Watch Way Down South

Way Down South is a heartwarming movie from 1939, directed by Bernard Vorhaus and starring Bobby Breen, Alan Mowbray, and Ralph Morgan. The film is set in the South during the 19th century and portrays the journey of a young boy who tries to reconcile his love for music with his responsibility to his family. The story opens with the introduction of David (Bobby Breen), a talented and passionate young boy who is forced to leave his home in Chicago and move to the South with his mother (Ruth Hussey) after the death of his father. David is heartbroken at the prospect of leaving behind his dream of becoming a famous pianist and performing at Carnegie Hall. However, he soon discovers that the South holds its own unique charm and musical traditions that he can explore.

David's mother is hired by Benjamin Randall (Alan Mowbray), a wealthy plantation owner, to be the governess to his young daughter, Cissy (Charita Bauer). Soon after their arrival, David discovers that Cissy has an incredible voice but is too shy to sing in front of anyone. David takes it upon himself to help Cissy overcome her fear and become the singer she was always meant to be.

David and Cissy's friendship blossoms as they spend more time together, exploring their shared passion for music. However, tensions rise when David's mother asks Randall for money to pay off a debt. Randall offers to pay the debt in exchange for David working on his plantation for a month. David is reluctant at first, but eventually agrees when he learns that the plantation is home to a famous banjo player, Uncle Joe (Ralph Morgan), who he idolizes.

David's time on the plantation proves to be a challenging experience, as he encounters the harsh realities of slavery and a society that is inhospitable to his progressive views on race. However, he also learns valuable lessons about humility, hard work, and the true meaning of family. Meanwhile, Cissy continues to struggle with her fear of singing, and David must find a way to help her overcome it before it's too late.

Way Down South is a poignant and uplifting tale of love, friendship, and music. The film beautifully captures the culture and traditions of the South, while also highlighting the injustices that were rampant during that time. The performance of Bobby Breen, in particular, is outstanding, as he brings to life a character that is both relatable and inspiring.

The film's soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a mix of traditional Southern music and original compositions written by Breen himself. The songs are expertly woven into the narrative, adding an extra layer of emotion and depth to the story.

Overall, Way Down South is a must-see movie for anyone who loves music, history, or just great storytelling. It's a film that will leave you feeling moved, inspired, and grateful for the power of music to bring people together.

Way Down South is a 1939 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 1 minute. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.