Till the Clouds Roll By

Till the Clouds Roll By (1946) starring Robert Walker, Van Heflin, Paul Langton, Dorothy Patrick

A fictionalized biography of composer Jerome Kern, that begins with a short version of his famous Show Boat musical, with much of his life told in flashback, including his partnership with Oscar Hammerstein. It’s historical accuracy is poor, but Till the Clouds Roll By makes up for it with numerous musical numbers by the great singers of the day.

Songs in Till the Clouds Roll By

• The Siren’s Song
• From Show Boat
  • Cotton Blossom
  • Where’s The Mate For Me? (sung by Tony Martin)
  • Make Believe (sung by Kathryn Grayson and Tony Martin)
  • Life Upon The Wicked Stage (sung by Virginia O’Brien and Women’s Chorus)
  • Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man (sung by Lena Horne)
  • Ol’ Man River
• Ka-lu-a
• How’d You Like to Spoon With Me? (sung and danced by Angela Lansbury and chorus)
• They Didn’t Believe Me (sung by Dorothy Patrick (dubbed by Ruth Clark) and also played by Robert Walker at the piano; later sung by Dinah Shore)
• Till The Clouds Roll By ( sung and danced by Ray McDonald with June Allyson and chorus)
• Cleopatterer (sung and danced by June Allyson with Ray McDonald and chorus)
• Leave It to Jane (sung and danced by June Allyson with Ray McDonald and chorus)
• Look for the Silver Lining (sung by Judy Garland)
• Who? (sung by Lucille Bremer (dubbed by Trudy Erwin), and later sung by Judy Garland and chorus)

Editorial review of Till the Clouds Roll By

Based on the life of one of America’s greatest composers, this lavish musical biography follows Jerome Kern (Robert Walker) from his beginnings as a struggling songwriter and his early collaborations with music arranger James I. Hessler (Van Heflin) to his historic career as one of the foremost tunesmiths of the century. Unable to find immediate success in the United States, Kern sought recognition abroad. He journeyed to England where his dreams of success became real, and where he met his future wife Eva
(Dorothy Patrick). Kern returned to America triumphant and began a legendary partnership with Oscar Hammerstein II (Paul Langton). Featuring some of the brightest stars from Hollywood’s golden era, this film is also highlighted by numerous unforgettable Kern melodies such as “Long Ago and Far Away“, “Smoke Gets In Your Eyes“, “A Fine Romance“, “Look for the Silver Lining“, and “Ol’ Man River“.

[Updated September 23, 2023]