Good news: Tyrone Power, Alice Faye, and Don Ameche made another movie together after the success of In Old Chicago. If you loved that love triangle set against a well-remembered time in history, you'll love this love triangle set against a well-remembered time in history.
The only real problem with this movie is the lack of historical accuracy. According to this movie, a rich, white boy and his friends, all classically trained musicians, stumble across a fun, new type of music, and ragtime jazz sweeps the nation. There are no black people in this movie! For a slightly more realistic approach, check out 1941's Birth of the Blues, starring Bing Crosby and a supporting cast of many colors. Alexander's Ragtime Band is strictly white.
If that won't bother you and you want to watch this movie, you will be treated to some good qualities. Alice Faye, Ethel Merman, Jack Haley, and Don Ameche each get to sing several songs, all Irving Berlin standards like "Easter Parade," "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody," "Remember," "The International Rag," and the title song. A memorable supporting cast, including Jean Hersholt, Helen Westley, and John Carradine, provide entertainment in between songs sung by the leads. And of course, there's the incredible beauty of the star. Alice Faye looks very pretty too, but Tyrone Power provides so much eye candy, no leading lady is even necessary.
The only real problem with this movie is the lack of historical accuracy. According to this movie, a rich, white boy and his friends, all classically trained musicians, stumble across a fun, new type of music, and ragtime jazz sweeps the nation. There are no black people in this movie! For a slightly more realistic approach, check out 1941's Birth of the Blues, starring Bing Crosby and a supporting cast of many colors. Alexander's Ragtime Band is strictly white.
If that won't bother you and you want to watch this movie, you will be treated to some good qualities. Alice Faye, Ethel Merman, Jack Haley, and Don Ameche each get to sing several songs, all Irving Berlin standards like "Easter Parade," "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody," "Remember," "The International Rag," and the title song. A memorable supporting cast, including Jean Hersholt, Helen Westley, and John Carradine, provide entertainment in between songs sung by the leads. And of course, there's the incredible beauty of the star. Alice Faye looks very pretty too, but Tyrone Power provides so much eye candy, no leading lady is even necessary.