Acting
Bill Robinson
Born May 25, 1878 · Richmond, Virginia, USA
Died November 25, 1949 · aged 71
According to one jazz dance source, Bill 'Bojangles' Robinson was the chief instigator for getting tap dance "up on its toes." Early forms of tap, including the familiar "buck and wing", contained a flat-footed style, while Robinson performed on the balls of his feet with a shuffle-tap style that allowed him more improvisation. It obviously got him noticed and it certainly made him a legend. Born…
Known For
The Little Colonel · 1935The Little Colonel
★ 6.61935
MovieFamilyMusic
After Southern belle Elizabeth Lloyd runs off to marry Yankee Jack Sherman, her father, a former Confederate colonel during the Civil War, vows to never speak to her again. Several years pass and Elizabeth returns to her home town with her husband and young daughter. The little girl charms her crusty grandfather and tries to patch things up between him and her mother.
That's Dancing! · 1985That's Dancing!
★ 6.91985
MovieDocumentaryMusic
A documentary film about dancing on the screen, from its origins after the invention of the movie camera, over the movie musical from the late 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, up to the break dance and music videos from the 80s.
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm · 1938Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
★ 6.91938
MovieDramaFamily
Rebecca's Uncle Harry leaves her with Aunt Miranda who forbids her to associate with show people. But neighbor Anthony Kent is a talent scout who secretly set it up for her to broadcast.
Up the River · 1938Up the River
★ 10.01938
MovieComedy
A group of prison inmates pass the time playing football and romancing ladies in this prison escape crime musical screwball comedy that was apparently a wacky spoof of the crime movies that were so popular in the 1930s. It seems to be completely forgotten today, except by major film buffs.
In Old Kentucky · 1935In Old Kentucky
★ 10.01935
MovieComedy
Horse trainer Steve Tapley is caught between the feuding Martingale and Shattuck families. He sides with young Nancy Martingale and her grandfather Ezra, and the feud is to be resolved by a horse race between the favorites of each family. Unfortunately, the Martingale's horse, Greyboy, only runs well in mud. And it hasn't rained in a long time.
The Harlem Renaissance · 2004The Harlem Renaissance
★ 6.02004
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Chronicling the Harlem Renaissance era, this retrospective documentary tracks the origins of the soulful music of the period, along with the challenges many of the genre's artists faced when trying to gain recognition within conventional society. Included are anecdotes from musicians and historians, plus footage of performances and interviews with Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and more.
Stormy Weather · 1943Stormy Weather
★ 6.91943
MovieComedyDrama
The relationship between an aspiring dancer and a popular songstress provides a retrospective of the great African-American entertainers of the early 1900s.
Just Around the Corner · 1938Just Around the Corner
★ 5.81938
MovieComedyMusic
Penny helps her idealistic architect father get his dream of a slum clearance project; The little miss dances with Corporal Jones.
Movies
The Little Colonel · 1935The Little Colonel
★ 6.61935
MovieFamilyMusic
After Southern belle Elizabeth Lloyd runs off to marry Yankee Jack Sherman, her father, a former Confederate colonel during the Civil War, vows to never speak to her again. Several years pass and Elizabeth returns to her home town with her husband and young daughter. The little girl charms her crusty grandfather and tries to patch things up between him and her mother.
That's Dancing! · 1985That's Dancing!
★ 6.91985
MovieDocumentaryMusic
A documentary film about dancing on the screen, from its origins after the invention of the movie camera, over the movie musical from the late 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, up to the break dance and music videos from the 80s.
Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm · 1938Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm
★ 6.91938
MovieDramaFamily
Rebecca's Uncle Harry leaves her with Aunt Miranda who forbids her to associate with show people. But neighbor Anthony Kent is a talent scout who secretly set it up for her to broadcast.
Up the River · 1938Up the River
★ 10.01938
MovieComedy
A group of prison inmates pass the time playing football and romancing ladies in this prison escape crime musical screwball comedy that was apparently a wacky spoof of the crime movies that were so popular in the 1930s. It seems to be completely forgotten today, except by major film buffs.
