this page first published by John Wright, 25 Oct 1997
last update 24 May 2006vintage@jabw.demon.co.uk

Introduction

As well as on records, vintage popular music was recorded for films during the 78 rpm era. Record collectors are always delighted to find film of their favourite band, singer, or their favourite songs from the dance band era but good lists of films are hard to find. After making listings of interesting British films I then embarked on the much greater task of listing all the old American films that feature jazz, dance bands or songs and music performed by American entertainers during 1927-1947.

Many books have been written on Hollywood and the American film industry, but the listing of popular bands and songs in films is often neglected. Most of my starting information has come from the book 'The Hollywood Musical' by Clive Hirschhorn (1981) ISBN 1855100800 and 'Halliwell's Film Guide'. Also two Internet sites, the Internet Movie Database and the All-Movie Guide have been very useful.
These sources provided much information on American dance bands, entertainers and songs in the musicals and major films, but there are many films which feature only brief appearances by bands or entertainers and I wanted those to be included in my listings. Other books have been useful, 'Who Sang What On The Screen' by Alan Warner (1984) ISBN 0207148694, and 'Great Songwriters Of Hollywood' by Warren Craig (1980) ISBN 0498024393. The many updates gained from those books can be seen on my film listings.

I am looking for your help: please view the films listings and let me know if you can add the names and details of any American films not in my lists which feature jazz, dance bands or popular songs sung by entertainers.

Go to American Jazz and Dance Bands on film

Go to American Entertainers on film

Video Sources

Many vintage music films are now available on video. You must buy videos compatible with your VCR. See Video Formats Guide

On my film list pages I have placed search boxes and links to the major internet video suppliers.

1. Some American vintage film videos can be ordered from Amazon.com, and I have indicated the available videos in my film lists.
NOTE: only NTSC format are available from Amazon.

2. Some British and American vintage film videos can be ordered from Blackstar.co.uk, and I have indicated the available videos in my film lists.
NOTE: only PAL format are available from Blackstar.

3. Some American vintage film videos can be ordered from Turner.com,.
NOTE: only NTSC format are available from Turner.

4. G's Jazz, Inc. Rare and out of print jazz books, magazines, videos, memorabilia and LP recordings for sale to collectors. European format videos ARE available.
Inquiries welcome, 24 hour fax.
Gary Alderman, P.O. Box 259164, Madison, WI 53725-9164 USA
Phone: (608)274-3527, Fax: (608)277-1999
Email: gjazz@mail.tds.net
Visit website:http://www.artstech.com/gjazz

5. Nostalgia family Video are also in U.S. and have many British films on video (NTSC only).
Check out their website:
nostalgiafamilyvideo

4. Video Treasures, Video Cassette Sales Inc., 200 Robbins Lane, Jericho NY 11753
I would appreciate if anyone who has dealt with Video Treasures could confirm the quality of product and service given, also if they have e-mail.

I'd like to know of any other sources of videos of vintage musical films.