Movie spotlight
A large-scale revue musical built around Paul Whiteman and his orchestra, presenting a series of musical performances, sketches, and staged tableaux in early two-color Technicolor, emblematic of Hollywood’s early sound-era “all-star” musical productions.
A lavish musical revue featuring a series of musical numbers, comedy sketches, and dance routines, all loosely framed by a narrative involving bandleader Paul Whiteman. The film showcases Whiteman's orchestra performing a variety of popular songs and elaborate stage productions. It was designed as a showcase for Whiteman's musical talent and the burgeoning possibilities of sound film.
While a visual spectacle for its time and a showcase for Paul Whiteman's orchestra, 'King of Jazz' received mixed reviews. Critics often praised its technical achievements and musical numbers but found the overall structure and comedic elements lacking. Audiences were generally entertained by the music and lavish production, though its narrative often took a backseat to the performances.
Praised for its ambitious musical numbers and the charisma of Paul Whiteman.
Criticized for a weak and disjointed plot that struggled to hold the film together.
Considered a significant early example of a musical revue film, demonstrating the potential of synchronized sound.
Google audience: Audience reception data for 'King of Jazz' on Google is not readily available.
The film famously featured a sequence with jazz singer Ruth Etting performing a song on a giant piano keyboard that was operated by dancers.
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The title of this film is a touch misleading. I was expecting much more of a jazz-based musical revue but instead got pretty much a whole gamut of colourful and precisely staged repertoire. Paul Whiteman and his accomplished orchestra provi...