ccthemovieman-1 pegged the main problem with this film...

MartinHafer

According to the prolific ccthemovieman-1, the main problem with this film is that there isn't enough of John Philip Sousa and his music. Instead, too much time and emphasis is placed on a completely irrelevant plot with Robert Wagner and Debra Paget. It was as if the studio thought that the life of Sousa wasn't interesting enough so they had to spice it up with this romantic subplot. Well, I thoroughly agree with cc--this is a major problem with the film.

In fact, if you are looking for a biography of Sousa, this film is NOT what you are looking for. None of his early life is shown in the film and only the tiniest portion of his career as a band leader in the US Marine Corpsis even shown--something for which he is most famous! I am NOT an expert on Sousa and perhaps he was a dull guy, though I strongly doubt it because of the many places he went, innovations he made and success he achieved. Why not just let the film tell the truth without all the silly falderal that you see in this film? By the way, I used the word 'falderal' as it was a popular word from the era of Sousa and it means "foolish nonsense"--an apt description of the unnecessary elements of this film.

As for the acting in the film, much of it was pretty good. Clifton Webb was always a terrific actor and I'd watch him in anything--even this silly film. Also of note is character actor Finlay Currie, as he really stretched his range in STARS AND STRIPES--playing a Southern gentleman--despite his Irish/English heritage. He was surprisingly good here and not much like roles he played in films like IVANHOE.

Another thing I liked about the film is a small scene featuring a Black singing group. They sounded great, though it also got me thinking that it was sad that Blacks in Hollywood films were generally absent during this era. It was nice to see this positive image.

So despite the obvious flaws in the film is it worth seeing? As I said above, there were some big pluses for the film, so it is worth a look. But, it's also pretty easy to skip as it's a rather colorful but empty biopic. Not bad, mind you, but also not particularly good--especially as too much emphasis was placed on the stage dancing of Miss Paget and not enough on the real Sousa.

score 5/10

MartinHafer 11 November 2009

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw2155796/