The King of Jazz

US (1930): Musical/Dance
Two-strip Technicolor

Directed by John Murray Anderson for Universal, this is the most impressive of the four all-star musical revues in Hollywood's 1929-1930 season, outdoing MGM's The Hollywood Revue of 1929, Warners The Show of Shows and Paramount on Parade. Filmed in 2-strip Technicolor, the titled character goes to bandleader Paul Whiteman, in his feature movie debut. But The King of Jazz is remembered today as the first movie to star Bing Crosby, who appeared mainly as part of the Rhythm Boys in a couple of skits. There is also a cartoon segment by Walter Lanz that shows Whiteman hunting in darkest Africa being chased by a lion and soothing it with his violin ("Music Hath Charms"). All the members of the band are introduced after coming out of a suitcase in front of Whiteman's life-size face, and production numbers and comedy skits follow. Even though this film has an "old-timey" feel, it chronicles an era that brought us to where we are today. Its production numbers and skits still have their power to entertain.

 Use this link to view the opening and animation sequence of The King of Jazz on MyToons.com.

1 nomination, 1 Award