Bubbling Over
In this all-black short musical comedy, a woman has a husband so lazy she can stick a pin in him without him waking up... but announcing lunch gets him up pretty fast. She's also saddled with a bevy of his lazy relatives. Four more come by and sing as a quartet. After the wife learns they had been traveling men, she advises them to keep traveling and kicks them out...
Insights
Plot Summary
A young Black man works as a domestic servant in a wealthy white household, dreaming of a career in music. He gets an opportunity to showcase his talent, leading to a series of events that test his determination and relationships. The film highlights the struggles and aspirations of Black artists in the era, set against a backdrop of jazz and blues.
Critical Reception
Bubbling Over was a modest musical comedy that offered a platform for Black talent during a time when such opportunities were scarce. While not a critical sensation, it was noted for its musical performances and a somewhat progressive portrayal of its Black characters for the time, although it still operated within the limitations of Hollywood's racial depictions of the 1930s.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for its vibrant musical numbers and performances.
- Noted for giving Black artists a significant screen presence.
- Considered a charming, albeit simple, musical comedy.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.
Fun Fact
The film is notable for featuring an early screen appearance of the legendary jazz and blues singer Alberta Hunter, who also co-wrote one of the film's songs.
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