StyleSk8r
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
Rio Hayward
All of these films share one commonality, that being a kind of emotional center that humanizes a cast of monsters.
Skyler
Great movie. Not sure what people expected but I found it highly entertaining.
edwagreen
Simply a wonderful filming with Jack Carson in top form as a song and dance man with his family. The real joy to watch here is Robert Ellis, who portrays his 12 year old son and sings and dances up a storm. Ann Sothern plays Carson's faithful wife.The story centers around the trials and tribulations of the dancing trio. How fast Sothern comes around to the fact when Ellis leaves school to join the duo. It does become annoying at times when he refers to his father as Big Tymes, as they're the Tymes family.That being said, the tale becomes endearing when a series of problems leads Carson down the road to alcoholism and the trio fades.Robert Alda plays the heavy here as Sothern's new dance partner. Does he show his true character when he begins to physically abuse Ellis in a memorable scene.A story of faithfulness to his dad, and final redemption. As a sympathetic hotel owner, S.Z. Sakall doesn't do his usual fracturing of the English language, but the film is a solid gem.
bkoganbing
Jack Carson's performance of an alcoholic vaudevillian who gets a few bad breaks highlights April Showers. Roles like this made Carson's studio Warner Brothers and others start taking him seriously as an actor as opposed to a funny man who specialized in blowhards.Carson and Ann Sothern are a vaudeville team during the first score of years in the 20th century. They're doing all right, but when they add their kid Robert Ellis to the act they start getting better bookings and even dream of the Palace in New York.But that dream gets shattered when the blue noses start insisting on child labor laws being enforced. They no longer get the billings and Carson turns to drink. And another performer Robert Alda starts throwing his intentions Ann's way.Including the title song the score is interpolated from a variety of sources of music from the period. Young Mr. Ellis proves to be quite the terpsichorean, no wonder he made the act for them.Sothern lends good support and a good singing voice. But April Showers is really Jack Carson's picture.
banse
The 1948 Warner Brothers film April Showers is a satisfying little picture about show biz troupers. Jack Carson and Ann Sothern make the best of their roles however it is Robert Ellis as their son Buster who steals the show. With his "little man" antics and show biz talents he also steals your heart. Ann Sothern is lovely to look at in most of her numbers. With a little melodramatics sprinkled in the film remains wholesome family entertainment. This film is usually shown on Turner Classic Movies.
cjenkins
This is a charming little musical filled with great old songs. However, the great find of this film, and the real reason to watch it, is the young actor Robert Ellis. He plays a 12 year son of the main characters. He dances and entertains and displays a delightful interaction with Jack Carson. His singing is less than ideal but the whole film is a wonderful example of the carefree style of musicals typical of its day. It is unfortunate that Mr. Ellis never lived up to his potential - for whatever reason - and died at such a young age. I intend to watch this film each time that Turner Classic Movies shows the good sense of airing it.
