Louis Armstrong Movies
The life story of African American jazz trumpeter Louis Armstrong could fill a dozen books, and in fact it has. Rising to fame with his own "Hot Five" group in the 1920s, "Satchmo" Armstrong (the nickname is derived from "Satchelmouth"; incidentally, he was known to his closest friends as "Pops") was a seasoned pro when movies began demanding his services in 1930. His earliest film appearances-- notably the Betty Boop cartoon (!) I'll Be Glad When You're Dead You Rascal You (32)--exemplified the "dangerous," sexually suggestive Armstrong who had become famous in nightclubs and on 78 RPM records. The racial barriers of 1930s Hollywood required Armstrong to smooth out his rough edges and sometimes to come in through the servant's entrance; in 1938's Going Places, for example, he appears as a stableboy, and introduces the lively but comparatively antiseptic ditty "Jeepers Creepers." Armstrong was serendipitously teamed with Bing Crosby on two memorable occasions: the 1936 musical drama Pennies From Heaven and the 1956 tune-filled remake of Philadelphia Story, High Society. Usually cast as himself (or a thinly disguised facsimile), Louis was given a rare chance to act in the 1943 all-black MGM musical Cabin in the Sky, playing the heavenly emissary "The Trumpeter." In 1964, Louis Armstrong scored so huge a hit with his recording of the title tune from the Broadway musical Hello Dolly that he was arbitrarily written into the 1969 film version, sharing a few precious on-screen moments with Barbra Streisand; it was the last of his 25 feature-film appearances. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 2008
This release compiles a number of songs by the legendary Louis Armstrong. Taken over the course of four different decades, these performances often feature other superstars such as Gene Krupa, Bing Crosby, and Jackie Gleason. Among the numbers delivered are "Blueberry Hill," "When the Saints Go Marching In," and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen." ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Louis Armstrong
- 2007
- Add The Best of the Johnny Cash TV Show, 1969-1971 to QueueAdd The Best of the Johnny Cash TV Show, 1969-1971 to top of Queue
The Best of the Johnny Cash Show captures a number of memorable performances from the variety show hosted by the country music legend. This collection includes performances by Bob Dylan, Roy Orbison, Neil Young, Ray Charles, Pete Seeger, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kris Kristofferson
- 2006
- Add Play Your Own Thing: A Story of Jazz in Europe to QueueAdd Play Your Own Thing: A Story of Jazz in Europe to top of Queue
Take a voyage through the history of European jazz in this musical meditation on the origins, growth, and exciting shifts in direction that came to define the endless search for that ever-elusive "voice of one's own." As musicians from both sides of the Atlantic began working in unison, jazz lovers around the world would bear witness to a fascinating form of evolution in their favorite freeform musical style. Rare footage of Ben Webster, Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Miles Davis, and en entire host of jazz legends make this a musical journey that is sure to fascinate and educate. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jan Garbarek, Django Bates, (more)
Golden Age of Jazz Volume 1 contains nearly two-dozen short films of performances by some of the most legendary figures in jazz history. Included are short films of Duke Ellington performing "Stormy Weather," Gene Krupa performing "Jungle Madness," and Cab Calloway singing "Smokey Joe." ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- 2004
Legendary trumpeter Louis Armstrong performs seven classic tunes in this release comprised of footage from television appearances, "Soundies," and early-sixties Goodyear Tyre Company jazz shorts. "Hello Dolly" and "Hello Dolly (Reprise)" are taken from a live television performance in Fort Hood, Texas in the midst of the 1967 Operation Entertainment Tour, "When It's Sleepy Time Down South" and "Just Because" were originally crafter as "Soundies" to showcase Armstrong to the uninitiated, and "Nobody Knows the Trouble I've Seen", When the Saints Go Marching In" and &C'est Si Bon" are culled from a series of Goodyear Tyre Jazz shorts filmed in 1961. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
A guy eager to leave some bad luck behind unexpectedly walks into a series of disasters in this comedy. Dino Condito (Carmine Famiglietti) has been persona non grata in his neighborhood in Queens ever since he flubbed a crucial play that cost his softball team the league championship against Hoboken. Months later, Dino is still the butt of jokes and he's losing all confidence in himself, so his cousin, Jubilene (Joseph Summa), decides to help him out. Cashing in his savings, Jubilene surprises Dino with a vacation in Cancun, Mexico, that he's convinced will lift his spirits. Unfortunately, a luggage mix-up at an airport in Mexico makes Dino and Jubilene the target of a handful of local gangsters and corrupt soldiers. Soon, the guys are being chased from one end of the country to the other and end up in all kinds of trouble before word gets back to their "crew" in Queens that their buddies need to be rescued. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Paola Walker, Carmine Famiglietti, (more)
