The story of W. C. Handy, the undisputed father of the blues.The story of W. C. Handy, the undisputed father of the blues.The story of W. C. Handy, the undisputed father of the blues.
C. Bakaleinikoff
- New York Symphony Conductor
- (uncredited)
Bill Baldwin
- Attorney Mawson
- (uncredited)
Milas G. Clark Jr.
- Boy
- (uncredited)
Walt Davis
- Usher
- (uncredited)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaW.C. Handy's first successful composition was "Memphis Blues" but, because the producers couldn't obtain the rights to the song, his first successful song was presented in the film as being "Yellow Dog Blues", actually written several years later, after Handy had established himself.
- GoofsEarly in film, a man tells Handy to meet him "at the corner of Beale and Jackson at 4:00" to give him a job. Beale Street and Jackson Avenue do not intersect. Jackson is not straight, but it's more than a mile between them at their closest point.
- Quotes
Gogo Germaine: That's right, Reverend. Stick to your guns. You stick to them because, after all, prejudice is a time saver.
Rev. Charles Handy: I... I beg your pardon?
Gogo Germaine: Well, a busy man like you: You can form an opinion without wasting time bothering about facts.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Afro Promo (1997)
Featured review
The life of W. C. Handy , the growing up and finding success part.
It's incredible to see all this talent in one place. It's too bad that afro-americans were not supported commercially in the 50's, this film then could have been easy to find. As it is, the big A doesn't carry (or even mention) it. The performances of eartha kitt and nat cole are pretty subdued, for the period of the piece. But ella fitzgerald swings nicely and pearl bailey has a good moment. As for over all film quality, it's a bit stiff ( e.g., nat cole dropping his cane and falling to his kness against the screen door mimics lou pinela tring to convince an umpire he touched home plate), probably a bit more from direction than lack of talent, and the plot , trite. Fortunately, it doesn't dwell very long on the angst between slices of musical venue. A collector's item and an historical document.
helpful•182
- wsegen
- Feb 8, 2002
Details
- Runtime1 hour 45 minutes
- Color
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
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