Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life

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Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life (1935)

Directed by Fred Waller

Music, Drama · 9m

A rising nineteen-year-old singer by the name of Billie Holiday made her screen debut in this musical landmark, which features Duke Ellington and his orchestra performing his symphonic jazz piece “A Rhapsody of Negro Life” set to scenes of everyday African American life.

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Cast

Duke Ellington Self Billie Holiday Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)
E
Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited)
B
Barney Bigard Self - Clarinet (uncredited)
J
Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton Self - Trombone (uncredited)

Crew

Director
Fred Waller
Writer
Fred Rath, Milton Hockey
Director of Photography
William O. Steiner
Original Music Composer
Duke Ellington
Producer
Adolph Zukor

Details

Release date
1935-09-12
Runtime
9m
Genres
Music, Drama
Original language
EN
Spoken languages
English
Countries
United States of America
Production
Paramount Pictures