1950s Jazz, R&B, Gospel and Black music and dance performances in Film or TV
includes mainstream movies with scenes that could be easily cut for jim crow
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- StarsThe Mello-LarksMarsha Van DykeClark BrothersA live big-band musical series, airing on Tuesday evenings.
- DirectorLászló KardosStarsMickey RooneySally ForrestWilliam DemarestDrummer Stanley Maxton moves to Los Angeles with dreams of opening his own club, but falls in with a gangster and a nightclub dancer and ends up accused of murder.
- StarsFrank SinatraJune HuttonBen BlueThe Frank Sinatra Show (also known as Bulova Watch Time) was an American musical variety series hosted by Frank Sinatra from 1950 to 1952.
- StarsMilton BerleSid StoneJimmy NelsonThe Texaco Star Theatre was one of the most popular shows in the history of television. In the first year, Milton Berle was not the permanent emcee, but once he replaced the rotation, the show soared to ratings dominance (Number One in 1950-51), NBC dominated Tuesday night, and Berle became the first great star of the new medium, "Mr. Television". The basic format was modeled after a vaudeville variety hour, spotlighting Berle's jokes, sight gags, and costumes.
- StarsJack LescoulieThe June Taylor DancersRay BlochLive variety show with Jackie Gleason.
- 1953–TV Episode
- DirectorMaurice LabroGiorgio SimonelliStarsPhilippe LemaireCatherine ErardClément DuhourCarlo Mastelli, the young radio presenter of "New Voices" has run short of ideas and his program is likely to be suspended from the radio schedule if he does not find any new ones. He is saved by chance in the person of Marina, a charming young school teacher, who takes advantage of the presence of a radio crew in her village for the recording of a singing contest to broadcast an appeal in favor of Tonino, the most underprivileged of her pupils. She asks the listeners to send postcards from any place in the world to cheer up little Tonino. The response is enthusiastic and tons of mail land in the radio studios, at the same time boosting the audience of Calo's moribund program. Eventually, despite some trouble with a rare stamp, all ends well and Carlo marries Marina.
- CreatorFred HamiltonStarsDean MartinJerry LewisAl GoodmanThis was a Colgate-sponsored comedy hour that featured many notable comedians and entertainers of the era as guest stars.
- StarsLouis ArmstrongGrandma MosesEdward R. MurrowPortraits of "Two American Originals," jazz great Louis Armstrong and painter Anna Mary Robinson (Grandma Moses). Armstrong is interviewed in Paris during his world tour and she is interviewed at her home in New York State. The segment with Grandma Moses was the program's first segment in color.
- DirectorClark JonesStarsLouis ArmstrongNejla AtesDick BeardA small-time traveling circus is stranded in a small Kansas town that has been devastated by a drought. The town government has subjected the circus to large fines in order to raise money to hire a rainmaker to alleviate the drought. The circus folk find a way to turn the tables on the town to raise their own money to enter the circus' trick horse in the county race.
- DirectorDick SchneiderStarsDave GarrowayLouis ArmstrongMilton BerleA wonderful around the world look at the variety of talents and music performances.
- DirectorSeymour BernsStarsLouis ArmstrongGeorge ChakirisDon CrichtonRevue of songs by Cole Porter.
- StarsPerry ComoMitchell Ayres OrchestraThe Ray Charles SingersPerry Como was an American Singer, who got his start on NBC Radio. In 1948, Because of his popularity, The cameras were simply brought into the radio studio to televise the radio broadcast and named it The Supper Club. In 1950 Como and his Sponsors moved to CBS and named this The Perry Como Chesterfield Show.
- StarsLouis ArmstrongEdward R. MurrowLeonard BernsteinIn this 1957 biography film of the jazz-great Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong, he and his band tour the world as American good-will ambassadors bring jazz at its best to the people of the world. Within the film, the life of Louis Armstrong is portrayed through the music. One of the outstanding scenes in this "biography/docudrama" shows blind songwriter W. C. Handy, with tears streaming down his face, as Armstrong, backed by Leonard Bernstein leading the New York Philharmonic Orchestra, play Handy's immortal "St. Louis Blues."
