Watch Black and Tan

Black and Tan is a classic 1929 musical short film that stars Duke Ellington, the Duke Ellington Orchestra, and Fredi Washington. Inspired by the song of the same name, the movie is a celebration of jazz music and African American culture of the time. The film opens with a shot of a city street at night, as Duke Ellington and his orchestra make their way to a club where they are set to perform. The music is already playing, and people are dancing inside as the band sets up on stage. The camera pans over the crowded club, showcasing the lively atmosphere and the excitement of the audience.

As the music starts, we see Duke Ellington playing the piano with his famous orchestra in full swing behind him. The music is boisterous and jazzy, full of energy and joy. The camera moves around the club, capturing the dancing crowds and the musicians as they play.

The storyline centers around the character of Fredi Washington, a young African American woman who dreams of becoming a performer. She is introduced working as a maid in a wealthy white family's home. As she listens to the music coming from the club across the street, we see her longing to be a part of that world.

One night, Washington sneaks out of the house and makes her way to the club, where she meets Duke Ellington and his band. They invite her on stage to sing a song, and she becomes an instant hit with the audience. The camera captures her singing and dancing with Duke Ellington, radiating with confidence and talent.

As the performance comes to an end, the film takes on a darker tone. Washington is forced to sneak out of the club and back into the world of segregation and racism outside. There is a montage of images that capture the harsh realities of life for African Americans at the time, including police brutality and poverty.

Despite these challenges, however, the film remains optimistic and celebratory. The music and the performances embody the resilience and joy that characterized the jazz music and African American culture of the time.

Black and Tan is a groundbreaking film in many ways. It features some of the earliest recorded footage of Duke Ellington and his orchestra, capturing their incredible talent and energy. It is also significant for its portrayal of African Americans in an era where racist stereotypes were still prevalent in Hollywood.

Overall, Black and Tan is a must-see for fans of jazz music and classic cinema. The film captures the essence of the jazz era and the African American experience in a way that is both authentic and inspiring. Its message of hope and resilience, conveyed through the power of music and performance, still resonates today.

Black and Tan is a 1929 documentary with a runtime of 18 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.