Movie spotlight
Jeff grows up near Basin Street in New Orleans, playing his clarinet with the dock workers. He puts together a band, the Basin Street Hot-Shots, which includes a cornet player, Memphis. They struggle to get their jazz music accepted by the cafe society of the city. Betty Lou joins their band as a singer and gets Louie to show her how to do scat singing. Memphis and Jeff both fall in love with Betty Lou.
Bing Crosby stars as jazz musician Hannibal "Hannibal" Smith, who defies his controlling Auntie to pursue his passion for music. He forms his own band and falls for a singer, leading to conflicts and triumphs in the early days of jazz.
While not a critical darling, 'Birth of the Blues' was a popular success, praised for its musical numbers and the charm of its lead performers, particularly Bing Crosby and Mary Martin. It's considered a notable example of Hollywood's early attempts to depict the origins of jazz.
Praised for its energetic musical sequences.
Bing Crosby's performance is a highlight, bringing charisma to the lead role.
The film offers a romanticized, though entertaining, look at early jazz history.
Google audience: Audience reception data for this classic film is limited, but it is generally remembered fondly for its musical performances and nostalgic portrayal of jazz.
The film features some of the earliest screen performances of important jazz musicians like Louis Armstrong and his band.
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It’s set in the American Deep South in the late 1930s so of course there are going to be unsavoury racial overtones, but in some ways this films strives to suggest that by using jazz music and the wholesomeness of Bing Crosby, there might b...