The Mills Brothers 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
- 1991
- Add The Incomparable Nat "King" Cole to QueueAdd The Incomparable Nat "King" Cole to top of Queue
One of the best and most popular musicians of the 1950s and '60s, Nat "King" Cole was the first African-American entertainer to host his own television series, and many of the great musical talents of the day stopped by his studio to appear on The Nat "King" Cole Show. The Incomparable Nat King Cole is a collection of highlights from Cole's acclaimed series, including appearances by Sammy Davis Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, Harry Belafonte, Oscar Peterson, the Mills Brothers, Coleman Hawkins, and Stan Getz, and performances of such timeless classics as "Unforgettable," "Mona Lisa," "Sweet Lorraine," "Almost Like Being in Love," "The Christmas Song," and "A Blossom Fell." ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nat "King" Cole
- 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
History tells us that would-be automobile mogul Preston Tucker was a silver-tongued con man, who misappropriated his investors' money and played fast and loose with ethics and legalities in the pursuit of his dream. Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola isn't buying this: to hear Coppola tell it, Tucker was "Mr. Smith Goes to Detroit," a sincere visionary who tried and failed to buck the Big Three auto manufacturers. Moreover, he was a staunch defender of family values, as witness his inseparable relationship with his loyal wife (Joan Allen) and adoring children. It was for his family's sake, rather than any dreams of financial gain, that Tucker created the oddball three-headlight vehicle which he envisioned as the "car of the future". Naturally, the corporate fat cats of 1947 can't abide competition from a rugged individualist; thus, with several politicos in their pockets, they crush the Tucker and the man who built it. We'd have been more inclined to believe the story had Coppola adopted a straightforward Capraesque approach and not utilized all sorts of complicated camera trickery. Somehow, by presenting Tucker in so showoffy a directorial manner, the character comes off more as a sleight-of-hand artist than a bastion of sincerity. Even so, Jeff Bridges does a nice job as Tucker, as does Martin Landau as Tucker's incongruous business partner. Jeff's dad, Lloyd Bridges, appears in an uncredited role as a "bought" senator. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jeff Bridges, Joan Allen, (more)
- 1988
A compendium of talented harmonizing featuring twenty hits by such legendary artists as The Delta Rhythm Boys, The Charioteers, and The Mills Brothers, this collection of rare Soundies originally produced between 1941 and 1947 offers a compelling look at the precursor to the modern music video. Willy popular in their day despite the lack of Panorams (the device that the films were shown on) during the war, these films have finally resurfaced to showcase some of the most popular musical artists of the time. ~ Jason Buchanan, 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 fourth volume in a series that captures that elegant era on film, with a look at the big bands. In this episode, the sounds of the Duke Ellington Orchestra, Louis Prima, Buddy Rich, and Tex Beneke fill the airways. "Satin Doll," "Sophisticated Lady," and "That Old Black Magic" are among the many tunes presented in their entirety. Archival clips, photographs, and personal recollections of performers and fans recall the charm of this exuberant time in American music. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1986
This video captures the sounds of Nat Cole, the Mills Brothers and the Delta Rhythm Boys with titles such as "You Call It Madness" (Cole), "Paper Doll" (Mills Bros.) and "Take the 'A' Train" (Delta Boys). ~ All Movie Guide
This is the first comprehensive documentary about the Mills Brothers, one of the most beloved vocal groups in popular music. This biographical study contains black-and-white footage along with color clips dating from 1932 through 1981. There are various interviews and performances included, highlighting their unique vocal blend, talent, and stage presence. Featured here are the songs "Paper Doll," "You Always Hurt the One You Love," "Glowworm,", "Bye Bye Blackbird," and more. ~ Karla Baker, All Movie Guide
- 1959
Jules Dassin, blacklisted during the McCarthy era, directs this routine, ostensibly romantic tale that really courts an underlying theme of the misuse of power. Based on a popular French novel and set in a small Mediterranean town, the story involves a small group of men and the woman several of them desire. The men gather around in the local tavern each evening to play a rather vicious game called "The Law." One man is chosen to dictate to the others, and they have to do what he says, no matter how humiliating. Marietta (Gina Lollobrigida) is the gorgeous servant of Don Cesare (Pierre Brasseur), desired by Francesco, the son of a crime boss (Yves Montand), and by her brother-in-law. She herself has fallen in love with Enrico (Marcello Mastroianni), a poor engineer. Determined to get a dowry and thereby be able to marry Enrico, Marietta turns the tables on the men who play "The Law." ~ Eleanor Mannikka, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gina Lollobrigida, Pierre Brasseur, (more)
