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Melody Master

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The Melody Masters were a series of first-rate big band musical film shorts produced by Warner Brothers, under the supervision of Samuel Sax at their Vitaphone studio in New York between 1931 and 1939, and in Burbank, California with producer Gordon Hollingshead in charge between 1940 and 1946.

Overview

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Among the most popular short subjects of their kind (making the Motion Picture Herald top money-making shorts lists in 1939 [1]); these were an offshoot of the Vitaphone Varieties. Each ran from 9 to 11 minutes in length and was produced in black and white.

While rival studios like Universal Pictures focused mostly on the performance itself in their own “Name Band Musicals” shorts, Warner Bros. added more storyline material and visual experimentation. Early films often used a gimmick to frame the musical performances such as the roller skates used in Eddie Duchin & His Orchestra. As the series progressed, the uses of multiple exposures (a great example being Symphony of Swing with Artie Shaw), optical effects, mirrors (i.e. Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra) and stark shadow lighting (i.e. Henry Busse and His Orchestra) made this series stand out against the competition.[2]

Jean Negulesco was a key director on some of the best titles of the early 1940s before graduating to features. Life (magazine) photographer Gjon Mili contributed to the most frequently seen today title, Jammin' the Blues, entered into the National Film Registry in 1995.

After the series’ official end in 1946, there were two follow-up series called “Memories from Melody Lane” and “Hit Parade of the Gay Nineties” that differed somewhat in style and narration, tracing the history of popular music since the 1890s.

Current availability

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A group of them were released on laser disc (through MGM/UA) and Warner DVD, starting in the 1990s. In the latter format, they were mostly “extras” with various Warner features before the Warner Archive Collection produced a set titled Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts in 2010.

List of titles

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Below is a full listing by title, director and major credits, followed by release date, review date (Film Daily) or copyright date.[3] DVD availability is also provided.

1931

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Title Major credits Review date (Film Daily)
Rhythms of a Big City Harold Levy (director) John Hickey & Billy Gilbert August 23
The Big House Party Earl Carpenter September 27
A Havana Cocktail Castro Cuban Orchestra October 4
Musical Moods Horace Heidt & His Californians December 6
Darn Tootin' Rudy Wiedoeft with Dixie Lee & Lucille Page December 6

1932

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Title Major credits Release, copyright or review date Notes
Up on the Farm Roy Mack (director); Henry Santrey & Band with Dudley Clements, Barney Grant & the Three Moderns March 27 (Film Daily review)
It's a Panic Roy Mack (director); Benny Meroff & His Orchestra April 10 (Film Daily review)
Music to My Ears Roy Mack (director); Jack Denny & Orchestra, Dorothy Brent, George Tapps, Jean & Lynton September 17
The Yacht Party Roy Mack (director); Roger Wolf Kahn, Gertrude Niesen & Melissa Mason © September 29 Sometimes listed as a “Vitaphone Variety”. Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
The Lease Breakers Roy Mack (director); Willie Creager & Band, Aunt Jemima (Tess Gardella), Isabel Brown & the Colleano Wire Act November 10 (Film Daily review)

1933

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Title Major credits Release, copyright or review date Notes
Hot Competition Roy Mack (director); The Continentals, Ted Husing, Harry Barris, Lois Whiteman & Ray Sax © January 9
Abe Lyman Band Abe Lyman & His Band January 20
That's the Spirit Roy Mack (director); Noble Sissle & The Washboard Serenaders, Cora La Redd February 3 (Film Daily review) Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD; Copyright date on opening credit is MCMXXXII (1932)
The Alma Martyr Fred Waring & His Pennsylvanians February 23 (Film Daily review)
How's Tricks Roy Mack (director); Howard Lanin Band © February 25
Hot from Petrograd Joseph Henabery (director); Dave Apollon May
The Name is Familiar Alfred J. Goulding (director); Leon Belasco & Band, Vivian Janis, Holland & Knight, Dorothy Dodge © June 6
David Rubinoff and His Orchestra David Rubinoff & Jean Sargent July
The Audition Roy Mack (director); Phil Emerton & Band, Hannah Williams (actress), the Three X Sisters, Larry & Larry July 8 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD & The Mayor of Hell DVD
A Castilion Garden Joseph Henabery (director); Senor del Pozo's Marimba Band, Celso Ruttado, Tortolero de Medina, Senorita Adrina and Ismael Guzman © August 1
Barber Shop Blues Joseph Henabery (director); Claude Hopkins, Orlando Roberson & Four Step Brothers © September 23 Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Notre Dame Glee Club Joseph Henabery (director); Charles Coleman © November 11
Eddie Duchin & His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Eddy Duchin © November 25 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD. Spelling of title is incorrect on screen.

