I have not seen the movie because I can't figure out how to bring the video up on Amazon Prime. But when I read a description of the movie that talks about a great dance scene to Bennie Goodman's "Sing, Sing, Sing" at the avoy Ballroom it tells me the writer of the script was pretty clueless about the musical history of the era. Bennie Goodman's band was revered by white Folks. The Great Chick Webb's band were the kings of the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem. All of the great black bands - the true creators of big band Jazz and y far the hardest swingers - trembled in their boots when the performed at the Savoy, because Chick was a great drummer and the dancers judged every band by their rhythm. The one time Bennie Goodman played the Savoy it was a battle of the bands and Chick Webb blew Goodman's drummer Gene Krupa OFF THE STAGE!!!! this was a legendary night in Harlem's cultural history, and if the movie blew that it has missed the mark. As I said, I have not yet viewed the film. When I do, if I am proven wrong, I will come back on this site and say so. Hence I regard this review as a heads up to future viewers, not a final judgement on the movie. The mere fact that Debbie Allen, a great dancer.choreographer is directing it assures me that the dancing will be GREAT! And that along with the bevy of black, brown and beige shimming beauties makes it wort the price of the ticket!
Review of Stompin' at the Savoy
