This is a product of its time. Because the 1930s was a rather racist period in our history, the audience watching this film today might be apt to turn it off because of the negative stereotypes (and there are plenty). However, I advise you to take a deep breath (perhaps two) and then repeat to yourself 'I do NOT need to be 100% politically correct all the time--and if I do so with this film I'll be missing some great history'. Do this as many times as you need to...then turn on the film! Why do I say this? Well, because you'll hear about 'pickininnies' and see many black characters who are giant negative stereotypes (eating fried chicken and obligatory watermelons, shooting dice, carrying razors and the like). Again, just remind yourself that this is a time that has fortunately passed--and it's STILL a great chance to see some great entertainers of the day.
The film begins with Ethel Waters yelling at her neighbor--who is yelling at Waters' kids. One of them (Rufus) is played by a very young and quite precocious Sammy Davis Jr.--and he's quite adorable. She sings him a song about 'staying on your side of the fence' and then tells him that perhaps one day he'll grow up to be president (a very progressive idea for 1933). Then, a dream sequence begins in which the very young Rufus is elected (don't ask how). Then we are treated to some great dancing from Sammy but unfortunately he also sings--and at this point in his life this was NOT his forte to say the least. It was after he was halfway through that I finally realized he was supposed to be singing the classic "I'll Be Glad When You Are Dead, You Rascal You". Waters sings one of her classics ("Am I Blue") and the singing by her and Davis' dancing are more than enough reasons to see this odd little film. The film is very peculiar but very watchable.
The film begins with Ethel Waters yelling at her neighbor--who is yelling at Waters' kids. One of them (Rufus) is played by a very young and quite precocious Sammy Davis Jr.--and he's quite adorable. She sings him a song about 'staying on your side of the fence' and then tells him that perhaps one day he'll grow up to be president (a very progressive idea for 1933). Then, a dream sequence begins in which the very young Rufus is elected (don't ask how). Then we are treated to some great dancing from Sammy but unfortunately he also sings--and at this point in his life this was NOT his forte to say the least. It was after he was halfway through that I finally realized he was supposed to be singing the classic "I'll Be Glad When You Are Dead, You Rascal You". Waters sings one of her classics ("Am I Blue") and the singing by her and Davis' dancing are more than enough reasons to see this odd little film. The film is very peculiar but very watchable.