1934

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Title Major credits Release, copyright or review date Notes
Mills Blue Rhythm Band Roy Mack (director); with Sally Gooding, Fredi Washington & others © February 6 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Vincent Lopez and Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Vincent Lopez & Sheila Barrett © April 13 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Big City Fantasy Joseph Henabery (director); Phil Spitalny April 14 Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Isham Jones & His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); Isham Jones, Gypsy Nina, Eddie Vogt, Arthur & Rose Boylan May 12 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Richard Himber and His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); Richard Himber, Joey Nash, Brhardt & Graham, Virginia MacNaughton July
Jolly Good Fellow Joseph Henabery (director); B. A. Rolfe & the Men About Town, Dolly Arden & John Monahan © July 5
Little Jack Little Joseph Henabery (director); Jack Little (songwriter) August 22 (Film Daily review)
Phil Spitalny & His Musical Queens Joseph Henabery (director); Phil Spitalny & Mickey Braatz August 23 (Film Daily review) Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Mirrors Roy Mack (director); Freddie Rich's Orchestra © September 8 Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Ciro Rimac's Rhumba Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director) October
Ben Pollack & His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Ben Pollack with Doris Robbins © October 4 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Crawford Joseph Henabery (director); Mrs. & Mrs. Jesse Crawford, Margaret O'Donnell & John Creighton October 15 (Film Daily review)
Don Redman & His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Don Redman October 29 Dames DVD & Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD

1935

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Title Major credits Release, copyright or review date Notes
Echoes Joseph Henabery (director); Charles Davis & His Orchestra, Cackles O’Neill © March 5
Will Osborne and His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); with Helen Ward (singer), Evelyn & James Vernon © April 1
Barney Rapp and His New Englanders Joseph Henabery (director); Barney Rapp, Jack & June Blair, Ruby Wright © April 1
Freddie Martin and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Freddie Martin, Paul & Eva Reyes May 11
The Wishing Stone Roy Mack (director); Dave Apollon, Paul Perry & Zeni Vatori © June 3 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Borrah Minnevitch and His Harmonica Rascals (#2) Roy Mack (director); Borrah Minnevitch July 6 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Phil Spitalny's All Girl Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Phil Spitalny, Maurine & Nova August 7
Rubinoff and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director) David Rubinoff, Loupoukin & Kounavsky, Martnoff, Adla Kuznetzoff August 10
Johnny Green & His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Johnny Green September 6 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD & Captain Blood (1935 film) DVD
By Request Roy Mack (director) & Orlando Robeson; Claude Hopkins, Tip, Tap & Toe October 18
Borrah Minnevitch and His Harmonica Rascals Roy Mack (director); Borrah Minnevitch © October 28 filmed June 1933
Jack Denny's Orchestra Jack Denny November 29 (Film Daily review)
Red Nichols & His World Famous Pennies Joseph Henabery (director); Red Nichols, Bob Carter & the Wallace Sisters December 30 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD

1936

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Title Major credits Release, copyright or review date Notes
Jolly Coburn and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); with Kathleen Wells, Harold Richards & Lewis February 22
Off the Record Joseph Henabery (director) B. A. Rolfe & Orchestra, the Music Hall Boys, and Sincair Twins © March 9 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Little Jack Little & Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Jack Little (songwriter) with Dot, Donna & Teddy March 28 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Ramon Ramos and His Rainbow Room Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); with Manya & Drigo April 18
Meet the Kernel Joseph Henabery (director) Dave Apollon & His Band May 13 (Film Daily review)
Vincent Lopez and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Vincent Lopez, June Hart, Jack Holland, Maxine Tappan, Fred Lowry, and Johnnie Morris May 13 (Film Daily review)
Clyde Lucas and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Clyde Lucas, Dave & Dorothy Fitzgibbons, Lyn Lucas, the Three Symphonettes June 12 (Film Daily review)
Carl Hoff and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); with Grace MacDonald, Sonny Schuyler & the Collegians July 11
Poets of the Organ Joseph Henabery (director); Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Crawford, Robert Simmons August 15
Clyde McCoy and His Sugar Blues Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Clyde McCoy August 15
Nick Lucas and His Troubadors Joseph Henabery (director); Nick Lucas, Kay Kernan, Marion Witkins & Jack Walters August 15
Harry Reser & His Eskimoes Roy Mack (director); Harry Reser September 26 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Leon Navara and His Orchestra Lloyd French (director); with Honey & Weldon November 7
Emil Coleman and His Orchestra with The Nightingales Roy Mack (director); with Harlan & Hart © December 7
Jimmie Lunceford and His Dance Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Jimmie Lunceford December 19 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive), Blues in the Night (film) & Follow the Fleet DVD