- 1952
This musical presentation features the stars of the '30s, '40s and '50s. Some performers are the Ink Spots, Bobby Darin, Peggy Lee, Sammy Davis Jr. and the bands of Benny Goodman, Charlie Barnet and Lionel Hampton. ~ All Movie Guide
- 1950
When You're Smiling is distinguished by the presence of several top recording artists of 1950. The wafer-thin plotline concerns the misadventures of Texan Gerald Durham (Jerome Courtland), who arrives in the Big City to learn the ropes of the music business. Durham not only ends up with a recording contract, but also wins heroine Peggy Martin (Lola Albright) in the bargain. So much for the story. The principal selling card of When You're Smiling consists of the guest-star turns by Frankie Laine, Bob Crosby, The Modernaires, The Mills Brothers, Kay Starr and Billy Daniels. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jerome Courtland, Frankie Laine, (more)
- 1944
In this western, a rancher turns his property into a dude ranch for soldiers after he is drafted. Featured upon this ranch are entertaining shows with music from Tex Ritter, Roy Acuff, and the Mills Brothers. Songs include: "Spot In Arizona," "You Man You," "Wait For The Light To Shine," "Walking Down The Lane With You," and ""Lazy River."" ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1943
Dick Foran is back for another seven-reel melange of music and comedy in Universal's He's My Guy. Foran is cast as defense-plant worker Van Moore, who is casting about for ways of boosting morale amongst his fellow workers. Coming to the rescue are a group of veteran vaudevillians, who stage a spectacular show for the plant. Among these beloved performers are Gertrude Niesen, the Mills Brothers, Louis Da Pron, Lorraine Krueger, The Diamond Brothers and the Dorene Sisters. The feminine angle of the storyline is handled by heroine Irene Hervey and comedienne Joan Davis. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dick Foran, Irene Hervey, (more)
- 1943
During the '40s, Monogram ground out musical comedies by the ton, most of them starring their resident song-and-dance cutie Gale Storm. In Rhythm Parade, Storm plays a young, aspiring singer named Sally, who through a series of misunderstandings is assumed to be the mother of an apparently abandoned baby. This plays right into the hands of Sally's bitchy rival Connie (Jan Wiley), who hopes to ruin the girl's career by fomenting a scandal. By the end of the requisite 68 minutes, all is straightened out, with time left over for 9 musical numbers, some performed by such guest acts as The Mills Bros. and Ted Fio Rito Orchestra. Rhythm Parade was produced in conjunction with Hollywood's Florentine Gardens nightclub, run by one Nils T. Granlund (aka N.T.G.), who appears in the film as "Granny". ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Nils T. Granlund, Gale Storm, (more)
- 1943
Beverly Ross (nn Miller) is a would-be radio personality, but the closest she gets to being on the air is running the switchboard at a local station. Worse yet, the blustery station owner Mr. Kennedy (Tim Ryan) wants no part of programming "jive" (i.e., swing music) that she loves, preferring the classics. But she manages to con Vernon Lewis (Franlin Pangborn), the host of the station's early morning classical show, into believing that he needs a vacation and slips into his time-slot at 5 am, where she starts running records by Bob Crosby's band, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Frank Sinatra in place of Beethoven and Mendelssohn. The soldiers at the local army base pick up on the new show, and two of them, wealthy candy company magnate Barry Lang (William Wright) and his former chauffeur Andy Adams (Dick Purcell, decide they want to meet this new disc jockey, and as luck would have it her brother (Larry Parks) is in their platoon and invites them to his home. But the two men decide to switch identities, Barry denying his wealth and pretending to be Andy, and Andy presenting himself as the candy heir Barry -- and as if matters aren't complicated enough for Beverly, coping with their antics, she has to fight to keep her radio show. But when the soldiers listening to her start writing in by the thousands, and Barry suggests she call her 5am show "Reveille," she takes it one step further and "Reveille With Beverly," and becomes a smash. But can she sort out the intertwining romantic overtures of the two men in her life? ~ Bruce Eder, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Ann Miller, William Wright, (more)
