Words and Music
“The BIGGEST musical!”
Synopsis
Encomium to Larry Hart (1895-1943), seen through the fictive eyes of his song-writing partner, Richard Rodgers (1902-1979): from their first meeting, through lean years and their breakthrough, to their successes on Broadway, London, and Hollywood. We see the fruits of Hart and Rodgers' collaboration - elaborately staged numbers from their plays, characters' visits to night clubs, and impromptu performances at parties. We also see Larry's scattered approach to life, his failed love with Peggy McNeil, his unhappiness, and Richard's successful wooing of Dorothy Feiner.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney perform I Wish I Were in Love Again from WORDS AND MUSIC | TCMOfficial
Type: Clip • Published 2025-02-02
Top Cast
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Tom Drake
Richard Rodgers
Mickey Rooney
Lorenz Hart
Janet Leigh
Dorothy Feiner
Marshall Thompson
Herbert Fields
Betty Garrett
Peggy Lorgan McNeil
Jeanette Nolan
Mrs. Hart
Ann Sothern
Joyce Harmon
Perry Como
Eddie Lorrison Anders
Cyd Charisse
Margo Grant
Richard Quine
Ben Feiner Jr.
June Allyson
Alisande La Carteloise
Judy Garland
Judy Garland
Lena Horne
Lena Horne
Gene Kelly
Gene Kelly
Vera-Ellen
Vera-Ellen
Mel Tormé
Mel Tormé
Clinton Sundberg
Shoe Clerk
Dee Turnell
Dee Turnell
Release History & Theatrical Window
December 31, 1948
Wide Cinema Exhibition
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Norman Taurog
- Screenplay & Story
- Fred F. Finklehoffe, Lorenz Hart, Ben Feiner Jr., Jean Holloway, Guy Bolton
- Original Score
- Richard Rodgers
- Original Title
- Words and Music
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 2h 1m
- Production Studios
- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Norman Taurog
Fred F. Finklehoffe, Lorenz Hart, Ben Feiner Jr., Jean Holloway, Guy Bolton
Richard Rodgers
Harry Stradling Sr., Charles Rosher
Arthur Freed
Department Leadership Roster
Norman Taurog
Director
Fred F. Finklehoffe
Writer
Helen Rose
Costume Design
Fred Valles
Costume Design
Harry Stradling Sr.
Director of Photography
Charles Rosher
Director of Photography
Arthur Freed
Producer
Lorenz Hart
Writer
Richard Rodgers
Original Music Composer
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 Words and Music.
Featured In Curated Collections
Editorial lists, community rankings, and cinematic collections featuring Words and Music.
Movies
espe
movies
Musicals
Every film Wikidata tags as a musical film.
list_Music
Movies categorized under Music
MovieLens[20K:30K]
BD Release: Past-1960
Movies released in 4K Blu-ray format - Past-1960
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Frequently Asked Questions About Words and Music
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is Words and Music about?
Encomium to Larry Hart (1895-1943), seen through the fictive eyes of his song-writing partner, Richard Rodgers (1902-1979): from their first meeting, through lean years and their breakthrough, to their successes on Broadway, London, and Hollywood. We see the fruits of Hart and Rodgers' collaboration - elaborately staged numbers from their plays, characters' visits to night clubs, and impromptu performances at parties. We also see Larry's scattered approach to life, his failed love with Peggy McNeil, his unhappiness, and Richard's successful wooing of Dorothy Feiner.
Who directed Words and Music?
Words and Music was directed by Norman Taurog.
Who stars in Words and Music?
The principal cast of Words and Music includes Tom Drake, Mickey Rooney, Janet Leigh, Marshall Thompson, Betty Garrett.
When was Words and Music released and how long is it?
Words and Music was released in 1948 with a total runtime of 2h 1m.
Who composed the musical score for Words and Music?
The original motion picture soundtrack for Words and Music was composed by Richard Rodgers.
What is the age rating and content advisory for Words and Music?
Words and Music holds official age classifications: US: NR (Not Rated — Evaluated outside standard classification boards.).