A film like this is special to me because it celebrates someone whose life's work keeps on giving long after they have gone. According to the Wikipedia article on it, the film was begun in Jerome Kern's lifetime, though he didn't live to see it completed. Sure it was highly fictionalized, and produced to make money and promote MGM, but it was still an awesome way to express appreciation for a creative talent who produced so much that we can still enjoy.

Filled with eye candy (costumes and staging in the grand tradition of the big production musicals of the time), and with a cast of stars to perform Mr. Kern's songs, there is already plenty to like. But wait…there's a story, too! Sam Goldwyn is said to have remarked, "If you want to send a message, use Western Union." Nevertheless, the scenes where Sally Hessler learns some tough lessons about the meaning of character—and uses them to turn her life around—has more to say to us now than ever before. Though this film may at first appear to be light and fluffy, it definitely has substance underneath.

I downloaded the DVD (MPEG2) source file, recoded it to a high-quality MP4, and posted it to IA. It is better than the 512KB MPEG4 file linked on this page, and not that much larger. Perfect for archiving at home if you want to see this movie again. :)

Sunny, one of the musicals that figures prominently in this film, is also available here on IA.

This film is the only movie I ever liked Robert Walker in. The old songs are wonderful and remind me of all the movies I've heard them in over the years. Very reminiscent.

The story was contrived, but the music was sublime. I got cold chills (in 90 degree heat) when Lena Horne sang "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" and again when Judy Garland sang "Look For The Silver Lining". And I defy anyone not to get goosebumps during the finale. Thank you for posting!

I loved the Little Cameo by Angela Lansbury, this movie was amzing.

Not many films can claim to have a good story in them, but the Jerome Kern story is a fascinating insite into the trials and tribulations of one of the centuries great composers of songs and musicals, music which will be sung and heard and loved in centuries yet to come.

This film made national headlines in 1973 when it was announced that MGM had neglected to renew the copyright on this film, resulting in the film entering public domain (the samr thing happened with Royal Wedding). Because of the film being public domain, inferior VHS copies appeared a few years later when video became popular.

The film is definitely one of the lesser MGM Musicals, but it has a heck of a cast and is worth watching for the music. Why this film fell into the Public Domain is anyone's guess.