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Rhapsody in Blue | 
 enlarge | Director: Irving Rapper
Actors: Robert Alda, Joan Leslie, Alexis Smith, Charles Coburn, Julie Bishop
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Category: Video
List Price: $19.98
Buy Used: $8.38
You Save: $11.60 (58%)
New (8) Used (18) Collectible (1) from $8.38
Rating:  9 reviews
Sales Rank: 157
Format: Black & White, Ntsc
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: VHS Tape
Number Of Items: 1
Running Time: 135 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.3 x 4.2 x 1.1
ISBN: 6302120543
UPC: 027616114938
EAN: 9786302120547
ASIN: 6302120543
Theatrical Release Date: September 22, 1945
Release Date: September 1, 1998
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Shipping: Expedited shipping available
Shipping: International shipping available
Condition: Ex-library video tape, typical library markings, original cardboard sleeve trimmed to fit hard-shell case. Tape is guaranteed to play correctly or can be returned for full refund.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 4 more reviews...
 Essential for the Music January 2, 2005
Thomas H. Prindle (San Antonio, TX United States)
12 out of 12 found this review helpful
As a Hollywood biopic this is only average. Too much of the film is devoted to Gershwin's supposed romantic involvement with two women, who are both entirely fictional. Far more important in reality was his friendship with Oscar Levant, who was not only the composer's best friend but also after his death was widely recognized as the most authoritative interpreter of his major works for piano, Rhapsody in Blue and Concerto in F. Levant's presence in the film lends it some historical authenticity. Also present are Al Jolson, a legendary figure in the history of American popular entertainment and the interpreter of Gershwin's single most popular song, "Swanee", and Paul Whiteman, the bandleader who collaborated with Gershwin in the premiere of Rhapsody in Blue. (Fred Astaire is sorely missed.) There is also a superb--I do not use the word lightly--extended three song set by singer/pianist Hazel Scott (who later married the controversial minister/politician Adam Clayton Powell Jr.) about halfway through the film. It has absolutely nothing to do with the plot but is magnificent nonetheless. Robert Alda deserves to be remembered perhaps not for his work in this film but for his origination of the role of gambler Sky Masterson in the great musical Guys and Dolls.
 First the bad news November 9, 2004
nom-de-nick (United States)
7 out of 8 found this review helpful
This is one of those films that seems WAY longer than it actually is, and it's not exactly short to begin with. Second, I can think of better leads than Alda. But he was actually better than I'd thought he'd be. What makes this film a little gem is seeing people like Hazel Scott act and perform, as well as all the great music and historical perspective the film offers. Hopefully, we'll be seeing it on DVD soon.
Not historically accurate, but still good fun. May 9, 2003
Joe Sixpack -- Slipcue.com (...in Middle America)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful
Robert Alda stars in this odd, melodramatic potboiler which looks at the rags-to-rich (and more riches) rise of one of America's greatest popular composers. The film is hampered by a few small points, one being that Gershwin's life doesn't readily lend itself to dramatic portrayal (until the very end, when he drops dead at a very young age, and your jaw just drops)... The problem is that guy was just too darn successful! He hit a groove and never stopped, moving from one huge critical success to another (with one or two flops in between)... The scriptwriters were obviously aware of this, and insert several belabored sequences wherein Gershwin anguishes over this or that, and a couple of sniffly, symbolic deathbed scenes, just for good measure. Other problems include Alda himself (yes, he's Alan's dad...) who isn't completely up to the role, as well as the weak portrayal of George's brother Ira, a super-brilliant, super-important lyricist, who is here presented as a mere hanger-on and cheerleader for his brother, the big-shot genius. Hello? Excuse me... Ira Gershwin?!? Of the Gershwin brothers? Oh, forget it. Oh, also check out Gershwin's kooky pal Oscar Levant, who plays himself, in a somewhat true-to-life portrayal as George's confidant and stand-in concertizer. Other celebrities who play themselves here include Al Jolson and bandleader Paul Whiteman... and the music, of course, can't be beat.
 S'wonderful! February 4, 2003
8 out of 9 found this review helpful
This is a wonderful movie. I am a little upset that is not easily available right now, and I will have to wait for the price to go down before I buy it. Check out the Gershwinfan.com site if you are interested in Gershwin.
21 minutes, a very important piece. August 6, 2002
Rick D. Barszcz (bristol, ct United States)
18 out of 19 found this review helpful
I discovered this movie back in the early 60's when i use to collect vintage 35mm movie prints. This is the only works i've ever seen of George Gershwin. A pleasant surprise for me was an actress named Alexis Smith. Little did i know that one day i would work with her in "Follies" on Broadway. Pure class Alexis was.But i digress. "Rhapsody in Blue" is one of those great Warner Brothers musicals that have countess number of production numbers in them. One of my favorites is "Blue Monday Blues." The music is beautiful and would also make my eyes tear-up. This is a wonderful classic that you can watch over and over again. With todays technology i only hope that someone will invest the time to transfer it to DVD and maybe rechannel the sound to 5.1? or is that asking for to much.If you can, get this one for your collection, i promise you won't be disappointed especially when they play "The Rhapsody in Blue." Hmmm, now that i wrote this, i think i watch it again.
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