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6.1/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 6.1/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Don Redman & His Orchestra remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like old jazz or want a quick hit of 1930s nightclub energy, sure, give it ten minutes. If you need a plot or, like, a script that goes anywhere, you’re going to be bored to tears. This isn't exactly Theodora in terms of scale.
It’s basically a filmed stage performance. You get Don Redman, you get the orchestra, and you get the music. That’s it. It’s charming, but it’s definitely not for people who need constant movement.
The whole thing feels like you just walked into a room, sat down, and the band started playing. No preamble. No weird backstories about how the jazz band got there. It’s just pure sound.
I found myself staring at the background extras more than the musicians at one point. There’s this one guy in the back who looks like he’s having the time of his life, but he’s totally out of sync with everyone else. It’s wildly distracting in the best way possible. 🎷
The tap dancers, Red and Struggie, show up and steal the floor. It’s funny how these old shorts always have that one sudden shift in pacing. One second it’s all brass, then it’s just feet hitting the floor.
It’s a bit rough around the edges, honestly. The camera work feels like it’s just trying to keep up. It’s not as polished as something like Officer 666, but that’s the charm, right? It feels real.
It’s not a masterpiece, but it’s a nice little slice of history. Sometimes you don't need a deep message. Sometimes you just need some guys in suits playing loud music until the reel runs out. 🎩