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While loosely based on Sousa's autobiography Marching Along, the film takes considerable liberties and dramatic license, often expanding and extrapolating on themes and passages in the book. Much of the film is devoted to a romance between fictional characters Willie Little (Robert Wagner), a musician who joins the U.S. Marine Band under Sousa (Clifton Webb), and Lily Becker (Debra Paget), an aspiring concert singer. In the film, Willie is credited with designing the Sousaphone and naming it after his mentor, while in real life, Sousa himself designed the instrument. The film follows Sousa from his days as head of the Marine Band to his leaving the Marine Corps to form his own band in 1892 (taking Willie and Lily with him) and the ups and downs of his band. A mention in the book that Sousa discouraged the married men in the band from bringing their wives on tour is expanded into a subplot where Willie and Lily elope and keep the marriage a secret to continue touring together. An episode is included where Sousa's Band plays at the Atlanta, Georgia Cotton States and International Exposition (1895), despite the sponsors' attempt to renege on their contract, the Civil War only over 30 years. The Colonel coordinating the exposition is concerned about a "Yankee" band; Sousa proceeds to tell of his selections with Dixie played after each piece. The crowd cheers each time for Dixie. This stays relatively close to fact. The inspiration for the title march is depicted with a voiceover of Webb quoting Sousa's actual description of the event while at sea; however, the sea voyage in real life was due to Sousa and his wife rushing back to the U.S. from a vacation in Europe upon the sudden death of his manager, while in the film he takes the voyage to recover from illness contracted while attempting to resume military service during the Spanish-American War of 1898. Sousa then produces his operetta El Capitan with Lily as one of the castmembers, while Willie reenlists in the Marines but serves as an infantryman rather than as a musician. Willie loses a leg in a friendly fire incident in Cuba, but while recovering at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Hospital, he is called upon to rejoin Sousa's band in a surprise concert, where the band plays the title march in public for the first time.Read full review
Made in 1952, and starring some of the biggest names in Hollywood at that time, this depiction of the life of the legendary composer and band-master, John Phillip Souza, is filled with warm humor, wonderful music, and the exact note of poignancy that it needs to be a true classic. Clifton Webb stars in this offering that follows Souza's life from the time he made his decision to leave the Marine Corps where he served under five presidents as leader of the Marine Corps Marching Band, and organize his own brass band/orchestra, and go on to become a household name in over 50 countries. He went from being an poor but much-loved mainstay within the U S military, to being one of the most beloved and well-known band leaders in history. He travelled the entire United States, and to 50 countries, carrying his music to the world. His wonderful songs and marches are played within the framework of the film with verve and great beauty, and just listening to the music makes the viewer feel a surge of national pride, and a deeper appreciation of the life of the man who gave us that music. The cinematography and the editing are very well done, and the classic soundtrack was a marvel. For those who love music, and for those who love nostalgia, this is a must-own! Not easy to find nowadays, but when you find it, do buy it.Read full review
I bought this VHS for my husband because he loves the movie so much. I Highly Recommend buying it because it is a great movie.
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I loved this movie when I first saw it years ago. I especially liked the music of John Phillips Sousa. I also like to study the founding or our wonderful Country. I know this is probably considered a corny story but I really loved the music. The patriotic music is very inspiring. I want to show it to my grandchildren, especially those who are taking band.
This is a great old movie made in 1952. It is a true classic telling the story of the greatest writer of marches in the world John Philip Sousa. Many of the marches written are still popular and still used today. An enjoyable movie for the eitire family.
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