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Till The Clouds Roll By [1946]
![Till The Clouds Roll By [1946]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/518M2RKAD4L._SL160_.jpg)
The story itself is a not-entirely-accurate biography of composer Jerome Kern (at the time they were not allowed to tell parts of his life) and it includes much of his music. Everyone on the MGM rota that could sing or dance was bought in for a number. So you have the delights of stars such as Frank Sinatra, June Allyson, Kathryn Grayson, Lena Horne, Dinah Shore . . . Taking the part of Kern is Robert Walker, who does well, but doesn't quite manage to carry it. Van Heflin, as his friend and mentor, is likeable, but bland. One of the highlights of the film is Judy Garland in a small role as Broadway sensation Miss Miller. Although she was about five months pregnant at the time, Judy manages three musical numbers (and one is very energetic!) and a couple of scenes. In the traditional Garland way she manages to make each moment she's on camera sparkle. Another player worth mentioning is Lucille Bremer - who takes the decent-sized, and rather demanding, role of Van Heflin's daughter, Sally. Although Lucille never made it to stardom and is more forgotten today, she is an excellent dancer and very moving in the dramatic scenes. I think this could have been a good film - if they'd only tried to make the script more engaging and hadn't tried to fit in so many musical numbers. A little too much of a good thing . . .
RRP: £3.99
Our Price: £1.59 (subject to change)
What is missing?
Review date: 2005-09-08 Rating: 6 out of 10
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This could be a wonderful film - but the reason I've given it three stars is because there is something lacking.
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Reviews
Highest accodales, lowest resolution
Review date: 2003-05-10 Rating: 6 out of 10
This film is extraordinary because of the tremendous talent that it encapsulates. The scenes are a tapestry of colour, music, song and dance on a scale long gone.
Although the acting and story (it was not really a factually correct biography of Kern) appear dated, this is not what the film is about. It's a showboat of some of the greatest show songs and singers America ever produced and on this count it does not disappoint - not by a long shot. This film contains wonderful performances by Judy, Angela, Frank and June that cannot be missed or ignored.
Unfortunately, the picture and sound quality is the poorest I have ever seen on a DVD and I can only imagine what a proper restoration will do for this treasure chest of colour and song.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Lena Horne
June Allyson
Kathryn Grayson
Robert Walker
Judy Garland
Creators:
Judy Garland (Primary Contributor)
Robert Walker (Primary Contributor)
Director(s):
Recording label: Whe Europe Limited
Manufacturer: Whe Europe Limited
EAN: 5060057770139
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: Black & White, PAL,
Release date: 2003-04-21
Audience rating: Universal, suitable for all
Region code: 2
Running time: 95 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1946
Language: English (Original Language)