This is a truly great production of a truly great musical. If you ever wondered why Showboat is so famous this production will show you why. If you're only experience is the splashy (but flat) 1951 film version, or even the much better 1936 version, get ready for a revelation. This show is moving and sincerely and beautifully performed. I just finished watching my 1989 tape of the broadcast, which unfortunately is grainy but in stereo which I transferred to a DVD. But the sincerity and exuberance of the performances shine right through. I wish someone would put this out on a professional DVD (along with Crazy For You) but there are probably copyright or ownership problems. PBS and the Paley TV museum probably have a copy. It is memorable and probably the best version of Show Boat you'll see and that this great show deserves.