This sequence is brilliant and breathtaking to watch. I love this kind of eccentric, imaginative show-dancing. The Champions' exuberant performance here is dazzling, thrilling, and a huge amount of fun. They exhibit exquisite timing, incredible smoothness, and a symbiotic magic that 's wondrous to behold. The number literally takes one out of oneself, transporting one into pure escapism from the earthbound, making one glad to be alive!
The marvelous music and duo's costumes contribute to a very real sense that we're witnessing a true page out of 19th-century American entertainment history as well.
Watching this (again) after Marge Champion's obit. They were a great couple, very well matched in their styles, like Fosse and Verdon. I remember, in my 30s, trying that last step after seeing this number, and I thought I was going to die ...
What a great number. With those stunning aerial high kicks highlighted by an imaginative low tracking shot. I just saw Showboat live in London -- stunning with a powerful book & score. Hard to believe it was conceived nearly 100 years ago -- it was light years ahead of its contemporaries.
Edna Ferber wrote Showboat, based on her earlier short stories, in 1924. In 1926 Ziegfield produced it on Broadway. In 1936 it was made into a film. In 1951 MGM remade the movie, starring Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, and featuring Marge & Gower Champion. It was the second most financially successful musical in film history. It was a pleasure to have worked at MGM where I got to hear all the great stories from the old-timers were there.
I love all the old movies of Gen Kelly, Doris Day,Ava Gardner, Fred Esther and all the old actors and actresses their songs and dances are out standing it is a privilege watching them
I love these two dancers in this number! They’re also in the opening dance number in Showboat (1951 version) which is even faster paced with more complex steps! Gower & Marge Champion as Ellie Mae Shipley and Frank Schultz. They’re actually married in real life, from 1947 to 73. Gower died relatively early age of 61, from a rare type of blood cancer. Marge was 100 years old on September 2, 1919. MGM was trying to make them the next Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. Personally I think they’re two different kinds of styles.
I truly could watch them dance all day and sometimes do. I recently taped Showboat and I like the other dance number best. The one where they are dancing in a night club on New Year's Eve. Watch, go back
This dance sequence rates up there with the best of Kelly or Astaire. It starts simply enough and builds up thru some great tap to its very fast 1890s `cakewalk` style finale. Any young dancers who want to criticise old Hollywood musicals should just try and imitate the moves in this number because you need to be fit to try it !
Only shallow narrow minded people hate these great golden age Hollywood films. It was a great age with great spirit and music. Some people do prefer all the toilet humor from modern 21st century crap.
It's so great to watch the early movie musicals when the characters really sang and danced, unlike some what's being tossed out there today. Like Nicole Kidman and Russel Crowe really know how to use their voices properly??
Journey well Marge Champion September 2, 1919-October 21, 2020. This is my favorite dance number in this movie. I've watched this too many times to count since childhood. Marge and Gower Champion were an absolutely magnificent dance team. Beautiful memories. May they both rest well 💖
When I see this... I am so proud (PROUD) to be an American. Let's take this kind (cause it is kind) of energy and kick BS in the @ss!!!!!!! We all need each other.
The actors lipsynched their own songs to pre-recorded orchestral tracks on separate sections because of micing and noise problems on the set. Ava Gardner had an OK singing voice, but hers was replaced because the producer thought she was a better actress than a singer. YT has track of Ava singing in her own voice before replacement. She was S0000000 good. The mezzo they replaced her with had a teensy quavery voice.
I also like this movie very much. Musicals with a great story are delightful. I do have the Shpwboat DVD. However it would be a problem to place it on Y/T, because of copyrights. You could try to get it from Blockbuster, Hulu, RedBox etc.
Wow! Hollywood was overloaded with talent back then! Think of all the great dancers; Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Gene Nelson, Cyd Charisse, Leslie Caron. Even Doris Day and Audrey Hepburn were a fine dancers! Among singers, you had Kathryn Grayson, Doris Day, Shirley Jones, Gordon MacRae, Mario Lanza, Howard Keel. And they could all act! Marge and Gower Champion could and should've gotten bigger parts but the competition was too strong.
