Review of Stormy Weather

Introduction

`Stormy Weather` is certainly a unique movie. For starters, it`s the only film to collect together the considerable talents of Lena Horne, Fats Waller and Cab Calloway. There are also exciting glimpses of Zutty Singleton (doing some amazing things on drums), Coleman Hawkins playing sax, and Nat King Cole tickling the ivories which will thrill jazz lovers.

The movie is also pure magic for lovers of dance (particularly tap and shuffle) as it features a healthy dose of some of the finest dancing I`ve ever seen committed to celluloid, from the inimitable Bill Robinson. Man, look at those feet go - and the guy was apparently in his mid-60`s!

In common with most features using real musicians as actors, the narrative is more than a little stagy, though not devoid of good humour.

`Stormy Weather` is also pretty much unique in that it`s an all black cast (with the exception of two white comedians who `black up` prior to their appearing on stage), which is virtually unheard of in mainstream Hollywood of the period.

It`s a fast-moving 78 minutes, essentially a song and dance revue with a weak sub-plot that introduces humour and romance into the party atmosphere. But both the song and dance are so good that this is entirely forgivable.

The narrative (for what its worth) starts with a cheery, toothy veteran entertainer (Corky, played by 65 year old Bill Robinson) reflecting back on his career. We see him as a young man, returning from a stint in the army, and making his way by default into show business.

He meets, falls in love with and marries a young starlet (Lena Horne, at 26 a strange match for the old-timer, though it doesn`t seem to jar within the context of the movie).

Following a discussion about raising a family, which Corky assumes means his wife should give up her career, they split up as she strong-mindedly refuses to give up her hard-earned status and career. (In itself an unusual angle for its day). Naturally, following a veritable gala of song and dance, they get back together and live happily ever after.

There`s a fun goof to look out for (cribbed of the IMDB) which is when Lena Horne fist mentions `Bill Williamson`, in the first scene before she meets him, her mouth clearly says his real name (Bill Robinson) though it`s been re-dubbed correctly. This is a pretty good illustration of just how close to being a biopic of Robinson the movie actually was.

Some of the big show numbers are fairly lavish with a large cast, elaborate sets and imaginative costumes, though there`s probably a little too much white-teethed Uncle Remus style smiling for everyone`s tastes. (It used to drive Miles Davis crazy that his idol, Louis Armstrong, was prone to this perceived subservience too).

The ultimate musical highlight for me was a mesmerising performance of `Ain`t Misbehavin` by Fats Waller and his band, where Waller`s inimitable dancing-finger piano playing style and growling vocals are sheer magic.

Video

This is served up in 4:3 black and white, which might well have been its original format, as there is very little evidence of panning and scanning or telltale cropping throughout. (There`s a little cropping at the front end with the titles but nothing to complain too loudly about). Despite some early speckles and signs of wear, this print soon settles down and, after the first 15 minutes, shows very little sign of wear and tear (see the quality of Lena Horne`s close-ups during her first number for example). Clearly there`s been no lavish restoration, though they have at least found a half-decent print, which considering its age (1943) is no mean feat.

Audio

Very flat, slightly overloaded and toppy mono. In other words, entirely in keeping with most other films of the era.

Features

Sadly, none. I would have really enjoyed an informative commentary from a film or jazz historian (or both).

Conclusion

There are very few films that I would consider watching twice in a row, though `Stormy Weather` would certainly be one of them.

By no means a perfect movie (or anywhere near that) it is, nonetheless, a perfect example of a revue based-musical; possibly thin on plot but positively bulging with musical magic!

At just 78 minutes long it seems impossibly short, but it`s still just long enough to pack in some of the greatest musical performances of the period. Fats Waller, Lena Horne and Cab Calloway are ably supported by the visual dancing talents of Bill Robinson (65 at the time of filming) and the amazingly athletic Nicholas Brothers.

Whilst there are plenty of uniforms in sight in the 1943 musical, there are also plenty of fantastic examples of period dress including the most amazing Zoot suits, and feathered hats.

It must have been a film that provided some welcome escapism at the time, and it continues to deliver on that promise today. Despite the terribly wooden acting, it`s a film I`d recommend without hesitation.