Post #2543200

A critical moment in Show Boat is when Parthenia "Parthy" Hawks objects to her daughter Magnolia marrying Gaylord Ravenal, on the grounds that he killed a man. Parthy's husband Captain Andy reveals that he, himself, killed a man, when he was 19; Parthy faints; the wedding goes ahead as planned. In the musical and movie versions, this is often played as Cap'n Andy telling a calculated lie to ensure his daughter's happiness. In the original book, it is clear that the Captain is quite sincere