The musical numbers are okay in this 1935 film, but the plot is very weak. The set and scenes of a paddleboat on the Mississippi River are fine, but that aside, it's still a very weak film. My five stars are due mostly to the comedy of W. C Fields as Commodore Jackson. Without that, the small amount of singing by Bing Crosby and the show boat troupe, would rate it three or four stars. But, without that, this film would be a very dry, dull and forced plot - two stars at best.
"Mississippi" doesn't even give a good historical portrayal of dueling to defend one's honor in the South. Those scenes are more hokey and forced cornball than anything. I like musicals and most films that Bing Crosby is in, but this doesn't come anywhere near to those.
There are many other riverboat movies that are very good - from the musical "Show Boat" films to Mark Twain type stories and gambling Westerns. This film is best left to fade into the past.
"Mississippi" doesn't even give a good historical portrayal of dueling to defend one's honor in the South. Those scenes are more hokey and forced cornball than anything. I like musicals and most films that Bing Crosby is in, but this doesn't come anywhere near to those.
There are many other riverboat movies that are very good - from the musical "Show Boat" films to Mark Twain type stories and gambling Westerns. This film is best left to fade into the past.