Coming out in 1948,was this glossy MGM musical intended as a cure for the postwar blues? Considering the thinness of the story line, a quite poor commentary on Lorenz Hart's short life,maybe it was supposed to be only entertainment. I think that it was. Perhaps it was dulled somewhat by the narration by Tom Drake as Richard Rodgers more or less presenting it as a brightened up musical documentary but otherwise I found it very enjoyable; but then there's a melody about Rodger's music that is just not here in modern pop numbers. The splash of color in Ann Sothern's rendering, "Where's that Rainbow" plus the whole production values makes this fine entertainment for those who like this style; Perry Como and the chorus put on "Mountain Greenery" quite well surrounded by scenery;there is an evocative song "Blue Moon" by Mel Torme,while "Hart" sits back in wistful reminiscence of his lost love. Neither the diminutive Mickey Rooney nor Tom Drake resemble in appearance or personality the famous duo, but what of it? It wasn't supposed to be a biography (or biopic,as it is now called),but a very colorful musical. The only likeness I found was Hart's unreliability and alcoholism ; but give it a plus for well delivered "Words and Music", including most impressive of all,Lena Horne's "Lady is a Tramp". "Words and Music"; that's all it was meant to be.
Review of Words and Music