- DirectorBill ColleranStarsRex HarrisonJulie AndrewsLouis Armstrong"My Fair Lady" star Rex Harrison portrays a visiting Englishman who takes a dim view of American culture. To overcome his skepticism, he is introduced to a wide variety of American musical styles. Highlights: Play it cool--dancers; The Mary had a little lamb cha-cha-cha--Channing; Go west, young man--Arnold, singers, dancers; Shine on, harvest moon, Baby bumblebee, Silvery moon--singers, dancers; Streets of Laredo--singers, dancers; Basin Street blues, Trouble I've seen--Armstrong; Blues in the night--Lee; Sit down, you're rockin' the boat--Kaye; Didn't it rain--Jackson; Bill Bailey--Miles, Murphy; The birth of the blues--Washington; blues sequence--Goodman, Carroll; jazz sequence--Goodmann, Armstrong.
- DirectorSeymour BernsStarsBing CrosbyFrank SinatraRosemary ClooneyBing Crosby and Frank Sinatra host a program that's wall-to-wall music.
- StarsSteve AllenGene RayburnLouis NyeThe Steve Allen Show was an American variety show hosted by Steve Allen.
- DirectorNorman AbbottAlan HandleyBob HultgrenStarsAnna Maria AlberghettiJune AllysonLouis ArmstrongThis 1958 Christmas spectacular was produced by the USO for the entertainment of troops stationed overseas. Over 50 top names from stage, screen and television appear in this truly all-star concert film - a magical evening of music, comedy and fun. Feeaturing Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, George Burns, Milton Berle, Jack Benny, Louis Armstrong, Lena Horne, Danny Kaye, Dinah Shore, Shirley MacLaine, Jimmy Durante, Jimmy Stewart, Danny Thomas, Anna Maria Alberghetti, June Allyson, Ray Bolger, Red Buttons, Sid Caesar, Marge & Gower Champion, Cyd Charisse, Van Cliburn, Leo Durocher, Rhonda Fleming, Benny Goodman, Eydie Gormé, Betty Hutton, Frankie Lane, Tony Martin, David Niven, Kim Novak, Gregory Peck, Walter Pidgeon, Dick Powell, Jane Powell, Martha Raye, Jimmie Rogers, Jane Russell, Dick Shawn, Jo Stafford, Gale Storm and Miyoshi Umeki.
- DirectorBert SternAram AvakianStarsLouis ArmstrongMahalia JacksonChuck BerryThe highlights of the 1958 Newport Jazz Festival.
- DirectorFred F. SearsStarsBill Haley and the CometsBill HaleyThe PlattersA frustrated big-band promoter bumps into rock-and-rollers Bill Haley and the Comets.
- DirectorPaul LandresStarsAlan FreedJimmy ClantonSandy StewartRock-n-roll promoter Alan Freed holds a talent search to develop a new rock star, then must find the elusive, mystery contestant (Jimmy Clanton) who doesn't know he has won.
- DirectorRoy LockwoodStarsFats DominoJerry Lee LewisJimmy BowenPete Porter and Honey Wynn become overnight sensations as a romantic singing duo. But what will become of their budding love affair when their feuding, back-stabbing managers persuade them to go solo?
- DirectorFred F. SearsStarsBill Haley and the CometsBill HaleyAlan DaleA disc jockey tries to prove to teenagers' parents that rock 'n' roll is harmless and won't turn their kids into juvenile delinquents.
- DirectorWill PriceStarsAlan Freed and his Rock 'n Roll BandFran ManfredTuesday WeldDori is trying to get together enough money to buy a strapless gown; Daddy has cut off Dori's allowance, but gee, she's gotta go to the prom.
- DirectorRoger CormanStarsDick MillerRussell JohnsonAbby DaltonCloud Nine, the local teen hangout, has been taken over by a pair of escaped killers, who hold the local teens hostage. The bartender realizes it's up to him to save the kids.
- DirectorMario SoldatiStarsNino TarantoIsa BarzizzaIrasema DiliánGood-natured and devout, a French house painter takes the train to Rome, where he has decided to go on a pilgrimage. There he meets a scatterbrained dresser who has been assigned by a music hall star to bring her the gown she is to wear on stage. The two men get stolen by Cleo, a charming thief. Once in Rome, the painter finds himself penniless and the dresser without the gown...
- DirectorFrank CapraStarsBing CrosbyJane WymanAlexis SmithForeign correspondent Pete Garvey has 5 days to win back his former fiancée, or he'll lose the orphans he adopted.
- DirectorRaoul WalshStarsRalph MeekerLeslie CaronKurt KasznarAn about-to-retire New Orleans newspaper columnist tells the story of a most unforgettable character: boxer Socks Barbarossa.
