The 1936 SHOWBOAT supposedly has a sequence where Magnolia is performing

to the Cotton Blossom audience.  She's sings the song "Galivantin' Around"

in blackflace.  Unfortunately I've never seen a print of this film that

contains this sequence.  (Though not diegetic, I've always thought it odd

that Helen Morgan portrays a black woman - though one who is pretending

not to be.)

 

Of course the 1927 JAZZ SINGER, SINGING FOOL, and MAMMY (1930) have Jolson

performing to a filmed audience.  Though we never see the audience in

BABES ON BROADWAY (because WE are the audience) the various protagonists

don blackface to give a (poor) recreation of a minstrel show - of course

as a plan to raise money.

 

I'm wondering why - for your project - is the presence of the audience

necessary?

Bob Kosovsky

Student, PhD Program in Music                   Librarian

Graduate Center                                 Music Division

City University of New York                     The New York Public Library

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