Show Boat
“Universal's Motion Picture Triumph!”
Synopsis
This film sticks very closely to the Edna Ferber novel, rather than the musical based on the novel. There are only two major changes from Ferber's book : *Julie in this version is a white woman, not a racially mixed one; therefore she and her husband are not unlawfully married. * Ravenal returns at the end, instead of dying as in the novel
Top Cast
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Laura La Plante
Magnolia
Joseph Schildkraut
Gaylord Ravenal
Emily Fitzroy
Parthenia Ann Hawks
Otis Harlan
Capt. Andy Hawks
Alma Rubens
Julie Dozier
Jack McDonald
Windy
Jane La Verne
Magnolia as Child / Kim
Neely Edwards
Schultzy
Elise Bartlett
Elly
Stepin Fetchit
Joe
Jules Bledsoe
Joe [prologue]
Tess Gardella
Queenie [prologue]
Carl Laemmle
Himself [prologue]
Helen Morgan
Julie LaVerne [prologue]
Florenz Ziegfeld Jr.
Himself [prologue]
Max Asher
Utility Man
Matthew Beard
Child
George Chesebro
Steve Baker
Release History & Theatrical Window
March 16, 1929
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Harry A. Pollard
- Screenplay & Story
- Oscar Hammerstein II, Edward J. Montaigne, Edna Ferber
- Original Score
- Joseph Cherniavsky
- Original Title
- Show Boat
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- No Language
- Runtime
- 2h 26m
- Production Studios
- Universal Pictures
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Harry A. Pollard
Oscar Hammerstein II, Edward J. Montaigne, Edna Ferber
Joseph Cherniavsky
Gilbert Warrenton
Daniel Mandell
Department Leadership Roster
Gilbert Warrenton
Director of Photography
Harry A. Pollard
Director
Johanna Mathieson
Costume Design
Daniel Mandell
Editor
Edna Ferber
Writer
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
NR: Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
International Certification Matrix
Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Show Boat.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Show Boat.
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Musicals
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Frequently Asked Questions About Show Boat
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Show Boat about?
This film sticks very closely to the Edna Ferber novel, rather than the musical based on the novel. There are only two major changes from Ferber's book : *Julie in this version is a white woman, not a racially mixed one; therefore she and her husband are not unlawfully married. * Ravenal returns at the end, instead of dying as in the novel
Who directed Show Boat?
Show Boat was directed by Harry A. Pollard.
Who stars in Show Boat?
The principal cast of Show Boat includes Laura La Plante, Joseph Schildkraut, Emily Fitzroy, Otis Harlan, Alma Rubens.
When was Show Boat released and how long is it?
Show Boat was released in 1929 with a total runtime of 2h 26m.
Who composed the musical score for Show Boat?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Show Boat was composed by Joseph Cherniavsky.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Show Boat?
Show Boat holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).