- DirectorAnthony MannStarsJames StewartJune AllysonHarry MorganBiography of bandleader Glenn Miller from his beginnings to his death over the English Channel in December 1944.
- DirectorCharles WaltersStarsBing CrosbyGrace KellyFrank SinatraWith socialite Tracy Lord about to remarry, her ex-husband - with the help of a sympathetic reporter - has 48 hours to convince her that she really still loves him.
- DirectorGeorg JacobyStarsMarika RökkTheo LingenWolfgang Lukschy
- DirectorMelville ShavelsonStarsDanny KayeBarbara Bel GeddesLouis ArmstrongDanny Kaye cuts loose with his trademark musical clowning. Louis "Satchmo" Armstrong plays his horn and croons in that famed gargling-granite voice. Big Band icons Bob Crosby, Ray Anthony and Shelly Manne join the fun.
- DirectorCharles F. HaasStarsSteve CochranMamie Van DorenRay DantonA detective is assigned to track down and capture a crazed serial rapist.
- DirectorBent ChristensenStarsNina van PallandtFrederik van PallandtPreben MahrtPeter live in the upper class district of Hellerup and has only one interest: jazz.
- DirectorMarcel CarnéStarsPascale PetitAndréa ParisyJacques CharrierBob Letellier, a good looking rich kid who studies science, makes the acquaintance of Alain, a cynical and immoral young man. The latter introduces him to the existentialist circles of Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Bob is invited to a party and becomes Clo's lover, a rich heiress.
- 1950–1951TV Episode
- 1955–TV Episode
- DirectorLeslie M. RoushAlvin GanzerHerbert MoultonStarsArt GilmoreBen GrauerLouis ArmstrongA made-for-TV musical revue, compiled from soundies and film and TV performances by jazz greats from the 1930s to the 1950s.
- DirectorAlex LeftwichStarsFaye EmersonJoan BlondellDuke EllingtonFaye hosts a Halloween party. The four guests all wear masks and Faye encourages viewers to see if they can guess who they are. She talks to each guest and gives hints to help the viewers: Miss B (Joan Blondell), Mr E (Duke Ellington plays the song Sophisticated Lady on the piano), Mr G (Billy Gilbert), and Miss C (Kitty Carlisle who talks about her baby girl and sings the song Love in Bloom with Ellington). At the end of the show, everyone reveals their identities. Faye's dress is particularly glamorous and she makes a point of showing if off and mentioning Jane Derby, the designer. She also shows the trophy she will be handing out the next day at the New York Horse Show.
- StarsRay BlochThe Ray Bloch OrchestraSteve AllenSix songwriters hear their songs performed, accompanied by the Ray Bloch Orchestra, before a panel of professional musicians or music industry experts who choose who will win a cash prize and a chance at publication.
- StarsCarl Hoff OrchestraThe Beatrice Kraft DancersFrank WaldeckerDuring the first year, the theme of this variety show as to interview people who were related to famous celebrities without divulging who the celebrity was. After a period of time, the celebrity was brought out and entertained the audience. Starting in the second year, the show theme switched from music to comedy keeping the same format.
- DirectorDuke GoldstoneStarsCat AndersonHarry CarneyWade Cook
- DirectorWill CowanStarsDuke Ellington OrchestraDuke EllingtonMusical short featuring Duke Ellington & His Orchestra.
- StarsDennis JamesKen RobertsJohn Reed KingAt first a lighthearted guessing game, the format switched to a talent contest in 1952.
- DirectorJoseph KohnStarsCholly AtkinsLouie BellsonDelta Rhythm BoysPacked with music by the greats of the time.
- DirectorJoseph KohnLeonard ReedStarsWillie BryantSarah VaughanLionel HamptonMusical variety filmed at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem, New York City.
- DirectorJoseph KohnStarsLionel HamptonFaye AdamsBill BaileyExtravaganza with lots of music legends from the 50s.
- StarsWillie BryantNipsey RussellLionel HamptonMusic, comedy and dance featuring African-American performers are blended together in this variety show.
- StarsEddie CondonCarl ReinerBilly ButterfieldWeekly jazz music show, hosted by guitarist Eddie Condon, with guest jazz artists.
- 1955–TV Episode
- StarsDinah ShoreJoel AldredJanet BlairDinah hosted this hour-long weekly for seven years. It featured Dinah and guest stars in a variety of songs, skits, production numbers. Also featured: her "See the USA in your Chevrolet" song and her warm kiss to all in conclusion.