1937

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Title Major credits Release or copyright date Notes
George Hall and His Orchestra Roy Mack (director) January 9 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Bullets or Ballots DVD
Swanee Cruise Joseph Henabery (director); Louisiana Kings, Willis Ducre & the Robinson Twins January 23
Hi De Ho Roy Mack (director); Cab Calloway February 20 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Black Legion (film) DVD
Peter Van Steeden and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Peter van Steeden, Harold Richards & Hazel Geary March 6
Jacques Fray & His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); with Andrea Marsh, Louise & Andrew Carr March 27
The Jam Session Joseph Henabery (director); Clyde McCoy & His Sugar Blues Orchestra April 17
A Musical Journey to South America Joseph Henabery (director); Ciro Rimac Orchestra May 8
Eliseo Grenet & His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); Eliseo Grenet, Conchita, Jose Negrette, R. Armangod & the Rhumba Sextette June 15
Lennie Hayton and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Lennie Hayton, the Rhythm Kings, Billy Gilbert & Paul Barry July 10
The New Professor Joseph Henabery (director); Jack Denny & His Orchestra, Chester Fredericks, LaNelle Avery, Judy Lane & George Pembroke © July 21
David Mendoza and Orchestra Lloyd French (director); with Minor & Rot, Lucille Manners, Bob Simmons & the Revelers July 31
Russ Morgan and His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); Russ Morgan, Bernice Parks, Tom MacDonald & Christine Ross September 11
Mal Hallett and His Orchestra Lloyd French (director); Mal Hallett, Teddy Grace, Jerry Perkins, Buddy & Claire Green, and Wallace Bros. September 11
Milt Britton and His World Famous Orchestra Lloyd French (director); with Walter Powell, Tito, Milt Britton & the Three Leslies October 2
Jan Rubini and Orchestra Joe Henabery) with Lillian Dawson, Rosalean & Seville, Francis Pierlot December 4
Henry King and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director) with Betty Allen December 20
Benny Meroff and His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); with Jackie Marshall & Florence Gast © December 20

1938

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Title Major credits Release or copyright date Notes
Sin-Copation Lloyd French (director); Leon Navara & His Band, Detmar Poppen January 8
Enric Madriguera and Orchestra Lloyd French (director); Enric Madriguera & Patricia Gilmore January 26
Carl Hoff and His Orchestra (#2) Joseph Henabery (director); with the Kidoodlers, Minor & Root, Patricia Norman & Jimmy Blair February 12
David Rubinoff and His Violin Joseph Henabery (director); David Rubinoff, Colette & Barry April 16
Carl Deacon Moore and Orchestra Lloyd French (director) May 7
Mike Reilly and Band Lloyd French (director); with Marion Mikler May 14
Freddie Rich and His Orchestra Lloyd French (director); Freddie Rich, Nan Wynn, and Joe Sodja May 28 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & The Adventures of Robin Hood (film) DVD
Clyde Lucas and Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Clyde Lucas June 18
Don Bestor and Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); with Mildred Law, Ducky Yountz & Joan Merrill July 9
The Saturday Night Swing Club Lloyd French (director); Leith Stevens, Bobby Hackett July 30 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Swing Cat's Jamboree Roy Mack (director); Louis Prima, Shirley Lloyd, Ted Gary, and Mitzi Dahl August 6 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
His Busy Day Joseph Henabery (director); Clyde McCoy, Wilbur Gregg, and the Three Bennett Sisters August 20
Blue Baron and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director) with Harris, Claire & Shannon, Russ Carlyle August 27
Larry Clinton and His Orchestra with Carol Bruce Lloyd French & Joseph Henabery (directors); Larry Clinton, Carol Bruce, Martin & Robinson September 3 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Arnold Johnson and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); with Siroy & Weaver, Three Sirens & Three Orchids September 11
Ray Kinney and His Royal Hawaiian Orchestra Roy Mack (director); Ray Kinney with The Aloha Maids October 1 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Jimmy Dorsey and His Orchestra Lloyd French (director); Jimmy Dorsey, Bob Eberle & Evelyn Oak October 22 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Jezebel (film) DVD
Merle Kendrick and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); with Miriam Grahame, Marion Wilkins, and Jack Walters November 12
Music with a Smile in the Happy Felton Style Lloyd French (director); Three Reasons, Bob Robinson, and Virginia Martin December 3
Dave Apollon and His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); Dave Apollon with Buddy & Claire Green, Aunt Jemima (Tess Gardella) & Bobby Graham © December 24

