1919 - Earliest Jazz Movie?

[John P. Cooper]

I saw a silent film from 1919 last night. A lightweight adventure starring the once very famous Wallace Reid. It is called HAWTHORNE OF THE USA.

Near the end of the film. a black jazz band with a black female vocalist is featured on screen for a few seconds.

I couldn't ID any of the sidemen, but the vocalist was in clear view upfront....though I still don't know who she could be.

Is there any jazz on film prior to this?

[John L]

1919? That is pretty early. No black jazz band had even recorded at that time unless you count James Reese Europe's band as jazz.

[John P. Cooper]

Originally Posted by John L

1919? That is pretty early. No black jazz band had even recorded at that time unless you count James Reese Europe's band as jazz.

I know that Mamie Smith was on record by 1920, right? With her Jazz Hounds.

Mark Cantor, the jazz film historian, suggested that it may be white actors in black face. I didn't think opf that and I will go back abd run it again. They were not 'Al Jolson-y' types and neither was the woman.

Report later!

[Root Doctor]

John, any idea of the title of the movie? Reid made many pictures in 1919.

[John P. Cooper]

Originally Posted by Root Doctor

John, any idea of the title of the movie? Reid made many pictures in 1919.

Oh, man. Sorry. It is called HAWTHORNE OF THE USA.

I'll go edit that back into the first post, too.