Fiction Finder

The Blues Brothers

by:Landis, John, 1950-

Jake and Elwood Blues, two hoodlum brothers searching for redemption, set out to locate and reenlist the members of their defunct rhythm and blues band in order to raise some honest money.

Video

Stormy weather

by:Stone, Andrew L., 1902-1999

Dancing great Bill Williamson takes a look back on the beginnings of his career and his romance with fellow rising star Selina. Their romance is brief because Selina does not want to settle down. The movie includes an all-star show hosted by Cab Calloway.

Video

Swingin' uptown : Renaissance in Harlem

In the 1920s, African-American literature, art, music, dance, and social commentary flourished in Harlem, in uptown New York City. This cultural movement, which redefined African-American expression, became known as the Harlem Renaissance. Music became the centerpiece that this movement was built around, launching an artistic awakening rather than a social revolt. Featuring commentary from historians and the performers themselves, this program traces the roots of the music, its social impact on society and its eventual acceptance in mainstream culture.

Video

Hi de ho

by:Calloway, Cab, 1907-1994

Hi de ho: Big band sensation Cab Calloway (as himself) becomes the interest of two women's desires: his steady girlfriend, Minnie, and his manager, Nettie. Jealous of Nettie's maneuvers, Minnie approaches gangster Boss Mason for help in persuading Cab to perform at Mason's rival nightclub. Violence results when Cab refuses.

Video

That's Black entertainment

Vol. 1 covers the history of Black filmmaking from its earliest days through the twenties, focusing on the movies that were made and the production companies that produced them and includes three short films. Vol. 2 compiles a vintage video collection of three-minute music videos called "soundies" that were originally screened on a visual jukebox called Panorams during the 1940s.

Video

The jazz singer

by:Jolson, Al, 1886-1950

This dramatic hit is almost the life story of its star, Al Jolson, the story of a cantor's son who becomes a superstar.

Music

Lullaby of Harlem

Collection of "soundies," short films featuring the top popular performers of the '30s and '40s.

Video

Jazz ball

by:Armstrong, Louis, 1901-1971

It's the ultimate gathering of the legendary greats of the Jazz world performing their hottest tracks. Welcome to the "Jazzball." In attendance is the immortal Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong singing and playing "Shine." Here, too, is the great Duke Ellington delivering his definitive rendition of "Stormy Weather." The incomparable Peggy Lee performs "It's a good day." The one and only Cab Calloway plays his version of "Smokey Joe." And that's just for starters. You'll also be treated to rare glimpses of the Dorsey Brothers, Gene Krupa, Bob Crosby, Ina Rae Hutton, Red Nichols, Artie Shaw and many more. For all of you who love music, this is truly a collector's classic.

Video

Minnie the moocher and many, many more

A nostalgic tour through the great Harlem jazz clubs of the 1930s and '40s, led by Harlem born personality Cab Calloway. Using rare clips and "soundies" Calloway fondly realls the famous clubs -- Yeah Man, Tillis Chicken Shack, Cotton Club -- and the legendary stars that played them, including Lena Horne, Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, and Calloway himself

Video

History & heritage film collection

A collection of classic movies featuring some of the biggest and brightest African-American stars to ever grace the silver screen.

Video