King of Jazz (1930)

KING OF JAZZ  (1930)  ¢ ¢ ¢
    D: John Murray Anderson
    Paul Whiteman, John Boles, Laura La Plante,
    Walter Brennan, Slim Summerville, The Rhythm Boys
A collection of variety acts from the early sound era, elaborately staged and presided over by bandleader Paul Whiteman. Some bits are more lively than others and the vaudeville novelty acts are kind of quaint, but the production values are spectacular, enhanced by the use of two-strip Technicolor. Highlights: a young Bing Crosby harmonizing with the Rhythm Boys, and the Whiteman orchestra's rendition of "Rhapsody In Blue". Also on the bill: the first-ever color cartoon, directed by Woody Woodpecker's Walter Lantz. The high-kicking Russell Markert Girls, whose legs appear in several numbers, would soon become better known as the Radio City Rockettes.