Watch There's No Business Like Show Business

There's No Business Like Show Business is a delightful musical comedy from 1954, directed by Walter Lang and starring an all-star cast of Ethel Merman, Marilyn Monroe, Donald O'Connor, and Mitzi Gaynor. The film revolves around the Donahue family, a talented and ambitious group of performers who work tirelessly to make it big in the entertainment industry during the early days of show business.

The musical numbers are lavish and spectacular, featuring some of Irving Berlin's most memorable tunes, including the title song, "Alexander's Ragtime Band," "Heat Wave," and "A Pretty Girl is Like a Melody." Ethel Merman adds her trademark powerful voice to the proceedings, while Marilyn Monroe oozes sex appeal in her various musical and comedic roles.

The plot follows the Donahue family as they navigate the ups and downs of showbiz, including breakups, makeups, and misunderstandings. Patriarch Tim Donahue (played by Johnnie Ray) is a vaudeville performer who dreams of making it big on Broadway, but his wife (Merman) is more content to continue touring with their children (O'Connor and Gaynor) in a vaudeville act. When their daughter Katie (Monroe) decides to pursue a career on her own, tensions arise within the family and they must learn to forgive and support each other.

The film is set against a backdrop of significant moments in American history, including World War II and the rise of television. The Donahues perform for troops overseas and eventually make the transition to television, highlighting the changing nature of the entertainment industry during this time.

There's No Business Like Show Business is a joyful celebration of family, music, and the entertainment industry, with enough witty banter and clever choreography to keep audiences entertained from start to finish. The all-star cast shines in their respective roles, and the songs are sure to get stuck in your head long after the credits roll.

Overall, There's No Business Like Show Business is a must-see for fans of classic Hollywood musicals and anyone who enjoys a good old-fashioned family drama with a lighthearted touch. It remains a testament to the enduring appeal of show business and the power of music and dancing to bring people together.

There's No Business Like Show Business is a 1954 music movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4.