Storyline

In the 1890s, Sgt. Major John Philip Sousa, leader of the Marine Corps Band, meets Private Willie Little, inventor of an instrument he calls the Sousaphone...and Little's girlfriend, shapely showgirl Lily. To support his growing family, Sousa leaves the Marines and forms his own band; Willie and Lily go along. Though he'd rather write ballads, Sousa's marches bring him increasing fame; from their debut in 1892 the band is a great success. But Sousa's 'no wives' rule threatens the romance of Willie and Lily...as does the Spanish-American War.—Rod Crawford

Plot Keywords

marching band, male female relationship, dance number, concert hall, bandleader, 1910s, 1900s, title based on song, montage, music hall, 1890s, 20th century, 19th century, travel, train, stage performance, singer, musical number, based on book

Short Review

Very much a product of it's time: a whitewashed, simplified bio-pic, If you really want to know about the life of Sousa, you won't get it here, but if you love his music & want a fun romp, this picture will do it. Has Clifton Webb ever given a bad performance? If so, I've yet to see it. Richard Wagner is at his precocious best here. Very much a mid-century, rose colored glasses look back.

Trailer

Streaming Service

1. Amazon Video : Rent from $1.99, Or $0.00 with a Prime membership