FILMAKERS LIBRARY
African-American Studies
The Call of The Jitterbug
Produced by Tana Ross, Jesper Sorensen and Vibeke Winding
- "Fusing current views with enticing older footage, this wonderful
nostalgia piece... honors a dance form that flourished in Harlem's bustling
clubs. For public library and community group audiences." - Booklist
In
the early 30's a dance craze swept the nation. Some called it Jitter-bug, some
called it the Lindy Hop and some called it Swing dancing. Its center was Harlem's
Savoy Ballroom. Here the musical giants, such as Count Basie, Benny Goodman
and Cab Calloway played, while legendary dancers like Al Minns, Normal Miller
and Frank Manning danced. It was the first art form that broke through the color
barrier. At the Savoy, blacks and whites danced together, probably for the first
time in America. Interviews with musicians and dancers, plus lively vintage
footage, brings back the sights and sounds of this bygone era. The performers
remember how dance was an antidote to the economic depression outside. Others
recall bitter moments on the road where prejudice denied them a place to eat
or spend the night.
This engaging film vividly evokes the rich past of this dance form. A lively
addition for public libraries, dance collections, and black studies.
CINE Golden Eagle, 1989
Blue Ribbon, American Film and Video Festival, 1989
First Prize, Birmingham Educational Film Festival, 1989
National Educational Film & Video Festival, 1989
30 min. Video or DVD. Sale $295. Video rental $55.
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