King of Jazz

6.2 (36 reviews)

98 minutes

1930

Animation•Comedy•Music

Made during the early years of the movie musical, this exuberant revue was one of the most extravagant, eclectic, and technically ambitious Hollywood productions of its day. Starring the bandleader Paul Whiteman, then widely celebrated as the King of Jazz, the film drew from Broadway variety shows to present a spectacular array of sketches, performances by such acts as the Rhythm Boys (featuring a young Bing Crosby), and orchestral numbers—all lavishly staged by veteran theater director John Murray Anderson.

Cast

Paul Whiteman

John Boles

Vocalist ('Song of the Dawn' / 'It Happened in Monterey')

Laura La Plante

Editor ('Ladies of the Press') / Stenographer ('In Conference') / Quartet Member, 'Nellie'

Jeanette Loff

Vocalist ('It Happened in Monterey' / 'Bridal Veil' / 'A Bench in the Park')

Glenn Tryon

Executive ('In Conference') / Unmarried Husband

William Kent

General ('All Noisy on the Eastern Front') / Goldfish Owner ('Oh! Forevermore!') / Unmarried Couple's Offspring / Vocal ('Do Things For You')

Slim Summerville

Automobile Owner ('Springtime') / Rear End of Horse / Charles

Kathryn Crawford

Fourth Reporter ('Ladies of the Press')

Carla Laemmle

Chorine (as Beth Laemmle)

Stanley Smith

Bridegroom ('Bridal Veil' / 'A Bench in the Park')

Charles Irwin

Himself, Announcer / Soldier ('All Noisy on the Eastern Front')

George Chiles

Dancer ('It Happened in Monterey' / Vocalist 'A Bench in the Park' / 'Ragamuffin Romeo')

Jack White

Frank Leslie

Quartet Lead Singer ('Nellie')

Walter Brennan

Desk Sergeant ('Springtime') / Soldier ('All Noisy on the Eastern Front') / Waiter ('Oh! Forevermore!') / Front End of Horse / Quartet Member ('Nellie')