- StarsNat 'King' ColeNelson RiddleThe Randy Van Horne SingersThe popular singer hosts a muscial variety show.
- 1955–TV EpisodeDirectorGrey LockwoodStarsJulius LaRosaThe AshtonsCount Basie
- DirectorJack SmightStarsJohn CrosbyHenry 'Red' AllenDanny BarkerSome of the best Jazz musicians in the country perform live on CBS in 1957. Count Basie, Billie Holiday and many more appear in this excellent one hour presentation.
- StarsMilton BerleEd HerlihyBilly MayThe second incarnation of 'Mr. Television' Milton Berle's variety TV series.
- StarsLionel HamptonLionel Hampton and His BandBetty CarterShort films of musical performances intended as television filler. Dozens of artists were presented and hundreds of films were made. They were produced for $900 per film.
- StarsEd SullivanThe Ray Bloch OrchestraRay BlochThe classic prime time variety show most famous for its vaudeville acts and rock music performances.
- StarsLee MarvinPaul NewlanGail KobeThe hard-hitting adventures of tough Lieutenant Frank Ballinger, a member of the Chicago Police Department's M Squad, an elite crime-fighting unit.
- DirectorWill CowanStarsNat 'King' ColeBenny CarterBunny BriggsA Universal-International "Name Band Musical" featurette, featuring the King Cole Trio, supplemented by the Benny Carter Orchestra, vocalist Dolores Parker, tap-dancer Bunny Briggs and comedian Scat-Man Crothers.
- DirectorVincente MinnelliStarsGene KellyLeslie CaronOscar LevantThree friends struggle to find work in Paris. Things become more complicated when two of them fall in love with the same woman.
- DirectorHenry KingRoy Ward BakerStarsGregory PeckSusan HaywardAva GardnerWriter Harry Street reflects on his life as he lies dying from an infection while on safari in the shadow of Mount Kilamanjaro.
- DirectorRoy Ward BakerStarsLinda DarnellGary MerrillHildegard KnefAwaking one morning out of a drunken stupor, composer Richard Morton can't shake the feeling he has murdered a woman during the night.
- DirectorElia KazanStarsRichard WidmarkPaul DouglasBarbara Bel GeddesA doctor and a policeman in New Orleans have only 48 hours to locate a killer infected with pneumonic plague.
- DirectorSamuel FullerStarsRichard BasehartGene EvansMichael O'SheaThe story of a platoon during the Korean War. One by one Corporal Denno's superiors are killed until it comes to the point where he must try to take command responsibility.
- DirectorJohn FordStarsJames CagneyCorinne CalvetDan DaileyThe wartime romantic misadventures of Captain Flagg, commander of a company of US Marines in 1918 France.
- DirectorRobert WiseStarsRichard BurtonJames MasonRobert NewtonRichard Burton plays a Scottish Army officer put in charge of a disparate band of ANZAC troops on the perimeter of Tobruk with the German Army doing their best to dislodge them.
- DirectorCharles LedererStarsJames CagneyShirley JonesRoger SmithJake MacIllaney will do just about anything to win the presidential election of longshoreman union Local 26. When he encounters young upright attorney Dan Cabot and Cabot's attractive wife, Linda, MacIllaney breaks up their marriage, pursues Linda, and pins a grand larceny rap on Dan. And all set to music!
- DirectorOtto PremingerRouben MamoulianStarsSidney PoitierDorothy DandridgeSammy Davis Jr.A woman whose past is scorned by nearly everyone around her meets a man who'd love her regardlessly- if only everyone else would allow them to.
- DirectorJohn Hubley
- DirectorFaith HubleyJohn Hubley
- StarsCab Calloway
- DirectorErnst MatrayStarsWalter GillerInge EggerEva Schreiber
- DirectorWill CowanStarsLionel HamptonHerb JeffriesVicky Lee
- DirectorCharles S. DubinStarsAlan FreedTeddy RandazzoLois O'BrienThe saga of how Alan Freed discovered rock and roll. The new musical sounds are traced back to their roots in jazz, blues and gospel. Appearances by Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Clyde McPhatter, Frankie Lymon, Lionel Hampton.
- DirectorDave GeiselStarsWilma CurleyElla FitzgeraldBenny GoodmanSpecial celebrating "the 25th anniversary of the great Benny Goodman Band."