One of my fave movies.

gkeith_1

Spoilers to come. Observations. Opinions.

This is one of my favorite films. Looking back from a 9-29-2020 perspective, it was made in the wake of wartimes such as Korean War and World War Two. It was the time of the Cold War. What better theme was there to utilize than this patriotic film? Way after this film became legend, I earned a university degree in American History.

I have studied the life of the real John Philip Sousa. I own several books written about him. He was very determined and ambitious, and in a good way. From what I can remember, he was born in Washington, DC, of Spanish descent. Washington was a very military place, and still is.

When Sousa's time in the US Marine Corps Band ended, he proceeded to form his own famous band which toured the world. I have heard that he wrote 136 marches, and that he wrote other musical compositions including operettas. There were female soloists who sang with his band.

This film used to appear on TV around July 4 every summer, but in recent years I have not noticed its appearance.

I like Robert Wagner in this film. He is quite young, and has a terrific smile. I like Debra Paget. She is very pretty here.

Sousa's wife is portrayed here as a nice person, who supports her husband.'s interests with grace and understanding. Sousa himself, here, is portrayed as fussy and persnickety, but very talented.

I have heard some of the real Sousa's actual recordings, and I feel that they are quite good.

Bravo. 10/10.

score 10/10

gkeith_1 30 September 2020

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw6136229/