Dance of Shame

Mirele Efros, "the Jewish Queen Lear," was the masterpiece of Ukrainian-born Jacob Gordin, an enormously influential Yiddish playwright whose works sought to describe and promulgate the ethos of mentshlekhkeyt: the practice of honesty, decency, and devotion toward family and community. This sophisticated version of his stage classic faithfully recreates Jewish life in turn-of-the-century Grodno, Poland.

A Jewish resort hotel celebrates a pair of longtime customers' fiftieth wedding anniversary by staging an old-fashioned Borscht Belt show replete with singers, dancers, comedians, and impressionists.

Duke Ellington and His Orchestra perform "Bli-Blip" with Marie Bryant and Paul White

When an agricultural professor returns home to the farm with her scientifically-raised mule for a needed rest, they find themselves caught up in a movie being filmed in the Ozarks.

After witnessing the killing of a professor in concentration camp "Dachau" German student Paul emigrates to the USA. Here an American fellow student endangers Paul's new American existence and his family's which stayed in Germany.

Based on Scènes de la vie de bohème by Henri Murger, and the Giacomo Puccini opera. The young, tubercular seamstress, Mimi, falls in love with the impoverished playwright, Rodolfo, but poverty takes its toll on their relationship. When Mimi meets a wealthy suitor, Viscount Paul, to ask him for financial help, Rodolfo dumps her.

After recovering from injuries sustained in the mob attack upon himself and his creation, Dr. Henry Frankenstein falls under control of his former mentor, Dr. Pretorius, who insists the now-chastened doctor resume his experiments in creating new life. Meanwhile, the Monster remains on the run from those who wish to destroy him.

Bandleader/singer/songwriter Ted Barry arrives to heaven. The receptionist tells him that before he can take his place in the Hall of Music, a committee must review his work and decide whether he is worthy of admittance.

Louis Armstrong performs with Nicodemus on this Soundie from 1942.

Soundie featuring June Richmond (vocals) and Roy Milton performing "Hey Lawdy Mama."

Burlesque presentation of "fan dance" by the original performer Faith Bacon.

The Counts and the Countess perform "Five Salted Peanuts".