
Film
Symphony in Black: A Rhapsody of Negro Life
1935 · 9m · Music · Drama
- IMDb
- 7.3
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Overview
A rising nineteen-year-old singer by the name of Billie Holiday made her screen debut in this musical landmark, which features Duke Ellington and his orchestra performing his symphonic jazz piece “A Rhapsody of Negro Life” set to scenes of everyday African American life.
Cast

Duke Ellington
Self

Billie Holiday
Self - Blues Singer (uncredited)
Earl 'Snake Hips' Tucker
Jilting lover / specialty dancer (uncredited)
Barney Bigard
Self - Clarinet (uncredited)
Joe 'Tricky Sam' Nanton
Self - Trombone (uncredited)
Crew
- Fred WallerDirector
- Milton HockeyWriter
- Fred RathWriter
- Adolph ZukorProducer
- William O. SteinerDirector of Photography
- Duke EllingtonOriginal Music Composer
Media
Details
- Release date
- September 12, 1935
- Status
- Released
- Original language
- English
- Runtime
- 9m
- Genres
- Music, Drama
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