Show Boat

Dir. James Whale. 1936, 113 mins. 35mm. With Irene Dunne, Paul Robeson, Allan Jones, Helen Morgan, Hattie McDaniel. A great American saga, Show Boat follows the lives of the performers and workers on the Cotton Blossom, a Mississippi River showboat, over the course of 40 years. Expressively adapted for the screen by James Whale, this Jerome Kern–Oscar Hammerstein musical was considered radical at the time for its serious treatment of race. Paul Robeson’s “Ol’ Man River” is the most famous of its many great musical numbers, and impossible as it is to imagine, his iconic performance failed to be recognized at the Oscars—perhaps not a surprise considering the widespread racism that would remain entrenched in the industry for decades. Three years later, the film’s co-star, Hattie McDaniel, would be the first Black actor to receive an Academy Award. Content warning: This film features depictions of “blackface” performance. 

Tickets: $15 / $11 senior and students / $9 youth (ages 3–17) / discounted for MoMI members ($7–$11). Order tickets. Please pick up tickets at the Museum’s admissions desk upon arrival. All seating is general admission. Review safety protocols before your visit.