Anyone want to see Basil Rathbone in a comedy? You can either catch him in The Court Jester, or you can rent Rhythm on the River, a cute Bing Crosby vehicle about two songwriters who fall in love. It was Mary Martin's second movie, and she didn't make too many, so catch the "singing Jean Arthur" while you can!
Basil Rathbone is a famous composer of popular tunes, and Oscar Levant is his faithful piano player. At a party, he's asked by his guests to share a new song he's working on. He excuses himself to the other room, and Bing Crosby rushes in with some crumpled sheet music. Turns out, Basil hires out and doesn't write his own melodies! Right after presenting the new song to his guests, Oscar takes Basil aside and shows him a telegram with bad news. Turns out, Basil hires out and doesn't write his own lyrics-and his lyricist just died! When he's in need of a new writer, he meets Mary Martin, but will Bing ever meet her?
Since this a cute romantic comedy, it's safe to say the answer is yes. With classic quips from Oscar, charm and sweetness from Bing, and class and good intentions from Basil, this is an adorable musical. Basil doesn't sing, but Bing and Mary come up with some great tunes that you'll be humming after the credits roll. "That's for Me" is particularly cute, and "Only Forever" was nominated for an Oscar in 1941.
Basil Rathbone is a famous composer of popular tunes, and Oscar Levant is his faithful piano player. At a party, he's asked by his guests to share a new song he's working on. He excuses himself to the other room, and Bing Crosby rushes in with some crumpled sheet music. Turns out, Basil hires out and doesn't write his own melodies! Right after presenting the new song to his guests, Oscar takes Basil aside and shows him a telegram with bad news. Turns out, Basil hires out and doesn't write his own lyrics-and his lyricist just died! When he's in need of a new writer, he meets Mary Martin, but will Bing ever meet her?
Since this a cute romantic comedy, it's safe to say the answer is yes. With classic quips from Oscar, charm and sweetness from Bing, and class and good intentions from Basil, this is an adorable musical. Basil doesn't sing, but Bing and Mary come up with some great tunes that you'll be humming after the credits roll. "That's for Me" is particularly cute, and "Only Forever" was nominated for an Oscar in 1941.