Golden age Hollywood is the best. The great musicals like Showboat, Singin in the rain, Easter parade, Meet me in St Louie, Til the clouds roll by, A streetcar named desire, etc. The great singers like Judy Garland, Kathryn Grayson, Jeanette McDonald, Dick Powell, Allen Jones, etc. The great dancers like Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Ruby Keeler, Eleanor Powell, Ann Miller, Cyd Charise, etc. The great swimming numbers of Esther Williams. Greats like Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, Greta Garbo, Barbara Stanwyk, Una Merkel, (and again) Ruby Keeler, Vivien Leigh, Doris Day, etc. Comedy greats like the Marx bros, Laurel and Hardy, and the three stooges. And the action greats like James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Peter Lorre. Golden age Hollywood was wonderful
Am i the only one that see clearly where they got the idea for the orginal marry poppins in the carasole sceen. I mean the rotating seats hats the dress the parasol the cane and even the dance moves. I mean come on its the spitting immage almost.
Actually, no they didn't. Marge and Gower Champion came onto the scene after Astaire and Rogers. The biopic they made was about Irene and Gower Champion who were, in fact, much bigger stars during the period before and during WW1.
Alan you're so right with all you say. I'd like to also comment on how those especially during World War II boosted our troops and was 100% for president and leaders. Didn't mean to get political however most of the actors and actresses today have an agenda against anything that is of value to our government and Country
The Champions were an example of the extraordinary, exuberant talent in movies of the era. Mercy, how i miss seeing such greatness.
the umbrella choreography is worth a second watch!
Such brilliant dancing. Precision. Precision. Precision.
This sequence is brilliant and breathtaking to watch. I love this kind of eccentric, imaginative show-dancing. The Champions' exuberant performance here is dazzling, thrilling, and a huge amount of fun. They exhibit exquisite timing, incredible smoothness, and a symbiotic magic that 's wondrous to behold. The number literally takes one out of oneself, transporting one into pure escapism from the earthbound, making one glad to be alive!
The marvelous music and duo's costumes contribute to a very real sense that we're witnessing a true page out of 19th-century American entertainment history as well.
So very well stated.
RIP Marge ! Thank you for the joy !
Absolute perfection! My favourite movie dance routine of all time.
They were a very talented dance team.This dance sequence is a joy to watch.
So is the other one, not on YT unfortunately: Life upon the wicked stage.
This is a gem of a dance routine.
What a joy to watch. I get out of breath just seeing them dance....and they are smiling the whole time!
them
Watching this (again) after Marge Champion's obit. They were a great couple, very well matched in their styles, like Fosse and Verdon. I remember, in my 30s, trying that last step after seeing this number, and I thought I was going to die ...
I feel the same without even attempting it! Extraordinary strength.
with a large smile on your face@@anne-louiseluccarini4530
What a great number. With those stunning aerial high kicks highlighted by an imaginative low tracking shot. I just saw Showboat live in London -- stunning with a powerful book & score. Hard to believe it was conceived nearly 100 years ago -- it was light years ahead of its contemporaries.
Loved the umbrella movements
I played Ellie Mae in my high school’s production of Show Boat. Wonderful memories.
When Marge Champion smiles men's hearts melt.
She was model for Snow white and Blue fairy.
Wonderful dancers. Can't believe Marge is now 100 years old.
Edna Ferber wrote Showboat, based on her earlier short stories, in 1924. In 1926 Ziegfield produced it on Broadway. In 1936 it was made into a film. In 1951 MGM remade the movie, starring Howard Keel, Kathryn Grayson, Ava Gardner, and featuring Marge & Gower Champion. It was the second most financially successful musical in film history. It was a pleasure to have worked at MGM where I got to hear all the great stories from the old-timers were there.
Never tire of watching this sequence - an absolute joy.
Great movie and just love this dance. They were so great.
I love all the old movies of Gen Kelly, Doris Day,Ava Gardner, Fred Esther and all the old actors and actresses their songs and dances are out standing it is a privilege watching them
I love these two dancers in this number! They’re also in the opening dance number in Showboat (1951 version) which is even faster paced with more complex steps! Gower & Marge Champion as Ellie Mae Shipley and Frank Schultz. They’re actually married in real life, from 1947 to 73. Gower died relatively early age of 61, from a rare type of blood cancer. Marge was 100 years old on September 2, 1919.
MGM was trying to make them the next Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers. Personally I think they’re two different kinds of styles.