In Old Kentucky · 1935In Old Kentucky
★ 10.01935
MovieComedy
Horse trainer Steve Tapley is caught between the feuding Martingale and Shattuck families. He sides with young Nancy Martingale and her grandfather Ezra, and the feud is to be resolved by a horse race between the favorites of each family. Unfortunately, the Martingale's horse, Greyboy, only runs well in mud. And it hasn't rained in a long time.
The Harlem Renaissance · 2004The Harlem Renaissance
★ 6.02004
MovieDocumentaryMusic
Chronicling the Harlem Renaissance era, this retrospective documentary tracks the origins of the soulful music of the period, along with the challenges many of the genre's artists faced when trying to gain recognition within conventional society. Included are anecdotes from musicians and historians, plus footage of performances and interviews with Cab Calloway, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and more.
Stormy Weather · 1943Stormy Weather
★ 6.91943
MovieComedyDrama
The relationship between an aspiring dancer and a popular songstress provides a retrospective of the great African-American entertainers of the early 1900s.
Just Around the Corner · 1938Just Around the Corner
★ 5.81938
MovieComedyMusic
Penny helps her idealistic architect father get his dream of a slum clearance project; The little miss dances with Corporal Jones.
The Littlest Rebel · 1935The Littlest Rebel
★ 6.41935
MovieComedyDrama
Virgie Cary's father, a rebel officer, sneaks back to his rundown plantation to see his dying wife and is arrested. A Yankee officer takes pity and sets up an escape. Everyone is captured and the officers are to be executed. Virgie and Uncle Billy beg President Lincoln to intercede.
One Mile from Heaven · 1937One Mile from Heaven
★ 6.61937
MovieDrama
A female journalist travels to a new neighborhood after getting a (false) lead and is surprised by what she finds.
Hooray for Love · 1935Hooray for Love
★ 5.81935
MovieComedyMusic
A wealthy young man falls hard for a beautiful showgirl, and her wily father quickly realizes the naïve boy would make the perfect investor for his daughter's new show. Comedy with music.
The Big Broadcast of 1936 · 1935The Big Broadcast of 1936
★ 5.81935
MovieMusic
Two-bit radio station owner Spud Miller doubles as the station's sole announcer. On the verge of bankruptcy, Spud is receptive to the wacky notions of George and Gracie, who've just invented a television device that can pick up and transmit any signal, any time, anywhere.
Hidden Hollywood: Treasures from the 20th Century Fox Film Vaults · 1997Hidden Hollywood: Treasures from the 20th Century Fox Film Vaults
★ 7.71997
MovieDocumentary
Documentary featuring more than one dozen musical outtakes from classic 20th Century-Fox films.
Harlem Is Heaven · 1932Harlem Is Heaven
★ 7.51932
MovieDramaMusic
Bill "Bojangles" Robinson made his movie acting debut in this 1932 film, featuring Putney Dandridge, James Baskett (Oscar winner for "Song of the South"), Cotton Club dancer Anita Boyer, Henri Wassell, Alma Smith, Bob Sawyer, and composer/bandleader Eubie Blake and his orchestra.
Dixiana · 1930Dixiana
★ 5.01930
MovieComedyMusic
A circus performer falls in love with the son of a plantation owner in antebellum New Orleans. When the young man's stepmother objects to the wedding, the couple break apart and go their separate ways for a time. Also in the mix are two circus comics who feud over the heart of another Southern belle.
Dancetime Tap Dance History · 2011Dancetime Tap Dance History
2011
MovieMusic
Tap Dance History: From Vaudeville to Film is a collection of rarely seen original film footage from Soundies and short films of the 1930's and 1940's.
The Big Benefit · 1933The Big Benefit
★ 8.01933
MovieMusic
A grab-bag of singers and dancers, featuring New York-based performers such as Rae Samuels, Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, The Four Mullen Sisters, and the team of Evans & Mayer. Dancers Pops & Louie (Albert Whitman and Louis Williams) are also along.
