Directed by Dudley Murphy • 1929 • United States
Starring Bessie Smith, Jimmy Mordecai, Isabel Washington
In her only film appearance, legendary blues singer Bessie Smith and the Fletcher Henderson Orchestra tell the story of a woman who is deserted by her boyfriend for a St. Louis floozy. Smith then delivers a soul-shaking performance of the title song, an elaborate ten-minute production number featuring dance sequences and backing vocals by the Hall Johnson Choir.
Directed by Babe Stafford • 1933 • United States
Starring Bing Crosby, Florine McKinney, Irving Bacon
A honey-voiced Bing Crosby makes a plan over the radio to elope with his sweetheart—but, alas, her father is listening too. This Mack Sennett–produced comedy features Crosby’s rendition of “Betw...
Directed by Mack Sennett • 1931 • United States
Starring Bing Crosby, Arthur Stone, Luis Alberni
A young Bing Crosby croons “I Surrender Dear,” “Out of Nowhere,” and “At Your Command” in this light romantic farce directed by screen-comedy legend Mack Sennett.
Directed by Leslie M. Roush • 1939 • United States
Starring Hoagy Carmichael, Jack Teagarden
This song-filled short features a medley of standards by composer Hoagy Carmichael, including “Washboard Blues,” “Old Rockin’ Chair,” and his signature song, “Stardust,” performed by trombonist Jack Teag...
