Just saw “Rhapsody in Blue” (1945) tonight, and what a great movie! It’s a movie biography of George Gershwin. Some of the plot was fictional, but that’s okay. The talent in the movie more than made up for that. What’s amazing to me is that the people who knew him and were his friends while he was alive were in the movie: Oscar Levant, Al Jolson, George White, Hazel Scott, Paul Whiteman.
There were three great pianists in this movie, whose dexterity amazed me. Oscar Levant, of course, then Hazel Scott, who must be noted. Robert Alda left me speechless with his rendition of “Rhapsody in Blue”. His dexterity on the piano was natural. Robert Alda, of course, is the father of Alan Alda of M*A*S*H fame.
How talented the actors were back then! They could sing, dance and act. Nowadays, we’re lucky if they can act…
Raoul Pop 
George Gershwin was a genius! It’s a good film, he had a fascinating life as did his friend Oscar Levant. I’ve written a short post on my blog about Oscar and George, do check it out if you get time. 🙂
http://www.villabourani.wordpress.com
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Hey Adrian, I read the post, interesting stuff!
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Thank you for that insight! I had no idea, the movie had me fooled.
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Robert Alda’s “dexterity” was very cleverly faked. The piano part was actually played by Ray Turner.
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