It's not that this is what I would class as a great film. It's plot seems weak, and more a showcase for performances than a real story. And, it seems a little far-fetched that the character played by Bill Robinson was coupled with the character played by Lena Horne (he was 65 at the time, she was 26; admittedly, he didn't look his age).
Nevertheless, I consider this a must-see for film lovers because it showcases a number of Black performers that many of us only know through legend. Many of us are old enough to remember Lena Horne from her appearances on programs hosted by (for example) Dean Martin and Perry Como. I have to admit that I never cared for Horne; could never put my finger on it, but there was something odd about her physical mannerisms when she sang that distracted me, and I always felt she was almost trying to pass of White...or at least not Black. But I have to admit that here, in this film, she was wonderful; I was impressed. The only memory I had of Bill Robinson before watching this film was his appearances in a couple Shirley Temple films. I don't believe that at his age here we see why he was so famous, but nevertheless, he's a pleasure to watch. I'm old enough to barely remember Cab Calloway...as an old man, so it was interesting to see him here closer to his prime. I certainly had heard of Fats Waller, but had never seen him perform, so this was a treat. I'm fairly familiar with the Nicholas Brothers through other old films. While I don't think they were the best Black dancers around, they were enjoyable to watch and do very nicely here. And, Dooley Wilson is here...nice to see him in a role other than from "Casablanca".
Again, I see this as a "must-see", and the print shown on TCM is pristine.
Nevertheless, I consider this a must-see for film lovers because it showcases a number of Black performers that many of us only know through legend. Many of us are old enough to remember Lena Horne from her appearances on programs hosted by (for example) Dean Martin and Perry Como. I have to admit that I never cared for Horne; could never put my finger on it, but there was something odd about her physical mannerisms when she sang that distracted me, and I always felt she was almost trying to pass of White...or at least not Black. But I have to admit that here, in this film, she was wonderful; I was impressed. The only memory I had of Bill Robinson before watching this film was his appearances in a couple Shirley Temple films. I don't believe that at his age here we see why he was so famous, but nevertheless, he's a pleasure to watch. I'm old enough to barely remember Cab Calloway...as an old man, so it was interesting to see him here closer to his prime. I certainly had heard of Fats Waller, but had never seen him perform, so this was a treat. I'm fairly familiar with the Nicholas Brothers through other old films. While I don't think they were the best Black dancers around, they were enjoyable to watch and do very nicely here. And, Dooley Wilson is here...nice to see him in a role other than from "Casablanca".
Again, I see this as a "must-see", and the print shown on TCM is pristine.