IMDb RATING
6.7/10
1.7K
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A rotund bandleader leads a series of theatrical sketches, dance numbers, special effects, and animated segments.A rotund bandleader leads a series of theatrical sketches, dance numbers, special effects, and animated segments.A rotund bandleader leads a series of theatrical sketches, dance numbers, special effects, and animated segments.
- Won 1 Oscar
- 2 wins total
Harry Barris
- One of the Rhythm Boys
- (as The Rhythm Boys)
Bing Crosby
- One of the Rhythm Boys
- (as The Rhythm Boys)
Al Rinker
- One of the Rhythm Boys
- (as The Rhythm Boys)
Carla Laemmle
- Chorine
- (as Beth Laemmle)
- Directors
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe animation sequence, created by Walter Lantz, was the first Technicolor animation ever produced.
- GoofsWhiteman's six violinists are introduced playing in two rows of 3's. Then without missing a beat, they are suddenly seen in an overhead shot playing in a circle.
- Quotes
Announcer: You don't mean to tell me that you are well-versed in the intricacies of the art of Terpsichore?
Paul Whiteman: No, but I can dance.
- Alternate versionsRestored in 2016 with a running time of 99 minutes. This version replicates the scene continuity of the 1930 release version, including about a minute of exit music. A small amount of footage was not found and is covered by still photographs. This is the version that played at the Museum of Modern Art and Film Forum in 2016, and was released by the Criterion Collection on Blu-ray and DVD in 2018.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The All Talking, All Singing, All Dancing Show (1973)
- SoundtracksRhapsody in Blue
(uncredited)
Music by George Gershwin
Played briefly during the opening credits
Played by Paul Whiteman and Orchestra (as "The Paul Whiteman Orchestra") during the production number
Performed by Roy Bargy (piano)
Danced by Jacques Cartier with clarinet, along with the Russell Markert Girls and The Sisters G
Featured review
Paul Whiteman was a huge star in the 20s with his terrific jazz band. He might have been the original star band leader. In "The King of Jazz" he also shows himself to be a decent comic actor as well. He's best remembered for his recording of Gershwin's "Rhapsody in Blue," which is featured in this early revue film.
"King of Jazz" is solid entertainment with some lavish and grand-scale production numbers that boast Bing Crosby, John Boles, Laura LaPlante, the Brox Sisters, Jeanie Lang, and of course Whiteman's band.
Best songs are "Happy Feet," "A Bench in the Park," "The Song of the Dawn," and a jazzy "Bluebirds and Blackbirds" number with Crosby as one of the Rhythm Boys (with Harry Barris and Al Rinker).
Al Norman does an amazing dance number to "Happy Feet." Jeanette Loff is rather bland in the "bridal veil" number. The Sisters G in their Louise Brooks hairdos are OK in their dance numbers. And there's a lot of short comedy bits that feature Walter Brennan, Slim Summerville, Grace Hayes, Merna Kennedy, William Kent, and others.
Although I still prefer "The Hollywood Revue of 1929" this revue is also excellent in its use of lavish production numbers, color, and special effects. For fans of early musicals this one is not to be missed.
Whiteman, Crosby, and Boles are all great.
"King of Jazz" is solid entertainment with some lavish and grand-scale production numbers that boast Bing Crosby, John Boles, Laura LaPlante, the Brox Sisters, Jeanie Lang, and of course Whiteman's band.
Best songs are "Happy Feet," "A Bench in the Park," "The Song of the Dawn," and a jazzy "Bluebirds and Blackbirds" number with Crosby as one of the Rhythm Boys (with Harry Barris and Al Rinker).
Al Norman does an amazing dance number to "Happy Feet." Jeanette Loff is rather bland in the "bridal veil" number. The Sisters G in their Louise Brooks hairdos are OK in their dance numbers. And there's a lot of short comedy bits that feature Walter Brennan, Slim Summerville, Grace Hayes, Merna Kennedy, William Kent, and others.
Although I still prefer "The Hollywood Revue of 1929" this revue is also excellent in its use of lavish production numbers, color, and special effects. For fans of early musicals this one is not to be missed.
Whiteman, Crosby, and Boles are all great.
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Details
- Release date
- Country of origin
- Languages
- Also known as
- The King of Jazz Revue
- Filming locations
- Production company
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $2,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime1 hour 39 minutes
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