King of Jazz

Name: King of Jazz
Genre: Music, Animation
Released: 1930

United States • 1930 • 1h 40m

Director

John Murray Anderson

Music Animation

#915Criterion Collection →

Synopsis

Made during the early years of the movie musical, this exuberant revue was one of the most extravagant, eclectic, and technically ambitious Hollywood productions of its day. Starring the bandleader Paul Whiteman, then widely celebrated as the King of Jazz, the film drew from Broadway variety shows to present a spectacular array of sketches, performances by such acts as the Rhythm Boys (featuring a young Bing Crosby), and orchestral numbers—all lavishly staged by veteran theater director John Murray Anderson.

Synopsis

Credits

Crew

DirectorJohn Murray Anderson

WriterHarry Ruskin

CinematographerHal Mohr, Ray Rennahan, Jerome Ash

ComposerAlfonso Corelli

EditorRobert Carlisle

ProducerCarl Laemmle Jr.

Cast

Paul Whitemanas Paul Whiteman

John Bolesas Vocalist ('Song of the Dawn' / 'It Happened in Monterey')

Jeanie Langas Vocalist ('I'd Like To Do Things For You' / 'Ragamuffin Romeo')

Laura La Planteas Editor ('Ladies of the Press') / Stenographer ('In Conference') / Quartet Member, 'Nellie'

Jeanette Loffas Vocalist ('It Happened in Monterey' / 'Bridal Veil' / 'A Bench in the Park')

Glenn Tryonas Executive ('In Conference') / Unmarried Husband

William Kentas General ('All Noisy on the Eastern Front') / Goldfish Owner ('Oh! Forevermore!') / Unmarried Couple's Offspring / Vocal ('Do Things For You')

Slim Summervilleas Automobile Owner ('Springtime') / Rear End of Horse / Charles

Kathryn Crawfordas Fourth Reporter ('Ladies of the Press')

Carla Laemmleas Chorine (as Beth Laemmle)

Stanley Smithas Bridegroom ('Bridal Veil' / 'A Bench in the Park')

Charles Irwinas Himself, Announcer / Soldier ('All Noisy on the Eastern Front')

George Chilesas Dancer ('It Happened in Monterey' / Vocalist 'A Bench in the Park' / 'Ragamuffin Romeo')

Jack Whiteas Jack White

Frank Leslieas Quartet Lead Singer ('Nellie')

Walter Brennanas Desk Sergeant ('Springtime') / Soldier ('All Noisy on the Eastern Front') / Waiter ('Oh! Forevermore!') / Front End of Horse / Quartet Member ('Nellie')

Churchill Rossas Quartet Member ('Nellie')

John Arledgeas First Pianist at Giant Piano ('Rhapsody in Blue') / Quartet Member ('Nellie') (as Johnson Arledge)

Al Normanas Rubber Legs Dancer ('Happy Feet')

Jacques Cartieras Voodoo Dancer ("Rhapsody in Blue")