Humoresque 1946

     This film is adapted from a novel by Fannie Hurst.  The Boray family comes from poor immigrant stock and they run a grocery store.  Paul Boray has been interested in the violin since he was a child.  His father thought this was a waste of money but his mother encouraged him.  He wants to become a concert violinist, he has talent but he doesn’t have the important connections to enter into this world.  Pianist Sid Jeffers and cellist Gina Romney train with Paul in the National Institute Orchestra.  Paul and Sid perform at a party and Paul is introduced to Helen and Victor Wright.  Helen appreciates Paul’s talent and she becomes his benefactress.

     There is a LOT of drama in this film.  Look out for Joan Crawford, I don’t know what she was like as a person but she is tough in this film.  She doesn’t let anything stand in her way, when she wants something, she just mows down the opposition but she feels everything deeply.  3* (This movie is OK)  

125 min, Drama directed by Jean Negulesco with Joan Crawford, John Garfiled, Oscar Levant, J. Carrol Naish, Joan Chandler, Tom D’Andrea, Peggy Knudson, Ruth Nelson, Craig Stevens, Paul Cavanagh, Richard Gaines.

Note:  Imdb 7.7 out of 10, 60% critic 68% audience on Rotten Tomatoes, TCM 3.5* out of 5*, Amazon 4.3* out of 5* with 72 reviews.

Special Note:  A 60 minute silent version of this film was also released in 1920 with Gaston Glass, Vera Gordon, Alma Rubens.  Rated on Imdb 7.2 out of 10.  Close-ups of Isaac Stern hands were used for the violin playing.  He began his career at the age of 15 and received many awards.  He was born 7/21/20 and died at the age of 81 9/22/01.