Words and Music is a 1948 American biographical musical film directed by Norman Taurog and produced by Arthur Freed. The movie is based on the lives of the celebrated Broadway composers and lyricists, Richard Rodgers and Larry Hart. The film opens with Richard Rodgers (played by Tom Drake) receiving an honorary degree at Yale for his achievements in the field of music. As he reminisces about his life and career, the audience is taken on a nostalgic journey through the ups and downs of his partnership with Hart.
The story begins in 1919 when Rodgers and Hart first met while attending Columbia University. The unlikely pair struck up a friendship that blossomed into a fruitful collaboration, with Rodgers composing the music and Hart writing the lyrics. However, their early years were challenging, and they struggled to get their work noticed. They eventually achieved their breakthrough with their hit musical, "The Garrick Gaieties," which featured the iconic song "Manhattan."
The film then follows the duo's rise to success, showcasing their Broadway hits, including "Babes in Arms," "The Boys from Syracuse," and "Pal Joey." These choreographed numbers and elaborate musical sequences offer a glimpse into the creative process behind their successful collaboration.
As the story unfolds, the focus shifts to Larry Hart's personal life. The film delves into Hart's complicated relationship with Peggy McNeil, a chorus girl he had fallen in love with. Hart's struggle with alcoholism and depression caused a strain on their relationship, and despite several attempts to reconcile, they eventually parted ways.
Throughout this, Rodgers remained a steadfast friend to Hart, who, despite his personal troubles, continued to create some of the most memorable lyrics in Broadway history. However, as Hart's health began to deteriorate, his professional and personal life started to unravel, and he passed away tragically in 1943.
The movie ends with Rodgers reflecting on his partnership with Hart and their legacy, as he launches a successful collaboration with another woman, Dorothy Feiner, played by Janet Leigh. In the final scene, Rodgers and Feiner perform one of their smash hits, "My Funny Valentine," as the credits roll.
Overall, Words and Music is a beautifully crafted tribute to the celebrated duo, Rodgers and Hart. The movie offers an entertaining and poignant look at their collaboration, both in terms of their creative output and their personal relationships. The film features exceptional performances from the entire cast, including Mickey Rooney, Judy Garland, and Lena Horne, among others, all of whom deliver some of the most iconic musical numbers in cinema history.