MovieChat Forums > Show Boat (1951) Discussion > Actual 'Show Boat '

Actual 'Show Boat '

posted 20 years ago by luverofmovies
5 replies | jump to latest

I grew up in the Kansas City area. At that time, the actual boat that was used in the movie "Show Boat" was in the Worlds of Fun amusement park. I was on it many times, and still have a great family picture (costume thing) that was taken there. Don't know if it is still there, as I moved to another part of the country years ago. The boat, although large, was probably just an outside prop, as I'm sure all the inside scenes were shot on a sound stage. Since I've always loved this movie, I'm happy that I had that experience.

[–] blondee661 20 years ago

Your soooo lucky you got to go on it. Last time I heard it was it was dismantled and torn apart.

"The only way to enjoy anything in life is to earn it first" - Ginger Rogers

[–] earthwmn-1 19 years ago

I was on the "ShowBoat" boat at Worlds of Fun, too. Must be nearly 30 years ago. It was big deal back then and my Mom was really excited when we got to see it and walk around the deck. It was actually pretty small. The other cool thing Worlds of Fun had was the model boats used to shoot the battle scenes on the 1963 Burton and Taylor "Cleopatra". They needed paint the summer I saw them, and I suppose they are lost forever, but it was still really really neat as Cleopatra is one of my all time faves.

Rachelle
Des Moines, Iowa

[–] funkyfry 18 years ago

I've never heard of "Worlds of Fun", but it sounds great! I'm a fan of amusement parks and expos and I also love seeing original film sets and set peices, so I wish I could have seen it.

Did I not love him, Cooch? MY OWN FLESH I DIDN'T LOVE BETTER!!! But he had to say 'Nooooooooo'

[–] adalbertus 18 years ago

I recall going to Worlds of Fun in K.C. back in the early 1970s, and seeing the Cotton Blossom. I seem also to recall that they regularly had singers in costume performing songs from "Show Boat" on the stairs at the fore of the boat.

[–] film-collector 18 years ago

I was there too back then. They also had the battle ships used in Ben_Hur (which could also be the ones used in Cleopatra). I believe The Cotton Blossom is gone.
When the part first opened, in the 70's, the trees and brush were small which made the attractions look huge. The last time I saw the boat it looked real small when back dropped against all the trees, as did most everything else.
Its still a great amusement park. Im just too old for that stuff now.
RATS!