On-line Film Journals of Maura McKenney and Jared Nikolsky

Stormy Weather
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As described in one review: "The best black film ever!"

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Dancing great Bill 'Williamson' sees his face on the cover of Theatre World magazine and reminisces: just back from World War I, he meets lovely singer Selina Rogers at a soldiers' ball and promises to come back to her when he "gets to be somebody." Years go by, and Bill and Selina's rising careers intersect only briefly, since Selina is unwilling to "settle down." Will she ever change her mind? Concludes with a big all-star show hosted by Cab Calloway.
 
 
 
Built around the premise of a Big Stage Show, Stormy Weather affords rare "mainstream" leading roles to some of the era's greatest African-American entertainers Lena Horne, Bill "Bojangles"Robinson , Dooley Wison, Cab Calloway, Katherine Durnham,Fats Waller, and the Nicholas Brothers. The thinnish plotline--dancer Robinson has an on-again-off-again romance with Horne excuse for fourteen lively, well-stage performances that include Horne's performance of the title song, artfully staged by director Stone. Of the fourteen musical numbers, the most memorable is Lena Horne's rendition of the title song, artfully staged by director Andrew Stone. This would definately enter the genre as an Intergrated Revue Musical.

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Lena Horne, the first African American female film star, with 'Bojangles' Robinson in the original movie marquee for Stormy Weather.

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  • "RANG TANG TANG"
    Written by Cyril J. Mockridge
    Lyrics Bill Robinson
    Danced by Bill Robinson and children


  • "THERE'S NO TWO WAYS ABOUT LOVE"
    Written by James P. Johnson,Lyrics Irving MillsPerformed by Lena Horne, Bill Robinson and Cab Calloway; introduction to reprise written by Lionel
    Newman, lyrics Ted Koehler


  • "DE CAMPTOWN RACES"
    By Stephen Foster


  • "AT A GEORGIA CAMP MEETING"
    by Kerry Mills
    Medley danced by Bill Robinson, Lena Horne and chorus


  • "DAH, DAT, DAH"
    Written by Cyril Mockridge
    Lyrics Bill Robinson
    Performed by Bill Robinson with The Tramp Band


  • "THAT AIN'T RIGHT"
    Written by Nat 'King' Cole
    Lyrics Irving Mills
    Performed by Fats Waller and Ada Brown


  • "AIN'T MISBEHAVIN'"
    Written by Fats Waller and Harry Brooks
    Lyrics Andy Razaf
    Performed by Fats Waller


  • "DIGA DIGA DO"
    Written by Jimmy McHugh
    Lyrics Dorothy Fields
    Sung by Lena Horne and danced with chorus


  • "AFRICAN DANCE"
    Written by clarence Muse and Connie Bemis
    Sung by Emmett 'Babe' Wallace and danced by Bill Robinson

  • "I LOST MY SUGAR IN SALT LAKE CITY"
    Written by Leon Rene and Johnny Lange
    Performed by Mae E. Johnson


  • "RHYTHM COCKTAIL"
    Written and Performed by Cab Calloway 


  • "I CAN'T GIVE YOU ANYTHING BUT LOVE, BABY"
    Written by Jimmy McHugh
    Lyrics Dorothy Fields
    Sung and danced by Lena Horne and Bill Robinson with chorus


  • "GEECHY JOE"
    Written by Cab Calloway, Jack Palmer, and Andy Gibson
    Performed by Cab Calloway  and his orchestra


  • "STORMY WEATHER"
    Written by Harold Arlen
    Lyrics Ted Koehler
    Sung by Lena Horne
    Danced by Katherine Dunham and her Troupe


  • "MY MY, AIN'T THAT SOMETHIN'"
    Written by Pinky Tomlin and Harry Tobias
    Performed by Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway and his orchestra


  • "THE JUMPIN' JIVE"
    Written by Cab Calloway, Jack Palmer and Frank Froeba
    Performed by Cab Calloway and his orchestra
    Danced by Nicholas Brothers (Fayard and Harold)