Black and Tan
A marvelous art-deco style musical short which would have delighted Busby Berkeley.
• Directed and Written by Dudley Murphy for RKO Radio Pictures. Supervised by Dick Currier. Edited by Russell G. Shields. Featuring Duke Ellington, and Hall Johnson Choir. (1929, 20 mins, Print from PFA Collection)

St. Louis Blues
Hollywood took one chance with Bessie Smith and didn't know what to do with it. The story is a hoked-up contrivance to allow Bessie to sing the blues. When she sings, slouching at the bar with an inevitable glass propped in her hand, the situation and the setting are fortunately submerged for the moment as she gives full, eloquent power to W.C. Handy's incredible song. The sound track is like an old 78, but it can't diminish her voice. This short film is the only opportunity left to see and hear Bessie Smith sing. An Academy Award winner.
• Directed and Written by Dudley Murphy for RKO Pictures. Supervised by Dick Currier. Edited by Russell G. Shields. Songs by W.C. Handy. Featuring Bessie Smith. (1929, 15 mins, Print from Kit Parker)

Jittering Jitterbugs
Excellent dance numbers highlight this jive comedy, which takes place in a Harlem club.
• Directed by Walter Graham. Featuring Hamtree Harrington, Lee Norman's Orchestra, Arthur White's Lindy Hoppers. (1938, 12 mins, Print from Kit Parker)
Jammin' the Blues
An exciting, beautifully photographed and composed jam session short. Academy Award winner.
• Directed by Gjon Mili. Produced by Warner Brothers. Photographed by Robert Burks. Featuring Harry Edison, Lester Young, Illinois Jacquet, Jo Jones, Sidney Catlett, Red Callender, Mary Bryant. (1944, 10 mins, Print from Kit Parker)