It's been rough finding time for a movie this month, which means it's even harder to find time to post about a movie on top of that. I intended to celebrate Valentine's Day with a marathon of French films, but only managed to watch Touchez pas au grisbi (1958), an enjoyable noir with Jean Gabin. Tonight, I am heading back to the Criterion Channel to explore another film in the Ruby Dee collection, St. Louis Blues. After seeing that the all star cast included Mahalia Jackson, Eartha Kitt, Nat King Cole, Cab Calloway, Ella Fitzgerald, Pearl Bailey, and a young Billy Preston, in addition to Dee, it was an easy choice. This film is loosely based on the life of W.C. Handy, "Father of the Blues."
"May the Lord forgive you for turning his sacred song into a tune for evil jigging!"
The Gist
Will Handy's father is a preacher and descendent of slaves who wants his son to get a college education and grow up to be a respectable man. They come into conflict when Will takes an interest in what his father deems devil music. After Will composes a popular song for a local politician, he attracts the notice of a speakeasy singer, Gogo, who champions his talent, and he begins to write many blues tunes, but does not earn his father's respect until his music is celebrated by a symphony orchestra in New York.
Memorable Moments
Billy Preston, jamming on the organ.
Blade cheats Handy out of the rights to his song.
Queen of Jazz
Will stops to listen to Ella.
Gogo helps Elizabeth understand how they've mistreated Will.
Will finally earns his father's respect.
Will's big moment.
My Thoughts
This was a wonderfully entertaining, star-studded film to watch, and the music was absolutely fantastic. Handy's song, "Saint Louis Blues," is one I became especially fond of after hearing it in Ladies They Talk About (1933) and Baby Face (1933). It is a timeless piece, and it was interesting to get a glimpse of Handy's inspirations, as well as the never ending conflict between generations over the demonization of new forms of music and the "evil jigging" it inspires.
W.C. Handy plays "Saint Louis Blues."
The short film, St. Louis Blues (1929) was co-written by W.C. Handy and starred Bessie Smith.
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