Duke Ellington Orchestra Movies
- 2007
Soundies: A Musical History collects a number of short musical films that played on a film jukebox called Panoram in the 1940s. Many consider these films to be the very first music videos, and this documentary includes appearances by some of the most beloved musical artists of all time including Louis Armstrong. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, The Mike Bryan Sextet, and The Bobby Hackett Sextet each perform live sets in this trio of films originally commissioned by the Goodyear Tire Company and shot on 35mm film with professional stereo sound. Though the original film elements would soon fade do to the use of an unstable film stock, Storyville Films has painstakingly restored these historical films to the best possible quality. Each of these three performances was recorded in New York City in 1962, and offers a look at three legendary performers in their absolute prime. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Michael Feinstein & Friends features celebrated pianist Michael Feinstein performing live renditions of classics from the likes of George and Ira Gershwin, Harold Arlen, and Duke Ellington. Special guests include Rosemary Clooney and the Duke Ellington Orchestra. The songs featured include audience favorites "He Loves and She Loves", "I Can't Give You Anything But Love", and "Take Love Easy".
~ Tracie Cooper, All Movie Guide
- 1987
The Swing era conjures up images of sophisticated ladies, debonair gentlemen, and the big bands who entertained them with a certain élan. This program is the third volume in a series that captures that elegant era on film, with a look at the big bands. This episode features Gene Krupa, the Glenn Miller Band, the Ink Spots, and the Count Basie Orchestra. The viewer can enjoy 19 numbers, such as "Stompin' at the Savoy," "Red Bank Boogie," and "If I Didn't Care." Archival clips, photographs, and personal recollections of performers and fans recall the charm of this great time in American music. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1934
Originally titled It Ain't No Sin until the censors prevailed, then St. Louis Woman and Belle of New Orleans, until complaints were registered from those two communities, Belle of the Nineties was Mae West's first post-Production Code film. West is cast as cabaret entertainer Ruby Carter, plying her trade along the Mississippi. Having no trouble surviving on her own terms in a man's world, Ruby fends off the unwarranted attentions of a steady stream of libidinous males, reserving her affections for a muscular boxer called The Tiger Kid (Roger Pryor). In keeping with the star's casual liberality, a number of black entertainers and athletes are given ample opportunities in this film, notably Duke Ellington and His Orchestra. The surest sign that the Code had "tamed" West a bit is the fact that she actually marries the hero at film's end. The musical highlights include West's unforgettable rendition of "My Old Flame". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Mae West, Roger Pryor, (more)
