Back in the day, audiences had to sit and wait. But because we have buttons and can press them, this is a welcome flick for one big reason, and NOT for Lena Horne. Fast-forward a few years and she'd make great waxings with Charlie Barnet's Ork ("Haunted Town," "All I Desire" etc) and her stuff with her husband Lennie Hayton's orchestrations, but this ain't it. That said, this mostly unwatchable movie is, in modern hands that can fast-forward, not to be missed for one reason.
Victor Records' hot "race" act, the Cats & the Fiddle are perfect in their slots. Probably the most overtly Rhythm'n'Blues vocal group a decade BEFORE such groups were happening, they get good numbers and go to town with 'em. The spill showmanship from their sleeves as they not only sing harmony but imitate horns in the manner of the Mills Brothers. They spin their instruments and dance while playing to. In other words, they're cookin'. And if this wasn't enough, they SWING like nobody else. I 'm just grateful that the filmmakers ("Million Dollar Production") didn't get in their way.
Review of The Duke Is Tops
