A group of redcaps in a train station perform musical numbers to raise money for a sick member of their group.A group of redcaps in a train station perform musical numbers to raise money for a sick member of their group.A group of redcaps in a train station perform musical numbers to raise money for a sick member of their group.
Wayman Carver
- Entertainer
- (uncredited)
Sidney Catlett
- Drummer
- (uncredited)
Leonard Davis
- Entertainer
- (uncredited)
Roy Eldridge
- Trumpeter
- (uncredited)
Dick Fulbright
- Entertainer
- (uncredited)
Otto Hardwick
- Entertainer
- (uncredited)
Rod Harlan
- Entertainer
- (uncredited)
Don Kirkpatrick
- Entertainer
- (uncredited)
Carrie Marrier
- Entertainer
- (uncredited)
Lew Payton
- Lodge Member
- (uncredited)
Doris Rubboton
- Entertainer
- (uncredited)
Mabel Scott
- Vocalist
- (uncredited)
Al Sears
- Saxophonist
- (uncredited)
Elmer Snowden
- Band Leader
- (uncredited)
Emmett 'Babe' Wallace
- Entertainer
- (uncredited)
George Washington
- Trombonist
- (uncredited)
Dicky Wells
- Trombonist
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAccording to the book _Jazz on Film and Video in the Library of Congress_, "Identified musicians include Wayman Carver, Sid Catlett, Leonard Davis, Roy Eldredge (predating his recording career by four years), Dick Fulbright, Otto Hardwick, Rod Harlan, Don Kirkpatrick, Al Sears, Elmer Snowden (his only film appearance), George Washington, and Dicky Wells."
- Quotes
Redcap Attendant #1: I call this special meetin' of the Benevolent Protection Society to order. The Black Knights of the Redcaps has resolved, where is, to wit!
Redcap Attendant #2: I moves to second that emotion.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Added Attractions: The Hollywood Shorts Story (2002)
- SoundtracksTiger Rag
(uncredited)
Music by Edwin B. Edwards, Nick LaRocca, Tony Sbarbaro, Henry Ragas and Larry Shields
Performed by Small's Paradise Entertainers
Featured review
Full of the things that made the Harlem Renaissance great.
This is a short film from Vitaphone. Oddly, while most of Hollywood had no place for blacks in films except to be servants or comic relief, Warner Brothers featured quite a few black acts in their Vitaphone shorts--thus allowing us to preserve this part of our history.
"Smash Your Baggage" is has an all-black cast and although the film has a few derogatory stereotypes (such as the porters using up their funds shooting dice), it has a positive message that can be enjoyed by all. Because they have no funds in their relief fund, the porters decide to put on a benefit the next day. What follows has very little plot but LOTS of make the film fun--crazy good dancing. First, there are two of the most amazingly athletic tap dancers you'll ever see. You just have to see them to believe them--and some of what they do looks almost like break dancing fused with tap. The guy who jumps rope and taps was also pretty amazing. About the only flat moment was the lady balladeer. This isn't entirely her fault--as there was an issue with the quality of the sound. The bottom line is that this film features some amazing stuff--so amazing you can understand why today there's such nostalgia for the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s.
"Smash Your Baggage" is has an all-black cast and although the film has a few derogatory stereotypes (such as the porters using up their funds shooting dice), it has a positive message that can be enjoyed by all. Because they have no funds in their relief fund, the porters decide to put on a benefit the next day. What follows has very little plot but LOTS of make the film fun--crazy good dancing. First, there are two of the most amazingly athletic tap dancers you'll ever see. You just have to see them to believe them--and some of what they do looks almost like break dancing fused with tap. The guy who jumps rope and taps was also pretty amazing. About the only flat moment was the lady balladeer. This isn't entirely her fault--as there was an issue with the quality of the sound. The bottom line is that this film features some amazing stuff--so amazing you can understand why today there's such nostalgia for the Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and 30s.
helpful•100
- planktonrules
- Aug 27, 2011
Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Melody Masters (1932-1933 season) #3: Smash Your Baggage
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
- Runtime10 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
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