Show Boat (1951)

The Cotton Blossom, owned by the Hawks family, is a renowned showboat in the American deep south. Julie Laverne (Ava Gardner) and her husband are the stars of the show.

After an informer notifies the local police that Julie is actually half-black and married to a white man, they are forced to leave the boat, and Magnolia Hawks (Kathryn Grayson), daughter of Captain Andy Hawks, becomes the new star attraction.

Magnolia falls in love with gambler Gaylord Ravenal (Howard Keel), and the pair marry without approval and leave the Cotton Blossom for a whirlwind honeymoon.

Gaylord soon gambles away their fortune and leaves Magnolia, unaware she is pregnant.

Now penniless and pregnant, Magnolia is left to fend for herself and make a new start.

Annette Warren dubbed Ava Gardner’s singing voice.

Magnolia Hawks
Kathryn Grayson
Julie LaVerne
Ava Gardner
Gaylord Ravenal
Howard Keel
Captain Andy Hawks
Joe E. Brown
Ellie May Shipley
Marge Champion
Frank Schultz
Gower Champion
Stephen Baker
Robert Sterling
Parthy Hawks
Agnes Moorehead
Pete
Leif Erickson
Joe
William Warfield

Director
George Sidney