originally released in 1935
black and white; 82 minutes
The tragic story of America's greatest composer, Stephen Foster, is recounted in this lavish drama. A young Foster (Douglass Montgomery) is inspired by the songs of a local Black church. Despite the opposition of his parents and wife (Adrienne Ames), a long string of musical masterpieces begin to flow from his pen, such as "Old Folks At Home," "Oh! Susanna," and "Camptown Races." Yet, as many publishers and performers are making fortunes on his music, Foster is barely able to support his family. When his wife leaves him, Foster turns to alcohol to escape his emotional turmoil. While his songs grow in popularity across the young nation, Foster's own life continues to spiral downward until he dies an untimely death in a lonely New York apartment. Also starring Joseph Cawthorn as Foster's music mentor, Professor Henry Kleber, and William Frawley as the famous minstrel, E.P. Christy.
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