RHAPSODY IN BLUE (1945)

WORLD PREMIERE RESTORATION

This world premiere restoration of Warner Bros.’ highly fictionalized George Gershwin biopic features nearly 30 minutes of never-before-seen footage, including musical numbers cut from the original U.S. release. Although completed in 1943, the picture was one of many held back from release in favor of more topical pictures dealing with World War II, but it was still screened for service members overseas in its original form. Broadway actor Robert Alda makes his film debut as Gershwin, while singer Al Jolson, band leader Paul Whiteman, and soprano Anne Brown perform renditions of Gershwin’s music. The composer’s friend, Oscar Levant, plays himself and dubbed Alda’s piano solos. Rhapsody in Blue and Concerto in F are two of the five orchestral pieces performed on screen, in addition to more than 20 Gershwin songs. This restoration featuring additional footage never before released to general audiences.

d. Irving Rapper, 162m, DCP