- 2002
- Add Louis Armstrong: 100th Anniversary to QueueAdd Louis Armstrong: 100th Anniversary to top of Queue
The biggest names in 20th Century music perform with one of the greatest improvisational players in jazz history as film star Paula Kelly hosts a collection of memorable clips compiled to celebrate the 100th birthday of trumpet virtuoso Louis Armstrong. From the streets of New Orleans to the hallowed concert halls of Europe, Armstrong's music was universal in its ability to entertain and amaze. As a performer Armstrong performed with some of the music industry's biggest talents, and in this compilation drawn from vintage performances and movie appearances, the man called "Satchmo" performs with Gene Krupa, Frank Sinatra, Barbra Streisand, and Billie Holiday among many others. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
Sinatra: The Classic Duets features the beloved crooner singing with a variety of other famous performers including Louis Armstrong, Elvis Presley, and Ethel Merman, as well as his daughter Nancy Sinatra. Also featured are numbers with his old Rat Pack buddies Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. Among the songs performed are "You Make Me Feel So Young," "Me and My Shadow," "High Hopes," "Nice Work If You Can Get It," and over a dozen more. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Frank Sinatra
In this release featuring three of the Goodyear Tyre Company's five short jazz films, The Louis Armstrong All Stars, The Eddie Condon All Stars, and the Bobby Hacket Sextet are showcased performing a variety of their best-loved hits. Originally filmed on 35mm negative and recorded in professional stereo sound, these important jazz films were nearly lost to the ravages of time. Now, thanks to the efforts of Storyville Films, these films have been fully restored to their original 35mm glory and preserved for the enjoyment of future generations. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
- 1997
- Add Mahalia Jackson: The Power and the Glory - The Life and Music of the World's Greatest Gospel Singer to QueueAdd Mahalia Jackson: The Power and the Glory - The Life and Music of the World's Greatest Gospel Singer to top of Queue
Mahalia Jackson was arguably the finest and most important performer in the history of gospel music; her rich and expressive vocal style proved massively influential, and she was the first African-American gospel artist to sell over a million copies of a record (with the superb "Move on up a Little Higher"), bringing sacred music to a wider audience than it had ever known before. Mahalia Jackson: The Power and the Glory is a documentary that examines the life and music of this watershed artist; author Studs Terkel and activist the Reverend Jesse Jackson share their memories of Jackson as a musician and a friend, and a number of rare film clips of Jackson performing are included, including TV appearances with Louis Armstrong and Dinah Shore. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1993
- Add At the Jazz Band Ball: Early Hot Jazz, Song and Dance to QueueAdd At the Jazz Band Ball: Early Hot Jazz, Song and Dance to top of Queue
In the mid-1920's, just as jazz was firmly establishing itself as America's dominant popular music form, new advancements in motion picture technology allowed sound to be recorded along with moving pictures, and as a fortunate consequence many of the great artists of the first renaissance of jazz were captured by "talking picture" camera. At The Jazz Band Ball: Early Hot Jazz, Song and Dance is a documentary which compiles rare archival footage of a number of legendary artists, including Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington (leading the Cotton Club Orchestra), Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, The Boswell Sisters, The Dorsey Brothers, and many more. This collection also features the only known filmed performances of pioneering blues vocalist Bessie Smith, and the highly influential cornet man Bix Beiderbecke. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 1993
- Add Benny Goodman: Adventures in the Kingdom of Swing to QueueAdd Benny Goodman: Adventures in the Kingdom of Swing to top of Queue
This biography of musical legend Benny Goodman contains testimonials from various contemporaries and scholars, and offers several clips of the man in performance. Nearly two-dozen songs can be heard including "California, Here I Come," "A Fine Romance," "Why Don't You Do Right," "I've Got a Heart Full of Music," and "Bugle Cal Rag." The DVD release of the documentary contains a discography. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Benny Goodman
- 1992
Two vocalists are captured performing some of their famous songs. "Jumpin' the Blues" and "Symphony in Black" are featured in Young's show. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1991
- Add Masters of American Music: The Story of Jazz to QueueAdd Masters of American Music: The Story of Jazz to top of Queue
