Watch Ballad in Blue

Ballad in Blue is a musical drama from 1965 that features the legendary Ray Charles as himself. The film also stars Tom Bell and Mary Peach in prominent roles. The movie tells the story of how Ray Charles, one of the greatest American musicians, overcomes his blindness and his rough childhood to become a celebrated musician. On his way to perform in London, Ray meets a father and son (played by Bell and Peach) who are going through a difficult time. Ray tries to help them and forms a close bond with them.

Throughout the film, we see a series of flashbacks that reflect on Ray's childhood and how his mother's death and his blindness affected him. We also witness his journey as an artist and how he rose to fame despite the challenges he faced.

The movie features several of Ray Charles' hit songs, including 'What'd I Say', 'Hit the Road Jack', and 'I Can't Stop Loving You', among others. The film also includes new songs that were written for the movie, which were later released as an album.

The highlight of the movie is Ray Charles' performances. He delivers some of the best renditions of his iconic songs, and his musical talent is on full display. At the same time, he brings a raw emotional depth to the character, which makes his journey all the more compelling to watch.

Tom Bell and Mary Peach are also impressive in their roles. Bell plays a struggling father who is dealing with a tragic loss and trying to provide a better life for his son. Peach plays his son's schoolteacher, who is also dealing with her own personal problems. The chemistry between the three leads is excellent, and their interactions provide some of the most moving moments in the film.

The cinematography is also noteworthy. The movie was shot in stunning locations across London, and the camera work captures the essence of the city beautifully. The film has a melancholic tone, and the muted color palette reflects the somber mood.

Overall, Ballad in Blue is a compelling movie that showcases Ray Charles' brilliance as a musician and his inspiring journey as a person. The film's exploration of themes such as loss, struggle, and redemption is heart-wrenching, and the performances are top-notch. The movie's soundtrack is one of the greatest of all time, and it features some of Ray Charles' most memorable songs. Ballad in Blue is a must-watch for anyone who loves music or wants to witness the tale of a true American icon.

Ballad in Blue is a 1966 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.4.