1939

[edit]
Title Major credits Release or copyright date Notes
Jerry Livingston and His Talk of the Town Music Lloyd French (director); Jerry Livingston, Jack & Jane Boyle, Adrian Rollini Trio. Barbara Richards © January 4
Clyde Lucas and His Orchestra Lloyd French (director); Clyde Lucas, Rosalean & Seville, Lyn Lucas January 7
Russ Morgan and His Orchestra Joseph Henabery (director); Russ Morgan, Gloria Whitney, Carolyn Clare & the Paradise Girls February 25
It's the McCoy Joseph Henabery (director); Clyde McCoy & His Sugar Blues Orchestra, Wayne Gregg, the Three Bennett Sisters, and Tim Lorman March 18
Dave Apollon and His Club Casanova Orchestra Lloyd French (director); Dave Apollon, Melissa Mason, May McKim, Ted Adair & Ruth Long April 8
Artie Shaw and His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); Artie Shaw, Helen Forrest, and Tony Pastor (bandleader) April 29 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Larry Clinton & His Orchestra with Bea Wain Joseph Henabery (director); Larry Clinton, Bea Wain, Ford Leary May 20 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
On The Air (Saturday Night Swing Club) Lloyd French (director); Leith Stevens and His Saturday Night Swing Orchestra, Mel Allen, Bobby Hackett’s Orchestra, Nan Wynn June 10
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra with Emily Adrien And Bill Furrow Roy Mack (director); Rita Rio July 1 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Will Osborne and His Orchestra with Dick Rogers and Lynn Davis Roy Mack (director) July 22
Symphony of Swing Joseph Henabery; Artie Shaw & Orchestra July 'arner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Eddie DeLange and His Orchestra with Elisse Cooper Lloyd French (director); Eddie DeLange August 12
The Dipsy Doodler Lloyd French (director); Larry Clinton & Orchestra August Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Swing Styles Lloyd French (director); Adrian Rollini Trio, Milt Herth's Orchestra, Ruh & Jane Frazee, Tito and his Swingettes September 2
Vincent Lopez and His Orchestra with Betty Hutton Joseph Henabery (director); Vincent Lopez, Betty Hutton, Johnny Russell (saxophonist), Fred Lowry & the Four Horsemen September 30 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Rubinoff and His Violin Joseph Henabery (director); David Rubinoff, June Claire, Jack Holland & June Hart November 11

1940

[edit]
Title Major credits Release or copyright date Notes
Frances Carroll and the Coquettes Roy Mack (director); with Viola Smith & Eunice Healy February 10 filmed March 1939; Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Romance in Rhythm Lloyd French (director); Carl Hoff & His Orchestra, Barry McKinley, the Kidoodlers & Randall Sisters March 23 filmed June 1939
Matty Malneck and His Orchestra Matty Malneck, George Amy April 5 (preview)
Ozzie Nelson & His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); Ozzie Nelson June 29 filmed July 1939; Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Torrid Zone DVD
Woody Herman and His Orchestra Roy Mack (director); Woody Herman, Lee Wiley, Hal & Honey Abbott, Marie Hartman & Reed Brown Jr. July 27 filmed February 1939; Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Jan Garber and His Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director); Jan Garber August 31
Joe Reichman and His Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director) October 26
Henry Busse and His Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director); Henry Busse November 30 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Brother Orchid DVD

