Words and Music (1948): Besetzung, Handlung & Streaming

Released in 1948, Words and Music is a drama and musik film directed by Norman Taurog, running about 121 minutes. “The BIGGEST musical!” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. Encomium to Larry Hart (1895-1943), seen through the fictive eyes of his song-writing partner, Richard Rodgers (1902-1979): from their first meeting, through lean years and their breakthrough, to their successes on Broadway, London, and Hollywood. We see the fruits of Hart and Rodgers' collaboration - elaborately staged numbers from their plays, characters' visits to night clubs, and impromptu performances at parties. We also see Larry's scattered approach to life, his failed love with Peggy McNeil, his unhappiness, and Richard's successful wooing of Dorothy Feiner.

Who’s in it. Words and Music stars Tom Drake as Richard Rodgers, Mickey Rooney as Lorenz Hart, Janet Leigh as Dorothy Feiner and Marshall Thompson as Herbert Fields, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 5.5/10, Words and Music has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In USA you can stream it on HBO Max Amazon Channel, YouTube TV, TCM and HBO Max and rent or buy it from Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies and YouTube. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Words and Music page.

If you liked it. Fans of Words and Music tend to enjoy Die Verurteilten, Der Pate, Schindlers Liste and Der Pate - Teil II.