Was Rhapsody in Blue in the Movie American in Paris?

By Anna Duncan

Rhapsody in Blue is a musical composition that was written by George Gershwin in 1924. It is considered one of the most iconic pieces of American music and has been featured in various movies, television shows, and commercials over the years. One movie that is often associated with Rhapsody in Blue is An American in Paris, a classic Hollywood movie from 1951.

However, despite popular belief, Rhapsody in Blue does not actually appear in the movie An American in Paris. The confusion may arise from the fact that both the composition and the movie feature elements of jazz music and dance. An American in Paris features many other Gershwin compositions such as “I Got Rhythm,” “S’Wonderful,” and “Embraceable You.”

The misconception that Rhapsody in Blue appears in An American in Paris may also stem from a scene where Gene Kelly’s character plays a portion of the composition on a piano. However, this scene features only a brief excerpt from the piece and not the entire composition.

Rhapsody in Blue is actually featured prominently in another classic Hollywood movie called Manhattan, directed by Woody Allen. The opening credits sequence of Manhattan features stunning black-and-white footage of New York City set to an instrumental version of Rhapsody in Blue. The sequence has become iconic and is considered one of the best uses of music and visuals in cinema history.

In conclusion, while Rhapsody in Blue has become synonymous with American jazz music and classic Hollywood movies, it does not actually appear in An American in Paris. However, it remains an integral part of American musical history and continues to inspire audiences around the world with its timeless melodies and innovative use of jazz music.