It is obvious to me that this was most likely released in all black movie houses of the 1950 because black acts like the one thing here didn't have much opportunity to be on live TV back in the 1950's. While many of the acts were tops in the entertainment field and were greatly appreciated a great deal by white audiences, TV at the time was restricted mainly to the old fashioned ideas of what blacks were supposed to be like. Between Amos n Andy and Beulah, there weren't many opportunities for the serious talent to show what they could do. When they did appear on TV, it was in ways that could be easily edited out in areas particularly the south so audiences in those communities would not be offended. Fortunately times have changed, and these acts are greatly appreciated many years later. However this special is missing half of its running time, and I had been looking forward to seeing a young Ruth Brown, but alas, she was nowhere to be found.
Fortunately, however, there is the Duke (Ellington that is), the great Nat King Cole and Dinah Washington, among other acts that I may have heard of or seen in movies or other classic TV specials, but in retrospect to the big names that I mention, thr others remain forgotten today. In the short running time, some of the comedy acts remain, and while slightly dated, are still entertaining in a historical perspective. Willie Bryant makes a wonderful master of ceremonies, and I would've loved to seen it all. I will take what I can get. Hopefully one day, the missing portion of this film will be found, and restored to its rightful full length.
Fortunately, however, there is the Duke (Ellington that is), the great Nat King Cole and Dinah Washington, among other acts that I may have heard of or seen in movies or other classic TV specials, but in retrospect to the big names that I mention, thr others remain forgotten today. In the short running time, some of the comedy acts remain, and while slightly dated, are still entertaining in a historical perspective. Willie Bryant makes a wonderful master of ceremonies, and I would've loved to seen it all. I will take what I can get. Hopefully one day, the missing portion of this film will be found, and restored to its rightful full length.
