jaykay-10 .....and seen this story before, with very little variation. Regardless of how this picture was promoted or exhibited, it is a "B" musical in all respects - and consequently offers a cast that does not include memorable singers, or skilled dancers, a cast populated by "stars" who were normally supporting players in musicals that had more original stories and far better production values. The characters? Ann Sothern's smiles sweetly and carries on bravely through circumstances that hardly seem to affect her; Jack Carson's chronic drunkenness is prompted by a law that necessitates the removal of his underage son from the family act. Such problems! Everything ends happily, of course, as it always did in the dozens of other pictures of this type. Jack Carson as a song-and-dance man? And a leading man besides? Where was Gene Nelson when you needed him? Dan Dailey?

jameswarrenp I am an inveterate movie fan and am astonished that this little gem of a flick managed to escape my attention. I only saw it today (10/26/03) for the first time. Although Warner's Forties period musicals ("Shine On, Harvest Moon," "Daughter of Rosie O'Grady," et alia) couldn't quite match those of 20th Century-Fox's, especially those of Grable and Faye, this was a a valiant effort and totally watchable. The 15-year-old Billy Ellis' portrayal of the 12-year-old Small Tyme was a stretch, but he was such winning presence and so talented that one can forgive the producers for not making the character closer to the actor's true age. Sothern was wonderful. Even Jack Carson, an actor whose screen personality can often be grating, performed winningly in a starring role. Robert Alda rounded out the cast in a not very sympathetic part. This film gets my thumbs up.

banse The 1948 Warner Brothers film April Showers is a satisfying little picture about show biz troupers. Jack Carson and Ann Sothern make the best of their roles however it is Robert Ellis as their son Buster who steals the show. With his "little man" antics and show biz talents he also steals your heart. Ann Sothern is lovely to look at in most of her numbers. With a little melodramatics sprinkled in the film remains wholesome family entertainment. This film is usually shown on Turner Classic Movies.

cjenkins This is a charming little musical filled with great old songs. However, the great find of this film, and the real reason to watch it, is the young actor Robert Ellis. He plays a 12 year son of the main characters. He dances and entertains and displays a delightful interaction with Jack Carson. His singing is less than ideal but the whole film is a wonderful example of the carefree style of musicals typical of its day. It is unfortunate that Mr. Ellis never lived up to his potential - for whatever reason - and died at such a young age. I intend to watch this film each time that Turner Classic Movies shows the good sense of airing it.