The second of three Omnibus films about the transatlantic take-over of our popular song and dance. From Jazz to Swing
'Spell it Jass, Jas, Jaz or Jazz - nothing can spoil a Jass band.'
In 1919 the 'Original Dixieland Jazz Band ' crossed the Atlantic and took Britain by storm. British imitations soon stalked the country, pumping out music for dancing. The rise of the Hollywood musical made things tough for British composers. And then the Americans thundered into their Swing era. Those filmed in America :
EUBIE BLAKE , IRVING CAESAR,
HARRY WARREN
Those filmed in England: TOLCHARD
EVANS, VICTOR SILVESTER.
From the archives: AMBROSE, DUKE
ELLINGTON, HENRY HALL , JACK HYL
TON, AL JOLSON, RUBY KEELER,
JACK PAYNE , HARRY ROY , PAUL WHITEMAN and many more.
Narrator RONALD PICKUP
Fascinating and minutely researched series. (EVENING STANDARD) Handsomely produced and vividly and charmingly documented.
(HERALD TRIBUNE)
Film editor PETER WEST
Written/produced by GEOFFREY HAYDON