1941

[edit]
Title Major credits Release or copyright date Notes
Skinnay Ennis and His Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director); Skinnay Ennis January 4 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Cliff Edwards and His Buckaroos Jean Negulesco (director); Cliff Edwards March 8 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Freddie Martin and His Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director); Freddie Martin April 12
Marie Green and Her Merry Men Jean Negulesco (director) April 26
Hal Kemp and His Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director); Hal Kemp, Bob Allen & Maxine Grey June 14 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director); Glen Gray August 12 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Carl Roff and His Orchestra (Carl Hoff and Band) Jean Negulesco (director) August 16
Those Good Old Days Jean Negulesco (director) August 16
University of Southern California Band and Glee Club Jean Negulesco (director) September 13
Carioca Serenaders (The Serenaders) Jean Negulesco (director);; music: Howard Jackson; Humberto Herrere & Band October 25
Forty Boys and a Song Irving Allen (director); Robert Mitchell's Boy Choir December 6 Nominee for Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. Available on The Bride Came C.O.D. DVD
Leo Reisman and His Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director); Leo Reisman © December 24
The Playgirls Jean Negulesco (director); Cathy Lewis, Navy Blues Sextette & The Ryan sisters © December 26

1942

[edit]
Title Major credits Release date Notes
Richard Himber and Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director); Richard Himber April 11
Don Cossack Chorus Jean Negulesco (director); Serge Jaroff conducts Apr 25
Emil Coleman and His Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director) May 9 filmed June '41
The United States Army Air Force Band Jean Negulesco (director); Alf Heiber September 19 Desperate Journey DVD
Six Hits and a Miss Jean Negulesco (director); Six Hits and a Miss October 24 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & The Man Who Came to Dinner DVD
United States Marine Band Jean Negulesco (director); William Santelmann November 14 Nominee for Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film; available on Kings Row DVD
Borrah Minnevitch and His Harmonica School Jean Negulesco (director); Borrah Minnevitch December 26 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Desperate Journey DVD

1943

[edit]
Title Major credits Release date Notes
The United States Navy Band Jean Negulesco (director); Charles Brendler January 25 Thank Your Lucky Stars (film) DVD
Ozzie Nelson and His Orchestra Jean Negulesco (director); Ozzie Nelson March 27 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
The United States Army Band Jean Negulesco (director); Thomas Darcy Jr. April 17 This Is the Army DVD
The All-American Bands Jean Negulesco (director); May 22 recycles footage of Freddie Martin, Skinnay Ennis, Joe Reichman & Matty Malneck
Childhood Days Jean Negulesco & Jack Scholl (directors); Diana Hale, The Alvarez Sisters & California Junior Symphony June 5
The United States Service Bands Jean Negulesco (director) July 24 Edge of Darkness (1943 film) DVD
Hit Parade of the Gay Nineties Jean Negulesco (director); Jack Crosby September 18
Sweetheart Serenade Jean Negulesco (director); Warren Douglas, Joyce Reynolds & others October 23
Cavalcade of the Dance with Veloz and Yolanda Jean Negulesco (director); Veloz and Yolanda; narrator: Art Gilmore November 20 Nominee for Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, on Action in the North Atlantic (Classic Legends Humphrey Bogart) DVD
Freddie Fisher and His Band Jean Negulesco (director); Freddie Fisher (musician) December 18

1944

[edit]
Title Major credits Release date Notes
United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps Band (Ted Weams & Merchant Marine) Jean Negulesco (director); Ted Weems January 29
South American Sway Jean Negulesco (director); recycled footage of Emil Coleman, Joe Reichman & Carl Roff's Serenaders March 18
The United States Coast Guard Band Bobby Connolly (director); Rudy Vallee April 15 Uncertain Glory DVD
Songs of the Range Dick Foran (director); narrator: Knox Manning June 24
Junior Jive Bombers LeRoy Prinz (director); music: William Lava July 1
All Star Melody Master Jean Negulesco (director); recycled footage of Hal Kemp, Emil Coleman, Skinnay Ennis & David Rubinoff July 29 Northern Pursuit DVD
Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys LeRoy Prinz; Bob Wills September 2 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Listen to the Bands LeRoy Prinz & Jean Negulesco (directors); recycled Glen Gray, Skinnay Ennis, Joe Reichman & Milt Britton Orchestras October 7
Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiian Orchestra Dave Gould (director); Harry Owens November 4
Sonny Dunham and His Orchestra Arnold Albert & Jack Scholl (directors); Sonny Dunham, the Pied Pipers & Angela Greene November 25
Jammin' the Blues Gjon Mili & Bob Burks (directors); Lester Young, Illinois Jacquet, Marie Bryant & Archie Savage December 18 Nominee for Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, available on Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive), Blues in the Night (film) & Passage to Marseilles (Classic Legends Humphrey Bogart) DVD

