According to his autobiography, William Warfield did the pre-recording of this IN ONE TAKE! He saved MGM hours of studio time by doing so. He was a great singer, and a wonderful teacher as well.
Although Paul Robeson is a great singer, I think William Warfield's version of Ol' Man River from Showboat wins, hands down. In the final scene, Ava Gardner's character brings tears to my eyes every time. My heart went out to her big time.
@windythepooh - I agree. If you were ever fortunate enough to see the original broadway production, this was the type of ending they were aiming for - an over-the-top, bittersweet ending. The problem was, how to get across from theatre to silver screen that element often lossed in a movie musical. -- Enter Ava Gardner with that warm, unbridled and forgiving smile that brings closure and reconciliation. The goodness in humanity is reaffirmed. If only life could be a Hollywood ending!
Every time I hear this song, the hair stands up on my arms. If you ever get the chance to see the stage performance, do it! I've seen a few theatre shows and musicals over the years, and many pulled on the old heart strings, but this is the only musical where I actually wept at the end. I actually had to sit in my seat a minute after the lights came up to regain my composure - it attacks you on many levels with the intertwining sub-plots. I both hated and loved the ending.
I have often wondered if this may be the greatest Hollywood ending ever put to film.
rjworks13 1 month ago
my favorite performance of my favorite song :)
amy274216 1 month ago
According to his autobiography, William Warfield did the pre-recording of this IN ONE TAKE! He saved MGM hours of studio time by doing so. He was a great singer, and a wonderful teacher as well.
DanRobSo 1 month ago
My favorite song- I give it shot at openmind5050 . Hope people will give it try.
This is awesome
openmind5050 6 months ago
Julie ..
MsAppeljack 7 months ago
This is a good song and a good movie with great color and sets, but this can't even compare to the 1936 version with Irene Dunne.
BetsyBooth22 10 months ago
I used to watch this film over, and over again when I was about 8-9 years old. I lost the tape, but never forgot this tune.
I saw the score to this film at my local library, and decided to look it up. I'm glad I found it.
" I get weary, and sick of trying. Ah'm tired of livin', and scared of dyin'"...best line :)
MissTeenageNothing 1 year ago 9
Although Paul Robeson is a great singer, I think William Warfield's version of Ol' Man River from Showboat wins, hands down. In the final scene, Ava Gardner's character brings tears to my eyes every time. My heart went out to her big time.
windythepooh 1 year ago 16
@windythepooh - I agree. If you were ever fortunate enough to see the original broadway production, this was the type of ending they were aiming for - an over-the-top, bittersweet ending. The problem was, how to get across from theatre to silver screen that element often lossed in a movie musical. -- Enter Ava Gardner with that warm, unbridled and forgiving smile that brings closure and reconciliation. The goodness in humanity is reaffirmed. If only life could be a Hollywood ending!
rjworks13 1 year ago
Every time I hear this song, the hair stands up on my arms. If you ever get the chance to see the stage performance, do it! I've seen a few theatre shows and musicals over the years, and many pulled on the old heart strings, but this is the only musical where I actually wept at the end. I actually had to sit in my seat a minute after the lights came up to regain my composure - it attacks you on many levels with the intertwining sub-plots. I both hated and loved the ending.
rjworks13 1 year ago
Comment removed
ERROLCUSTERFLYNN4EVR 1 year ago 2
This is one of my favorited scenes in the movie - hope it stays in... thank you for uploading. Clicking for 17.
felixbautista 1 year ago
can you upload this movie? this version the 1951 not the others PLZ?
connielikesfred 1 year ago 3
best version by far. An awesome movie, too.
pinkcloud09 1 year ago 12