Paul Robeson's definitive performance of “Old Man River,” Helen Morgan immortalizing “Can't Help Lovin' That Man” and “Bill,” and Irene Dunne in the role that brought her to Hollywood from the stage all make Show Boat, with its Jerome Kern score and Oscar Hammerstein lyrics, a film musical classic. Though it has been overlooked since MGM's 1951 remake, James Whale's 1936 version was Universal's major production of the year, and was called by the New York Times “one of the finest musical films we have seen.... There are melodies that are timeless and voices that should be, and Universal's Show Boat has both.” Whale is best known for his horror films, (see The Invisible Man, October 22, and The Old Dark House, October 30). But as we discover more about James Whale--e.g. in films like One More River and Waterloo Bridge, shown in August--we find his elegance and sophistication applied to other subjects. In bringing Edna Ferber's riverboat classic to the screen, Whale emphasizes character and period atmosphere over spectacle.