i have only recently settle down to watch this one which have just be issue on dvd in france . in a frustrating sense and this film show that perfection be unattainable . it have perfect lighting and perfect costume and perfect music and perfect act but oh and the plot be just so dull and lack in substance . but because of the rest i give it a high ish rating . it true and though and the plot be really lack in spice and substance but this be to a large extent compensate for by a mixture of fantastic set and great musical performance . indeed and i be very impressed by the particular attention give to light by the cameraman . it seem they avoid film at midday and always use early morning or early evening sunlight with long and sharp and distinct shadow with yellowish tone . this plus the splendid technicolor be a feast for the eye . i would be curious to have know exactly where it be film . be it really the mississippi river . i also enjoy those scene in the cotton plantation . musically of course and the film be a masterpiece and though my favourite tune be make believe and i be extremely impress by the version of ol man river sung by the actor william warfield who must have have one of the most brilliant voice i have ever hear . i confess to never have hear of this gentleman prior to see the film and have imagine the singer to be paul robeson . so i check out ww on the internet and it appear he be a very respected and educated gentleman . to cut a long story short and i be impress by his mellow voice and by his tower physique . ava gardner be too very beautiful and i also enjoy see dear old agnes moorhead whom i have always appreciate in film . so despite a weak plot which sometimes fail to keep my attention and this film be a genuine masterpiece on most other level and deserve view at least once and if only for william warfield performance of olman river .