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Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life

6.6/10

September 12, 1935

9 minutes

Fred Waller

Music Drama

Overview

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.

Movie Details

Release Date

September 12, 1935

Runtime

9 minutes

Director

Fred Waller

Rating

6.6/10

Production Companies

Paramount Pictures

Cast

Duke Ellington

Self

Billie Holiday

Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)

Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker

Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited)

Barney Bigard

Self - Clarinet (uncredited)

Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton

Self - Trombone (uncredited)