Product: Stormy Weather [VHS] (1980)
Rating: 4.0
An important record of the best of black performers
The merits and limitations of this famous film are well documented. The positives include the list of legendary performers, all at their peak with the exception of an elderly Bill Robinson, the excellent black and white photography and that great Fox sound. The negatives include the generous display of stereotypes, the poor screenplay, unimaginative direction and non-existent acting (everyone "smiles" their role which given the absurd dialogue, may have been the only solution).What really makes this DVD special beyond the acts themselves and the excellent print is that it contains a superb low key commentary which explains the context of the performers and the roots of their performances - an invaluable history lesson. By the way, was Lena Horne at her peak the sexiest woman alive? Wow.