Harlem Hotshots
1940 American short film
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Harlem Hotshots is an American short film from 1940 produced by Sack Amusements.[1] The 20 minute film is a musical.[2][3] One poster for the film includes a skyline of buildings and street sign for Lenox Avenue and 125th Street.[4] The film was reissued in 1986 as part of Jazz Classics, No. 110; Harlem Harmonies Volume 1, 1940–1945.[5]
Performances
The film includes Leon Gross and his Orchestra playing "The Swingeroo Stomp", " Dear Old Southland", and "I Found a New Baby", as well as Cora Harris singing "Heaven Help That Heart of Mine". "Dance of the Bellhops" is performed by Stringbean Jackson and the Red Lily Chorus.[6][7]
Cast
- Cora Harris and her orchestra[2]
- Lena Horne[2]
- Stingbean Jackson
- Leon Gross (also known as Archibald) and his orchestra[8][9]
- The Red Lilly Chorus[2]
- Teddy Wilson and his orchestra
Later influences
A 1953 film of the same name compiles the work of rhythm & blues and jazz musicians including Lionel Hampton, Dizzy Gillespie, Ruth Brown, Big Joe Turner, and Bill Bailey. It runs 50 minutes.[10]
Harlem Hotshots was also the name of a jazz group fronted by Freddie Webster.[11][12]