Tyrone PowerAlexander's Ragtime Band

This film was a mammoth production in 1938 and contributed significantly to the emergence of 20th Century Fox as a major studio. Faye, Power and Ameche were box office dynamite. The film became the prototype for many Fox productions of the forties. Power and Faye fall in love, they part, she marries Ameche, achieves success, divorces Ameche and finally reunites with Power. As is often the case, the first version was the best. The story moves logically and may even draw a tear or two to the sentimental even if it is corny in typical Fox fashion.The score is divided almost equally between the husky contralto of Alice Faye and the show stopping boom of Ethel Merman, with a couple of other numbers along the way from Jack Haley, Don Ameche etc. Over 25 Irving Berlin songs are featured. The musical arrangements progress with the story from small time ragtime to full blown Carnegie Hall Orchestra. Alfred Newman did a brilliant job.The film is a showcase, above all, for the talents of Faye. Wallow in her signature warmth, humour and that indefinable star quality which annihilates Ethel Merman except, of course, when she sings. This is the film for which Alice Faye will be remembered. The film also shows the smooth direction and attention to detail typical of Henry King. The leads obviously liked each other and it shows even if Tyrone Power is wooden in his earnest display of an ambitious musician. Don Ameche, however, is very good in a difficult part which could easily have become VERY corny.The print of the film is good enough but a white line appears down the left of the screen in some places. The package benefits from an excellent comentary by Ray Fiola, full of interesting information about how the film was put together but the commentary is out of sequence in the last third of the film. There are 3 pleasant musical numbers which were cut and one, in particular, "Marching along with Time", was a major loss because it played an important part both dramatically and musically in the progression of the story. Ethel Merman gives a rousing rendition. The DVD also contains an episode of Biography about Alice Faye, made in fact while she was still alive. The theatrical trailer also contains footage of the film's gala preview at Grauman's Chinese Restaurant. Other newsreel footage contains the London premiere.The total package is a gold mine of memorable even if dated entertainment but it is disappointing that the print is not perfect.

This is an excellent DVD. I particularly enjoyed the audio commentary by Ray Faiola, which is superb. The commentary is so full of valuable historical information and trivia. I have listened to many DVD audio commentaries, and they range in quality from very good to very bad. This audio commentary is, without a doubt, one of the best I have ever heard. Other distributors of DVD's should listen to this audio commentary as an example of how it should be done! There are other good extras on this DVD, including an A&E Biography on Alice Faye, three deleted musical numbers in pristine condition, and newsreel footage of the London premiere.A word about the DVD transfer quality - I have noticed that some of the other reviewers on Amazon.com have carped about the picture quality, saying that it is supposedly "terrible". Trust me, this is not true! The only defect is a faint vertical line that runs through the picture that looks like a scratch on the original negative. However, the viewer becomes so engrossed in the film that he forgets all about that faint line, and it does not distract at all. Some of these other critics who are complaining about the picture quality of this DVD - well, they just need to get a life! I can certainly live with that faint line. We're lucky this film even exists at all, as the film stock on which movies were made before the 1950s was nitrate based, which dissolved after a few decades. Because of this, many old movies have disintegrated and are totally unavailable today for viewing. So take your pick - a faint vertical line in the picture, or nothing. If you have any doubts about the picture quality, rent it first through Netflix (like I did), then buy it on Amazon.com. This DVD is a must for a serious film buff!

Alexander's Ragtime Band was a huge production for 20th Century Fox in 1938 and it still looks it all these years later. It it incredibly musical , packed full of songs and is extremely dramatic and touching - it is still highly entertaining and Tyrone Power, Alice Faye, Don Ameche & Ethel Merman do some of their very best screen work in this film.It also boast an excellent supporting cast and Paul Hurst and David Carradine to name but two are great. This film has been giving me a lump in my throat since I first saw it on BBC Two in the late 1960 's ( it was the first Fox film shown on British television ) and the taxi cab scene towards the end still gets me. It is a wonderul example of "everything" coming together in a movie and delivering and although it is probably corny by today's standards I wish there were more movies like it.This film knocks so many raved about musicals off the list - it is unpretentious , entertaining and incredibly touching.Thank goodnes it finally made it to DVd - not the best transfer but the negative for ARB is worn as Fox forever used it to reprint from over 30 years. The extras are good - original trailer is great as is the newsreel of the London premiere with Gracie Fields .

Beautiful musical, predictable plot but all is magnificent because of the divine Alice Faye. Irving Berlin songs in his usual practice of half new and half well-known already. One doesn't look for or expect anything factual but that's Hollywood and this is terrific.

This movie is a gem. Ethel Merman is so young you won't recognize her, but she has the voice that will confirm to youthat it's her. Fay Wray sings! Who knew? The movie tells the story of a struggling band that makes it big with the titlesong. WW1 messes up their plans for awhile. True love never runs smooth , but eventually we get a happy ending.Great productions of the title tune. From 1938 so it's in glorious Back and White, but it is a great movie which exceptfor the B+W does not seem at all dated. I liked it!

Wonderful music, great story. Great addition to my old time musical library.

What can we say more that the fantastic music of Irving Berlin.Good casting.Alice Faye and Ethel Merman are great.The final scene is fantastic.

This old movie is a fine production... many early actors that we have forgotten..... we loved it.