I hope you meant 100 years old on September 2, 2019. If not I must take up dancing!
i never tire of watching this amazing sequence!
Clever use of that spinning loveseat!
I truly could watch them dance all day and sometimes do. I recently taped Showboat and I like the other dance number best. The one where they are dancing in a night club on New Year's Eve. Watch, go back
Marge and Gower were wonderful dancers!!!
Every future choreographer needs to see this. Repeatedly.
not only the choreographers but also the dancers
Absolutely, truly wonderful.
Watched this movie in an arts class i have and i love them and this whole movie
This dance sequence rates up there with the best of Kelly or Astaire. It starts simply enough and builds up thru some great tap to its very fast 1890s `cakewalk` style finale. Any young dancers who want to criticise old Hollywood musicals should just try and imitate the moves in this number because you need to be fit to try it !
correct they were geniuzez
Only shallow narrow minded people hate these great golden age Hollywood films. It was a great age with great spirit and music. Some people do prefer all the toilet humor from modern 21st century crap.
"others say you're not so good, But if you are patient dear..." best line.
The timing! the dry humour! I know every instant of this number.
Love the Love Seat here we have great entertainment a delight to watch thank you so much
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARGE: 100 YEARS YOUNG!!! (September 2, 2019)
Marge Champion rocks ! Her dance
routines in Showboat
will always be my
favorites !
Yes, she is one amazing lady and as a dance team they were the best of the best.
i remember watching this film when i was a kid , memories
A great movie!
The way life used to be.
They were the very best
Marge Champion passed away yesterday at 101. RIP, Marge.
Great dance team ever
brilliant dance sequence from that married couple.
It's so great to watch the early movie musicals when the characters really sang and danced, unlike some what's being tossed out there today. Like Nicole Kidman and Russel Crowe really know how to use their voices properly??
Great dancing!
I love show boat 1951
Journey well Marge Champion September 2, 1919-October 21, 2020. This is my favorite dance number in this movie. I've watched this too many times to count since childhood. Marge and Gower Champion were an absolutely magnificent dance team. Beautiful memories. May they both rest well 💖
Totally right, an absolutely fabulous number executed to perfection
Estás ahí 😃 descansa, gracias por las dedicatorias.
Ya dijiste por qué las mandas. 😁😁😁😁😁
This is wonderful
Stephanie Jeannot. Magnificent Talent
When I see this... I am so proud (PROUD) to be an American. Let's take this kind (cause it is kind) of energy and kick BS in the @ss!!!!!!! We all need each other.
It doesnt get better than this
gower champion is the champion of dancing! underratedd
Marge was the dance sequence model for walt disneys 'snow white'
Cool
And blue fairy. And a hippo in Fantasia.:-)
Wonder artists great dancers what practice they must have worked at to achieve what they do
She just passed away. RIP
Marge Champion was simply fascinating to watch - as was the case with Eleanor Powell. Sheer enjoyment.
She died at 101 in Oct. 2020. . A very long live for sure .
The greatest musical ever. Musicaoligist agree these songs and music are the best.
The actors lipsynched their own songs to pre-recorded orchestral tracks on separate sections because of micing and noise problems on the set.
Ava Gardner had an OK singing voice, but hers was replaced because the producer thought she was a better actress than a singer. YT has track of Ava singing in her own voice before replacement. She was S0000000 good. The mezzo they replaced her with had a teensy quavery voice.
I love full movie
Happy 101 birthday Marge Champion born on.September 2 1919.
Que died in november 2020 at 101.
What about Marge. What a terrific married dance team !!!!
Still the definitive version.
I also like this movie very much. Musicals with a great story are delightful.
I do have the Shpwboat DVD. However it would be a problem to place it on Y/T, because of copyrights. You could try to get it from Blockbuster, Hulu, RedBox etc.
Kathryn Grayson; terpsicore (nitpicking)
just unbelivable with very long sequences
This version of Showboat is not a 1940’s movie. Metro Goldwyn Mayer released it in 1951.
A handsome couple . I’ve only vague memories.
Marge was the dance model for walt disneys snow white film was also model for the blue fairy in pinoccchio
The woman used for the blue fairy was different and had been a model for the Columbia (films) trade mark.
