Stars and Stripes Forever

Unabashedly jingoistic but undeniably enjoyable, Henry Koster's flag-waving 1952 musical biopic celebrates march king John Philip Sousa, the most famous bandleader of his time. The film's great strength—apart from the famous tunes that are played with élan throughout—is the characteristic comic hauteur that the inimitable Clifton Webb brings to the lead. Whether Sousa was actually quite as prim and unflappable as portrayed here is open to question, but this is one of Webb's best turns, perfectly complemented by Ruth Hussey as his bemused, supportive wife, Jennie. Unfortunately, the filmmakers felt compelled to add an entirely fictional romantic subplot—a young member of Sousa's company (Robert Wagner) brings his singer girlfriend (Debra Paget) into the band—to the chronological account of Sousa's career from the close of his stint as U.S. Marine Corps Band director up through his efforts on behalf of the troops fighting in the Spanish-American War. Presenting a sparklingly crisp restoration of the film, extras on this Blu-ray/DVD Combo pack include a retrospective “making-of” featurette, a segment on Sousa's contribution to American music, the U.K. version of the title sequence, and stills galleries. Recommended. (F. Swietek)