This video documents the evolution of jazz. It began in 19th century New Orleans, where the slaves first introduced the rhythms of African music. Story of Jazz follows the developement of jazz music from the blending together of African rhythms, European and American folk, and classical styles. Included are performances by: Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Charlie Parker, Willie "the Lion" Smith, Dizzy Gillespie, Jimmie Lunceford, Louis Armstrong, Charles Mingus, Count Bassie, Billie Holiday, Miles Davis, Thelonious Monk, John Coltrane, Gil Evans, and Sara Vaughan. Rare film clips, vintage footage, and photo's complete this indepth look at Jazz. ~ Beth Deki, All Movie Guide
- 1991
- Add Masters of American Music: Lady Day - The Many Faces of Billie Holiday to QueueAdd Masters of American Music: Lady Day - The Many Faces of Billie Holiday to top of Queue
Billie Holiday is recognized as one of the greatest blues and jazz vocalists of all time. This program tells her story. Holiday's song, "Strange Fruit," a reference to the lynching of black Americans in the South, was voted the most important piece of music of the 20th century. The singer experienced firsthand the indignities of racism in her native land. She found solace in the alcohol and drugs which eventually killed her. Her music continues to thrill audiences. Many of her signature tunes are included in this documentary, such as "St. Louis Blues," "My Man," and "God Bless the Child." Archival film clips show Billie Holiday in performances in film, television, and concert appearances. Interviews with musical colleagues and friends give insight into the troubled life of this giant of American music. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1991
Review the history of black show-business. Music, dance and comic routines are featured in this six volume set. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1990
The upbeat big band sounds and performances of the 1940s, originally called "Soundies," which were viewed on a Panoram machine. Highlights include Spade Cooley and his Western Dance Gang, Lawrence Welk and his orchestra performing "Nobody Knows How Much I Love You," and an appearance by Ozzie Nelson. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1990
- Add Masters of American Music: Satchmo - Louis Armstrong to QueueAdd Masters of American Music: Satchmo - Louis Armstrong to top of Queue
This is a comprehensive documentary of one of the 20th century's most influential jazz performers, the legendary Louis Armstrong. This 87-minute documentary pieces together the life of Satchmo using never-before-seen homemade films, clips from stage shows, and excerpts from some of his movies like Hello, Dolly, Atlantic City, and High Society. And, of course, there are many of Armstrong's songs featured, including "West End Blues," "Potato Head Blues," "Weather Bird," "On the Sunny Side of the Street," "When You're Smiling," "Mack the Knife," and many more. This colorful documentary also includes commentaries from many of Armstrong's contemporaries and musicians influenced by his music, including Dexter Gordon, Tony Bennett, and Wynton Marsalis. ~ Forrest Spencer, All Movie Guide
- 1988
- Add Harlem Roots, Vol. 2: The Headliners to QueueAdd Harlem Roots, Vol. 2: The Headliners to top of Queue
In the second of the Harlem Roots series, Harlem Roots, Vol. 2: The Headliners, Storyville Films presents another collection of "Soundies," short musical films that appeared on a jukebox machine called a Panoram. The headliners here are Louis Armstrong and His Band, Fats Waller, and Louis Jordan. The songs have been chosen with an emphasis on humor and a playful, relaxed delivery. Selections include "Your Feet's Too Big," "Ain't Misbehavin," "I'll Be Glad When You're Dead, You Rascal You," "Honeysuckle Rose," "The Joint Is Jumping," and "Five Guys Named Moe." ~ Alice Day, All Movie Guide
- 1987
- R
- Add Masters of American Music: Celebrating Bird - The Triumph of Charlie Parker to QueueAdd Masters of American Music: Celebrating Bird - The Triumph of Charlie Parker to top of Queue
One year before the Clint Eastwood-directed Bird, Gary Giddins likewise covered the life and work of jazz great Charlie "Bird" Parker in this absorbing documentary. Rare filmclips of Parker in action on the alto and tenor sax are intertwined with the live reminiscences of his contemporaries. Among those interviewed are Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and Charles Mingus. As a bonus, we see them in performance as well (and there are many, many bonuses in this film). As the title indicates, this is a celebration of Bird's life, though one cannot help but come away from the film grieving over Parker's premature death at age 34 in 1955. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- 1986
Velma Middleton is the vocalist for this collection from Armstrong's 1942 band. Songs include "Swingin' on Nothin'," "Sleepy Time Down South," "Shine" and "You Rascal You." The program also features a later appearance from Louis and the All-Stars. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1983
This eight part series follows the roles music has played in the development of mankind's culture and societies. ~ All Movie Guide