Marge was the physical model for Walt Disney’s Snow White. She was in her late teens when she performed the part for the animators.
Wow! Hollywood was overloaded with talent back then! Think of all the great dancers; Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Gene Nelson, Cyd Charisse, Leslie Caron. Even Doris Day and Audrey Hepburn were a fine dancers! Among singers, you had Kathryn Grayson, Doris Day, Shirley Jones, Gordon MacRae, Mario Lanza, Howard Keel. And they could all act! Marge and Gower Champion could and should've gotten bigger parts but the competition was too strong.
title of the song?
"I might fall back on you".
RIP Marge Champion.
Marge Champion died this past Oct 21, 2020 at age 101 !
SAUDADE DOS GRANDES FILMES DA HOLLYWOOD
R.I.P. Marge
I like the full movie show boat when will you get this movie I would like to download this movie
7 years ago; now you can either rent the movie or buy the movie for a mere pittance,
Golden age Hollywood is the best. The great musicals like Showboat, Singin in the rain, Easter parade, Meet me in St Louie, Til the clouds roll by, A streetcar named desire, etc. The great singers like Judy Garland, Kathryn Grayson, Jeanette McDonald, Dick Powell, Allen Jones, etc. The great dancers like Ginger Rogers, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Ruby Keeler, Eleanor Powell, Ann Miller, Cyd Charise, etc. The great swimming numbers of Esther Williams. Greats like Jean Harlow, Joan Crawford, Katharine Hepburn, Greta Garbo, Barbara Stanwyk, Una Merkel, (and again) Ruby Keeler, Vivien Leigh, Doris Day, etc. Comedy greats like the Marx bros, Laurel and Hardy, and the three stooges. And the action greats like James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Peter Lorre. Golden age Hollywood was wonderful
Great film.
Am i the only one that see clearly where they got the idea for the orginal marry poppins in the carasole sceen. I mean the rotating seats hats the dress the parasol the cane and even the dance moves. I mean come on its the spitting immage almost.
Are dancers of this caliber considered athletes?
If they're not, they should be. Dancers rank very high in terms of fitness.
Didn`t Astair and Rogers make a biopic of these very dancers? Tribute indeed!
Actually, no they didn't. Marge and Gower Champion came onto the scene after Astaire and Rogers. The biopic they made was about Irene and Gower Champion who were, in fact, much bigger stars during the period before and during WW1.
@@chattyroz2934 You're absolutely right! Cheers! Ian.
Iren and Gower Castle, not Champion.
@@chattyroz2934 Actually, it's Irene and Vernon Castle
@@robincastle2209 Yes, of course you're right, it was Irene and Vernon Castle.
That Margie Champion sure is cute
Kathryn & Gower Champion we're as great dancers as I've ever seen, ever.
Marge, not Kathryn! Kathryn Grayson was a soprano singer who didn't dance. She played Magnolia to Howard Keel's Gaylord Ravenal.
Roy Damron?
❤❤❤
1936 1951 show boat Uinveral studios Hollywood movies tcm
As great as this is, it is a shame that this scene wasn't set to "Goodbye, My Lady Love" as it is in the stage play.
not losing sleep over it, sweetie
Alan you're so right with all you say. I'd like to also comment on how those especially during World War II boosted our troops and was 100% for president and leaders. Didn't mean to get political however most of the actors and actresses today have an agenda against anything that is of value to our government and Country
u know whats weird i'm actually related to both of them NO JOKE I SWEAR TO GOD IM NOT LYING I actually am
What a lineage you have.
omg he is soo HOT
Though no gift to womanhood.
He had an affair with.....Shirley Temple.
Roy Damron.
Roy. Damron.
terrific dance sequence .partonslag
Your hat is backwards...
What hat? Lol
Roy. Damron
beat that. you can't.
fanorama1 @ 1
filmissimo e triste.
👍👍👍 💘💘💘
They were married
MARGE AND GOWER CHAMPION WHEN AND WHY DIRORCED where is she now
N
she is beautiful. but that dress ugh.
It's true to the era.
She has been to my apartment and was my neighbor till she moved to CA. Wonderful!
You were very fortunate to have such a beautiful and talented person as Marge Champion for a neighbor.
Great movie and just love this dance. They were so great.