Watch Banjo on My Knee

Banjo on My Knee is a 1936 romantic drama film directed by John Cromwell and stars Barbara Stanwyck, Joel McCrea, and Walter Brennan. The movie is set in New Orleans and follows the turbulent lives of a newlywed couple and their families. The film opens with the arrival of newlyweds Ernie Holley (Joel McCrea) and Pearl (Barbara Stanwyck) in New Orleans. Ernie is a struggling musician who dreams of making it big, while Pearl comes from a family of riverboat workers, and her father (Walter Brennan) dislikes Ernie.

The couple faces numerous challenges in their marriage, mainly due to Ernie's gambling and drinking habits. He spends most of his time playing music in local bars and engaging in illegal activities in order to earn money. Pearl, on the other hand, tries to support her husband but struggles to find her place in the world.

As their marriage begins to crumble, Pearl turns to her father for advice but finds little comfort there. In a desperate attempt to save their relationship, Ernie decides to join the army during World War I, hoping that the discipline and structure will help him turn his life around.

While Ernie is serving in the army, Pearl becomes pregnant, and her father steps in to provide for her and take care of her during her pregnancy. However, tragedy strikes when Pearl and her baby are involved in a car accident and are left fighting for their lives.

Without giving away too many spoilers, the rest of the movie focuses on the characters' struggles to overcome the various obstacles in their lives and find happiness. Banjo on My Knee explores themes of love, family, and redemption, and is ultimately a tale of hope and resilience in the face of adversity.

Barbara Stanwyck delivers a powerful performance as Pearl, capturing the character's strength and vulnerability with equal skill. Joel McCrea is equally impressive as Ernie, bringing depth and complexity to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional.

The film's supporting cast is equally effective, particularly Walter Brennan as Pearl's hard-headed father. His portrayal of a man torn between his love for his daughter and his hatred for her husband is both heartbreaking and compelling.

The movie is also notable for its depiction of New Orleans in the early 20th century. The city's vibrant music scene and colorful inhabitants are brought to life through beautiful black and white cinematography, and the film's jazz soundtrack adds another layer of authenticity to the setting.

In sum, Banjo on My Knee is a classic Hollywood romance that still resonates today. Despite its age, the film's themes of love, family, and redemption remain relevant, and its memorable characters and setting make it a must-see for fans of classic cinema.