About this Event
Jazz and the movies grew up together, skyrocketing from humble origins at the turn of the century to become powerful cultural forces in American life by the 1920s. The “Jazz Age” was so named because the fast, freewheeling, and fun music increasingly topping the charts seemed the natural soundtrack to this transformative era, and it’s no coincidence that the first major motion picture with a synchronized music and talking soundtrack was titled The Jazz Singer. Most early jazz films, however, weren’t feature-length; they were one- or two-reel shorts shown before the main attraction. These proto-music videos featured some of the most innovative and popular jazz performers, capturing a rare glimpse of these legends in their prime. This program of early jazz shorts highlights rarely seen treasures from the Cohen Film Collection, beautifully restored in digital 2K resolution from the best existing 35mm elements. NMAH curators will introduce the films, and early jazz objects will be on temporary display for this event, part of our Jazz Appreciation Month celebration.
St. Louis Blues (Dir. Dudley Murphy, 1929, 20 min)
Legendary blues singer Bessie Smith (in her only known film role) and the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra tell the story of a woman who is deserted by her boyfriend for a St. Louis floozy.
Black and Tan (Dir. Dudley Murphy, 1929, 19 min)
In Ellington’s first film appearance, trumpet player Arthur Whetsol and dancer Fredi Washington play Duke’s friends who help him save his piano from bill collectors.
Rhapsody in Black and Blue (Dir. Aubrey Scotto, 1932, 10 min)
A husband who listens to jazz instead of mopping the floor is knocked cold with a mop by his wife. He dreams he's King of Jazzmania, a land of soapsuds where Louis Armstrong performs the tunes "I’ll Be Glad When You Are Dead You Rascal You" and "Shine."
A Bundle of Blues (Dir. Fred Waller, 1933, 10 min)
Duke Ellington presents Ivie Anderson in the first of her two film appearances. Many believe her to be his best featured vocalist. Anderson was with the Ellington Orchestra between 1931 and 1942.
Jazz A La Cuba (Dir. Don Aspiazu, 1933, 5 min)
This short film featuring Don Aspiazu and his orchestra presents an excellent example of Cubano jazz from the 1920s and 1930s.
Cab Calloway's Hi-De-Ho (Dir. Fred Waller, 1934, 10 min)
Cab plays a ladies’ man who dates the wife of a train porter who is frequently absent from home. In addition to this tongue-in-cheek plot, Cab Calloway and His Orchestra perform “Harlem Camp Meeting,” and Calloway has two vocals, “Zaz-zuh-zaz” and “The Lady with the Fan.”
Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life (Dir. Fred Waller, 1935, 10 min)
This short film features Duke Ellington and his Orchestra, highlighting the dignity of Black Americans and the virtuosity of the performers, including a 19-year-old newcomer who was to become one of the greatest jazz legends of her time, Billie Holiday.
Hoagy Carmichael (Dir. Leslie M. Roush, 1939, 10 min)
This classic documentary short features composer and piano player Hoagy Carmichael performing with the Jack Teagarden Orchestra. Songs include “I’m Wrong,” “Washboard Blues,” “Old Rockin’ Chair,” and “Stardust.”
Artie Shaw's Class in Swing (Dir. Leslie M. Roush, 1939, 10 min)
This short documentary about one of the most popular swing orchestras of the 1930s offers an educational, or "how-to," guide on big band music. After a brief introduction of Shaw's theme song, "Nightmare," the band plays "Free Wheeling" as it is assembled.
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The National Museum of American History welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities. This event is wheelchair accessible. Captioning and assistive listening devices will be provided. Additional accommodations are available upon request; please email [email protected]. Two weeks’ notice is preferred.
Seating is limited and reservations are recommended. Seating will be opened first to Eventbrite-registered attendees and then to walk-in visitors. When we reach maximum capacity, the event will be closed to the public.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Smithsonian National Museum of American History, 1300 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, United States
USD 0.00
