Tap (1989)

"Tap" (1989) is a drama film written and directed by Nick Castle and stars Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis Jr., Suzzanne Douglas, and Joe Morton. As the title suggests, the movie is mostly about tap dancing with a story of redemption. After the 1940s, there were few films about the tap dancing art form that once dominated American entertainment. In particular, tap dancing was a huge part of black entertainment culture during the 1920s, 30s, and 40s.

"Tap" introduced a younger generation to the dance style, so the film includes a mixture of performers from old to new. The legendary tap dancers in the movie were Sammy Davis Jr., Howard 'Sandman' Sims, Bunny Briggs, Steve Condos, Jimmy Slyde, Arthur Duncan, and Harold Nicholas. In addition, Savion Glover starred in the movie as a 14-year-old boy learning from the legends. At the time, Glover was starring on Broadway as a performer. Finally, Gregory Hines connects all the generations in the movie. Suzzanne Douglas performs alongside Hines, displaying her gracefulness as a singer and dancer. 

This film has become a historical artifact because this was the last time an ensemble of legendary tap dancers was in a movie together. The cinematography is excellent, and the music is fantastic. The story is also engaging because actors like Joe Morton and Dick Anthony Williams appear. If you're looking for quality entertainment, I recommend "Tap" for viewing.

Director: Nick Castle

Writer: Nick Castle

Starring Gregory Hines, Suzzanne Douglas, Sammy Davis Jr., Joe Morton, Dick Anthony Williams, Savion Glover, Howard 'Sandman' Sims, Bunny Briggs, Steve Condos, Jimmy Slyde, Arthur Duncan, Pat Rico, and Harold Nicholas

Storyline

Max Washington (Gregory Hines), an ex-con just released from jail, is a veteran burglar and a talented tap dancer. Reuniting with his girlfriend, Amy (Suzzanne Douglas), Max is approached by her father, Little Mo (Sammy Davis Jr.), about a new dance production. Max's criminal past, in the form of his old buddy, Nicky (Joe Morton), also comes knocking, and he must decide between embracing dance and lapsing into his delinquent ways.

Boogie-Woogie Dream (1944)

"Boogie-Woogie Dream" (1944) is a short musical featuring Lena Horne, Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson, Teddy Wilson, and his Orchestra. Official Films is responsible for the production and distribution of the movie. The film showcases musical talent when Lena sings "Unlucky Woman" and Albert and Pete perform "Boogie Woogie Dreams." Teddy Wilson and his Orchestra provide additional musical numbers while playing for Lena.

Official Films released the movie in 1944, but filming started in 1941, two years before Lena Horne starred in "Stormy Weather" and Cabin in the Sky." So by 1941, Lena hadn't made it into the Hollywood limelight even after appearing in her first leading role in the 1938 film by Ralph Cooper, "The Duke is Tops." In addition, Pete Thomas and Albert Ammons were professional pianists famous for their jazz and boogie-woogie compositions. Teddy Wilson was also a prominent pianist who worked with Louis Armstrong, Lionel Hampton, and Billie Holiday. Wilson formed his short-lived big band in 1939, then led a sextet at Café Society from 1940 to 1944. 

While the film was short, it received many advertisements in 1944 and 1945. However, Lena's sudden stardom increased attraction in this movie. 

Director: Hans Burger

Writer: Karl Farkas

Starring Lena Horne, Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson, Teddy Wilson, Virginia Pine, Russell Morrison

Storyline

After hours at a nightclub, the hired help has a jam session, which a couple of overdue customers wanted to hear.

This movie presents the first digital transfer provided by the Department of Afro-American Research, Arts, and Culture. The film was scanned from a 16 mm reel to hi-definition.

Straight to Heaven (1939)

Starring:

• Jackie Ward
• Nina Mae McKinney
• Pearl Bains
• James Baskett
• Sherman Dirkson
• Emmory Evans
• Mae Francis
• Marion Galloway
• Teddy Hale
• Millie and Bubbles
• Lionel Monagas
• Edna Slatten
• Jules Smith
• The Three Peppers
• Lorenzo Tucker
• Percy Verwayen
• Bernice Vincent

Storyline

Lucky John is head of a syndicate that is distributing rotten canned food to unsuspecting Negroes in Harlem. Joe Williams is sent to jail for murder and placed on trial for his life. Williams' wife plays a big part in clearing her husband of murder charges engineered by Lucky John.