Made during the early years of the movie musical, this exuberant revue was one of the most extravagant, eclectic, and technically ambitious Hollywood productions of its day. Starring the bandleader Paul Whiteman, then widely celebrated as the King of Jazz, the film drew from Broadway variety shows to present a spectacular array of sketches, performances by such acts as the Rhythm Boys (featuring a young Bing Crosby), and orchestral numbers—all lavishly staged by veteran theater director John Murray Anderson.

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King of Jazz

April 20, 1930

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Cast (30)

Paul Whiteman

Vocalist ('Song of the Dawn' / 'It Happened in Monterey')

Editor ('Ladies of the Press') / Stenographer ('In Conference') / Quartet Member, 'Nellie'

Vocalist ('It Happened in Monterey' / 'Bridal Veil' / 'A Bench in the Park')

Executive ('In Conference') / Unmarried Husband

General ('All Noisy on the Eastern Front') / