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Birth of the Blues (1941)

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 4
Fresh: 3 | Rotten: 1

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Release Date: Nov 7, 1941 Wide

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Average Rating: 3.6/5
User Ratings: 40

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Movie Info

Rather shaky as history, Birth of the Blues delivers the goods in terms of entertainment, thanks to the unbeatable star combination of Bing Crosby and Mary Martin. Set in New Orleans in the 'teens, the film stars Crosby as clarinetist Jeff Lambert, who breaks away from a traditionalist orchestra to form his own jazz band. His partners in this endeavor are songstress Betty Lou Cobb (Martin) and trumpeter Memphis (Brian Donlevy), a character obviously meant to be a white-bread version of Louis

Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.

Musical & Performing Arts, Classics, Comedy

Directed By: Victor Schertzinger

Written By: Harry Tugend

In Theaters: Nov 7, 1941 Wide

On DVD: May 15, 2003

Cast

Bing Crosby
Jeff Lambert
Mary Martin
Betty Lou Cobb
Brian Donlevy
Memphis
Carolyn Lee
Aunt Phoebe Cobb
Eddie 'Rochester' Anderso...
Louie
Jack Teagarden
Pepper
J. Carrol Naish
Blackie
Warren Hymer
Limpy
Ruby Elzy
Ruby
Barbara Pepper
Maizie
Danny Beck
Deek
Harry Barris
Suds
Harry Rosenthal
Piano player
Donald Kerr
Skeeter
Victor Potel
Trumpet player
Minor Watson
Henri Lambert
Ronnie Cosbey
Jeff (as a boy)
Cecil Kellaway
Mr. Granet
Horace McMahon
Wolf

Critic Reviews for Birth of the Blues

All Critics (7) | Top Critics (1) | Fresh (3) | Rotten (1) | DVD (1)

Dated, full of politically incorrect racial edges, but fun musically with Crosby starring.

November 3, 2008 Comment

Steve Crum

Video-Reviewmaster.com

A remarkable Bing Crosby vehicle that pays heartfelt homage to the creators and innovators of jazz... It seems almost like the first rock 'n roll movie...

August 11, 2003 Comment

John Beifuss

Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN)

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Audience Reviews for Birth of the Blues

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Inane story but great music and one of the few chances to see Mary Martin in a lead film role.

February 12, 2012

jay nixon

Super Reviewer

pretty enjoyable film and an unfortunately forgotten treasure in the Bing Crosby library. well-written in typical 30s and 40s musical comedy style. entertaining characters, fun story, and some great early jazz/blues music.

July 2, 2009