Watch 'Til the Clouds Roll By

‘Til the Clouds Roll By is a 1946 American musical biopic based on the life and music of the prolific Broadway composer, Jerome Kern. The film is directed by Richard Whorf and features an all-star cast of performers, including Judy Garland, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, and Kathryn Grayson. The movie is presented as a series of musical numbers and vignettes that chronicle Kern's career, from his first success on Broadway through his collaborations with Hollywood studios. It celebrates Kern's remarkable contribution to the American musical theater, from the turn of the century to the 1940s.

The film begins with Kern's early days, where he is struggling as a songwriter in New York City. We see how he receives his first big break when he is discovered by a famous Broadway producer, who hires him to write songs for a musical revue. The film then moves on to depict Kern's major successes on Broadway, including his collaborations with renowned lyricists such as Oscar Hammerstein II and Dorothy Fields.

Throughout the movie, Kern's personal life is portrayed as well, including his relationship with his wife, Eva, and their adopted daughter, Betty. As the movie progresses, we also see the effects of the Great Depression on Kern's career and how he reinvented himself by collaborating with Hollywood studios and writing scores for films.

The musical numbers in ‘Til the Clouds Roll By are some of the most memorable in cinematic history. The film features performances of some of Kern's most famous songs, including "Ol' Man River" from Show Boat, "The Last Time I Saw Paris" from Lady Be Good, and "Smoke Gets in Your Eyes" from Roberta. The songs are performed by an incredible cast of performers, with each musical number featuring elaborate sets and costumes that are visually stunning.

One of the highlights of the film is Judy Garland's performance of "Look for the Silver Lining." The song is sung during a pivotal moment in the film, where Kern has hit a creative rut, and it inspires him to write one of his most famous songs, "The Song is You." Garland's voice is captivating as she sings the beautiful melody with such emotion that it's hard not to be moved by it.

Another standout performance is Lena Horne's rendition of "Can't Help Lovin' Dat Man" from Show Boat. Horne's portrayal of the character of Julie is perfection, and her voice is haunting as she sings the beautiful ballad.

In ‘Til the Clouds Roll By, director Richard Whorf captures the essence of Jersey Kern's music and his place in Broadway history. The film tells an engaging story while showcasing some of the best musical performances ever put on film. It's a delightful trip through the history of American musical theater.

Overall, ‘Til the Clouds Roll By is a classic American musical that holds up well even today. It's a must-see for any musical theater enthusiast, and its legacy as one of the best musical biopics ever made is well deserved.

'Til the Clouds Roll By is a drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes.