SIREN OF THE TROPICS (1927) ¢ ¢ ¢
D: Henry Étiévant
Josephine Baker, George Melchior, Pierre Batcheff,
Régina Dalthy, Regina Thomas, Wladimir Kwanine
In her first feature film, Josephine Baker plays a native free spirit who, through the machinations of a melodramatic storyline, goes to Paris, where her dance moves make her the toast of the town. It's a mixed bag, with some period stereotyping that includes a comic chase on an ocean liner with Baker, first in blackface and then in whiteface, alarming her fellow (all-white) passengers. Some of Baker's dance numbers are recreated from her stage act, and if you've never seen Josephine Baker dance - wow!
