draining their fortune and leaving them penniless. In a desperate bid to save what's left, Gaylord abandons Magnolia, oblivious of her pregnancy. Left alone and destitute, Magnolia must summon her strength to rebuild her life. She returns to the "Cotton Blossom," where she bravely raises her child amidst the musical scores and river ripples, creating a new act for the audience to adore. As the years pass, a twist of fate brings Gaylord back into their lives, igniting a poignant revelation about the daughter he never knew he had. The tale of "Show Boat" is a sweeping epic of love, loss, and resilience, set against the vibrant backdrop of a river-bound theatrical world.

Show Boat is a drama movie featuring Howard Keel.

It is possible to buy Show Boat on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Microsoft Store, Vudu and YouTube.