King of Jazz

Experience the vibrant restoration of this early Technicolor, early sound musical revue—a favorite of film and music fans alike. Starring bandleader Paul Whiteman (whose fame was akin to that of Babe Ruth or Mickey Mouse, according to jazz critic Gary Giddins), King of Jazz presents some of the biggest entertainment stars of the era, including a young Bing Crosby, in one show-stopping number after another. The lavish production captures both the attitudes of its day (a survey of the origins of jazz glaringly ignores the contributions of black musicians) as well as amazing performances, including George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue, which Whiteman commissioned. (100 mins., DCP)