Rhapsody in Blue

In the movie Rhapsody in Blue, we are introduced to the life of composer and pianist George Gershwin, portrayed by Robert Alda. The film chronicles Gershwin's journey from his humble beginnings in Brooklyn to his rise to fame as one of the most celebrated composers of his time.

We are first introduced to a young George, who is seen playing for pennies on the streets of New York City. His musical talent catches the attention of a music publisher, who offers him a job as a 'song plugger'. It is while working in this capacity that George meets a young woman named Julie Adams, played by Joan Leslie. The two instantly hit it off, and a sweet romance ensues.

Despite his success as a songwriter, George longs to be taken seriously as a composer. He begins to experiment with infusing jazz and blues into his classical compositions, leading to the creation of his most famous work, Rhapsody in Blue. The film features stunningly choreographed scenes of George working on this masterpiece, as he struggles to find the right balance between his love for jazz and his desire to write a classically structured piece.

As George's career takes off, he becomes increasingly focused on his work, to the detriment of his personal relationships. In addition to his romance with Julie, we see George's strained relationship with his family, particularly his brother Ira, played by Oscar Levant. Ira is also a talented composer, but struggles to find the same level of success as his brother. The film explores their complicated dynamic, as Ira both supports and resents his brother's success.

Alongside the personal struggles, the film also delves into the larger societal issues of the day. We see America during the height of the jazz age, with scenes of speakeasies and flappers set against the backdrop of Prohibition. The film also touches on the issue of racism, as George struggles to gain recognition as a Jewish composer in a predominantly white, Christian industry. At one point in the film, George and his friends are denied entry to a concert hall because of their race, a sobering reminder of the discrimination that was rampant during this time period.

At its heart, Rhapsody in Blue is a celebration of the power of music to connect people across cultures and backgrounds. Whether it's the irresistible rhythms of a jazz tune or the soaring melodies of a classical composition, we see how music has the ability to transcend borders and bring people together. Through Robert Alda's charismatic portrayal of George Gershwin and the film's stunning musical sequences, we are transported back to a bygone era and are reminded why Gershwin's music continues to be cherished and celebrated to this day.

Overall, Rhapsody in Blue is a beautifully crafted tribute to one of America's greatest musical geniuses. It manages to capture both the joys and struggles of Gershwin's life, and does so with an infectious energy and spirit. It's a film that will leave you humming the tunes long after the credits have rolled.