- 1942
Though it ain't Noel Coward, Chatterbox is the funniest of the two Judy Canova-Joe E. Brown vehicles for Republic. Brown is hilariously cast as Rex Vane, a pompous radio cowboy star who's never been any further west than his living room. When Rex is signed to appear in a film, it becomes painfully apparent that he can neither ride nor shoot. But rambunctious Judy Boggs (Judy Canova) can do both, and it is Judy who helps guide the vain Vane through his moviemaking experiences. Rex proves himself to be a genuine hero in a slapstick finale "borrowed" from Chaplin's The Gold Rush. Naturally, both Brown and Canova are given ample opportunity to sing, as are guest performers Spade Cooley and the Mills Brothers. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Joe E. Brown, Judy Canova, (more)
- 1937
Top British radio stores perform in this musical revue. The many acts are hosted by the popular team of Clamphan & Dwyer and are designed to offer competition for the commercial broadcasts that come in from mainland Europe. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- 1935
A tuneful taxi driver secretly works to achieve his dream of becoming a radio singer in this musical comedy. One day he gives a radio station secretary a lift. She prattles on about a sponsor's new contest. The sponsor, a prominent cheese company, is looking for a singing gondolier to participate in their newest campaign. Later the secretary and the head cheese go to Venice to look for the real McCoy, unaware that the determined cabbie is already there waiting for them. Sure enough, they are fooled and he is hired. Things go really well until he feels compelled to tell the truth during a major broadcast. Songs include: "Lulu's Back in Town", "The Rose in Her Hair", "Lonely Gondolier", and ""You Can Be Kissed"". ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Dick Powell, Joan Blondell, (more)
- 1934
A satire on radio crooners, Twenty Million Sweethearts stars Dick Powell as a singing waiter--fake handlebar mustache and all. Publicity man Pat O'Brien discovers Powell and gets him a radio gig, leading to nationwide adulation for the nonplused tenor. All of this jeopardizes Powell's happy marriage to Ginger Rogers, but he proves faithful to her despite the twenty million sweethearts (i.e. female radio fans) referred to in the title. Twenty Million Sweethearts is fitfully amusing, with some of the best moments concentrated at the beginning wherein the Radio Rogues imitate several popular personalities of the airwaves. This film was remade in 1949 as My Dream Is Yours, with Doris Day (!) in the Dick Powell role but with the same "signature" tune, "I'll String Along with You." ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Pat O'Brien, Dick Powell, (more)
- 1934
If you can accept blonde, blue-eyed Marion Davies disguising herself in blackface, chances are you'll swallow the rest of Operator 13. Davies plays a Belle Boyd-like actress who agrees to become a Northern spy during the Civil War. She assumes the identity of an octoroon servant and heads into Southern territory. Marion meets dashing Confederate captain Gary Cooper, and instantly falls in love with him. Later, she assumes the disguise of a Southern belle to prevent Cooper from recruiting Southern sympathizers in the north. This time Cooper falls for Davies, which makes it hard for her to carry out her mission. After several more reels of espionage and romantic interludes, including a gently kinky sequence in which Cooper and Davies are handcuffed together, the lovers part company, promising to meet again when the war is over. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Gary Cooper, Marion Davies, (more)
- 1934
Six writers were involved in the RKO Radio musical comedy Strictly Dynamite; ironically, the plot concerns a radio comedian who's running out of material. Jimmy Durante stars as Maxie Slaight, an airwaves mirthmaker who hires young Nick Montgomery (Norman Foster) as his new gag man. Before he knows what's happening, Maxie becomes enmeshed in a romantic triangle involving Nick, Nick's wife Sylvia (Marian Nixon), and Maxie's radio co-star Vera (Lupe Velez). The film's five songs are performed con brio by Durante, Velez, and the four Mills Brothers. Adapted from an unproduced play by the usually reliable Ralph Spence, Strictly Dynamite wasn't sufficiently successful to boost Jimmy Durante's flagging movie career, and within a year or so he'd be back on Broadway in Jumbo. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Jimmy Durante, Lupe Velez, (more)
This installment of Swing Era features such groups as The Delta Rhythm Boys, The Deep River Boys, and The Charioteers. Released by Idem Home Video, the series includes classic performances by the some of the 20th century's most popular big-band artists. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- The Deep River Boys
