Although it was long overlooked after MGM's 1951 remake, the 1936 Show Boat was Universal's major production of that year, and it remains the definitive film version of the Jerome Kern/Oscar Hammerstein musical, based on Edna Ferber's Mississippi River classic. Paul Robeson, as Joe, immortalizes the song that was written for him, “Old Man River,” while Helen Morgan as the star-crossed Julie gives unforgettable renditions of “Can't Help Lovin' that Man” and “Bill.” Irene Dunne stars in the role that brought her to Hollywood from the stage. Director James Whale brings elegance and sophistication to the musical, emphasizing character and period atmosphere over spectacle.