What makes it different from others?

SERIOUSLY. This is what the crap Hollywood still puts out?

A very feeble attempt at affirmatie action

Instead, you get a movie that's enjoyable enough, but leaves you feeling like it could have been much, much more.

"April Showers" is a film that supposedly is based on the life of Buster Keaton and his family during Vaudeville. However, despite the studio paying Keaton for rights to the story, the story is, essentially INSPIRED (kinda) by the Keatons. It is NOT a biographical film and is pretty sanitized. I don't know the full extent of it, but the REAL Keatons used Buster from a very, very young age (not 12 like in the movie) and the act was filled with violent slapstick (such as tossing the young Buster about the stage)! I think the sensitization, in part, was because 1940s audiences probably would have been horrified with how Buster's family treated (and mistreated) him. As for the family, they repeatedly told authorities Buster was a midget (which is mentioned once in the film)...hence no need to send him to school or protect his safety!Joe and June Tyme are down and nearly out Vaudevillians. Their son is off somewhere in a boarding school while his parents work...but Buster wants to join them and runs away from school. He happens to arrive at the right time...as his parents are out of work. But Buster is so talented he immediately helps them get jobs. And, from then on, the act gains popularity and prestige. Unfortunately, Joe becomes a drunk and ruins the act...and June and Buster are forced to go on without him. This part of the film is rather unpleasant to say the least.The odd thing about this film is that it is trying to get you to root for the Tymes to fool the authorities in New York into thinking Buster is a midget. It really is an example of horrible parenting! This movie is entertaining because of young Robert Ellis (as Buster) is an amazingly talented young man--with great athleticism. His dancing scenes are pretty incredible to watch and it's a real shame the actor died when he was only 40. As for the rest of it, it's a bit too maudlin and downbeat to me anything more than a time-passer..that is until the rousing fist fight ending! Overall, it's not a bad film...just not a particularly enjoyable one during much of the time.

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.

When I think of April Showers, I think of my late aunt. It was one of the songs she sang to me. I also think of this movie. It's too bad that so many actors in this movie have died, even the kid that played Small Tyme. And now last year, even Ann Sothern. I saw Jack Carson as second banana in other movies, especially as a sidekick of Dennis Morgan, that it is good that Jack could be the leading man for a change (in "April Showers"). It's too bad he had to play such a drunk, but I guess that's real life. I always love to watch The Tymes dance in this movie. I could watch them forever. I hate the part where Billy Shay beats up Small Tyme, although the part about Robert Alda with all the glamourous ladies is nice. I love old time tap dancing, but in today's tap classes I take at Ohio State University the emphasis is on modern rhythm tap, with a lot of hip-hop added in. Females wear flat oxfords, and emphasis is not on "Broadway tap". That's a shame. I am of the old school, from the days of vaudeville & the old movie musicals.

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.