Show Boat
1936, English. Directed by James Whale.
HEAR Glorious New Music and Songs by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II:
Sheltered beauty Magnolia Hawkes takes over as the leading lady on a Mississippi riverboat show when mixed-race Julie and her white husband are forced out of town by a prejudiced sheriff. Charismatic opportunist Gaylord Ravenal wins Magnolia's heart, but his gambling losses threaten to ruin their chances for a happy marriage.
- Runtime
- 1h 53m
- Post-credits
- None listed
- Language
- English
- Rated
- NR
Start now and it ends at ….
Popcorn Flick
Fun if you don’t overthink it.
6.7/10 from 51 TMDB viewer ratings.
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Where to watch Show Boat
Show Boat is streaming on YouTube TV in India.
Stream
YouTube TVAvailability in India as of 10 November 2026. Streaming data by JustWatch.
Cast & crew
- James WhaleDirector
- Irene DunneMagnolia Hawkes
- Allan JonesGaylord Ravenal
- Charles WinningerCap'n Andy Hawkes
- Paul RobesonJoe
- Helen MorganJulie LaVerne
- Helen WestleyParthenia "Parthy" Hawkes
- Queenie SmithEllie May Chipley
- Sammy WhiteFrank Schultz
- Donald CookSteve Baker
- Hattie McDanielQueenie
- Francis X. MahoneyRubber Face
- Marilyn KnowldenKim as a Child
Details
- Released
- 17 May 1936
- Country
- United States of America
- Written by
- Oscar Hammerstein II
- Budget
- $1.2M
Check ratings elsewhere
News & fan talk
What Show Boat is based on
Show Boat is based on Show Boat (1926) by Edna Ferber, published by Doubleday.
1926
Show Boat
By Edna Ferber
Published by Doubleday
Source details from Wikidata and TMDB.
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Show Boat: quick answers
Is Show Boat worth watching?
Our verdict is Popcorn Flick: Fun if you don’t overthink it. It scores 6.7/10 from 51 TMDB viewer ratings.
How long is Show Boat?
Show Boat runs 113 minutes (1h 53m).
Does Show Boat have a post-credits scene?
None is listed for Show Boat. Viewers tag these on TMDB, so a brand-new film may not be tagged yet.
Show Boat parents guide: is it suitable for kids?
Show Boat is rated NR in India. Check the rating guidance before watching with young children.
Which OTT platform is Show Boat on?
Show Boat is streaming on YouTube TV in India. (Checked 10 November 2026.)
What movies are like Show Boat?
If you liked Show Boat, try Tender Mercies, Ruth & Boaz, High Strung Free Dance.
Who directed Show Boat?
Show Boat (1936) was directed by James Whale and stars Irene Dunne, Allan Jones, Charles Winninger.
What is Show Boat based on?
Show Boat is based on Show Boat (1926) by Edna Ferber, published by Doubleday.