"Stormy Weather" was one of only two all-black cast movies made by a major Hollywood studio in 1943. (The other one was Cabin in the Sky.) When it premiered on July 22, 1943 at the Roxy and Alhambra Theatres in New York, it opened to rave reviews. And there’s no surprise why. The performances of the entertainers in the film are spectacular!
Fox studios billed "Stormy Weather" as “A Calvacade of Negroe Entertainment” and indeed it was. It provided an opportunity to see some of the most famous African-American entertainers of the day in a rare Hollywood studio, all-Black-cast movie.
Positive Storyline
The "Stormy Weather" storyline is about the on-again, off-again romance between Bill Williamson, (played by Bill “Bojangles” Robinson) and Selina Rogers (played by Lena Horne). The storyline itself is very thin because the film is really just a reason for one famous African-American star after another to perform.
 Nevertheless, the fact that "Stormy Weather" even had a romantic storyline starring two African-Americans on screen was unusual for the time. This film was a sharp departure from the more typical subservient roles that were commonly given to Black actors and actresses.
Outstanding Performances
There are over 20 musical numbers in the "Stormy Weather" and every one of them is outstanding.
Some of the legendary performances shown are:
• Bill “Bojangles” Robinson showing his fancy footwork in multiple tap dance routines. He was 65 years old when the movie was made and had been in show business for over 50 years.
• Fats Waller performing Ain’t Misbehavin’, which was the song that made him famous. He also performs a standout duet with Ada Brown singing the bluesy song “That Ain’t Right.”
• Lena Horne singing the title tune “Stormy Weather,” which would become one of her signature songs. She also dances with Bill Robinson and sings other memorable songs like “Diga Diga Doo.”
• Katherine Dunham and her dance troupe performing memorable, Caribbean-inspired dance numbers.
• Cab Calloway in his trademark zoot suit leading his orchestra in the hip musical compositions “Jumpin’ Jive” and “Geechy Joe.”
• The Nicholas Brothers performing a breathtaking dance number is one of the best dance routines ever captured on film.
 Last Film Appearances
The production of "Stormy Weather" was timely since it was also the last time that Bill Robinson and Fats Waller would be captured on film. Less than five months after the premier of Stormy Weather, Fats Waller died of pneumonia at age of 39. Bill Robinson passed away in 1949 from heart disease.
Enjoyable for All Ages
Stormy Weather was made over 60 years ago and is a top African-American classic movie. Available on DVD, it is a film that people of all ages can watch and enjoy.
Buy the "Stormy Weather" DVD
Get your copy today of Stormy Weather on DVD and catch some of the greatest African-American performers in the 1940s.
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Buy the Stormy Weather Movie Soundtrack
This is the original movie soundtrack with songs sung by Lena Horne, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller and others in the film.
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