1945

[edit]
Title Major credits Release date Notes
Rhythm of the Rhumba LeRoy Prinz (director); Chuy Reyes, Antonio Triana, Lola Montez & Chinita Marin January 27
Musical Mexico Jack Scholl (director); music: Howard Jackson; Pedro Vargas March 24
Circus Band Jack Scholl (director) May 5
Bands Across the Sea (G.I. Jive) narrator: Truman Bradley June 2
Yankee Doodle Daughters Dave Gould (director); Rudy Vallee July 21
Spade Cooley: King of Western Swing Jack Scholl (director); Spade Cooley September 1 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Here Come the Navy Bands Dave Gould (director) September 29
Musical Novelties Jack Scholl (director) October 6 recycles footage from Vitaphone Gambols, Vitaphone Highlights & other 1930s shorts
Music of the Americas Jack Scholl (director); Lyda Vendrell, Teddy Rodriguez & Phyllis December 15

1946-1947

[edit]
Title Major credits Release or copyright date Notes
Headline Bands Jack Scholl & Lloyd French (director) January 26, 1946 recycles footage of Larry Clinton, Woody Herman, Jimmy Dorsey & others
Jan Savitt and His Band Jack Scholl (director); Jan Savitt, Bob Arthur, Shirley Van, Helen Warren & the Lipham Children March 16, 1946 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Rhythm on Ice Jack Scholl (director); George Arnold, Corrine Church, the Brinckmann Sisters, the Cubettes & the Notables April 20, 1946
Dixieland Jamboree Jack Scholl (director); music: Howard Jackson May 11, 1946 recycles Cab Calloway & others
Musical Memories Jack Scholl (director); Busby Berkeley numbers from the ‘30s © June 29, 1946
Enric Madriguera and His Orchestra (#2) Lloyd French & Jack Scholl (directors); Enric Madriguera August 10, 1946
Desi Arnaz and His Orchestra Jack Scholl (director); Desi Arnaz October 12, 1946 Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Night and Day (1946 film) DVD. Last Melody Master filmed, but not last released.
Melody of Youth LeRoy Prinz (director); California Junior Symphony with Peter Merenblum December 14, 1946
Big Time Revue music: William Lava January 25, 1947
Stan Kenton and His Orchestra Jack Scholl (director); Stan Kenton February 22, 1947 filmed December 1945; Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Vaudeville Revue Saul Elkins (director) recycled Johnny Perkins, Radio Rubes & the Buccaneers April 12, 1947

Memories from Melody Lane (filmed 1947)

[edit]

Directed by Jack Scholl, narrated by Art Gilmore and featuring the Merry Makers as musical support.

  • Let's Sing a Song from the Movies / July 17, 1947 (available on Romance on the High Seas Greatest Classic Legends Doris Day DVD)
  • Let's Sing a Song of the West / September 27, 1947
  • Let's Sing an Old Time Song / December 26, 1947
  • Let's Sing a Song about the Moonlight / January 24, 1948 (available on On Moonlight Bay (film) DVD)
  • Let's Sing a Stephen Foster Song / May 8, 1948
  • Let's Sing Grandfather's Favorites / August 8, 1948

Hit Parade of the Gay Nineties (filmed 1950)

[edit]

Directed by Jack Scholl

  • When Grandpa Was a Boy / October 7, 1950
  • The Old Family Album / December 16, 1950
  • In Old New York / May 15, 1951
  • Musical Memories / June 30, 1951

See also

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[edit]

References

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  • Liebman, Roy (2003). Vitaphone Films – A Catalogue of the Features and Shorts. McFarland & Company. ISBN 9780786412792.
  • Maltin, Leonard (1972). The Great Movie Shorts. Bonanza Books.
  • Motion Pictures 1912-1939 Catalog of Copyright Entries 1951 Library of Congress [1]
  • Motion Pictures 1940-1949 Catalog of Copyright Entries 1953 Library of Congress [2]
  • Motion Pictures 1950-1959 Catalog of Copyright Entries 1960 Library of Congress [3]
  • BoxOffice back issue scans available (release date information in multiple issue “Shorts Charts”)

Notes

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  1. ^ 1965 International Motion Picture Almanac. 1964. Quigley Publishing Company. pp. 86-88A
  2. ^ Maltin, Leonard. The Great Movie Shorts. 1972. Bonanza Books, p. 25 & 213
  3. ^ Motion Pictures 1912-1939 Catalog of Copyright Entries 1951 Library of Congress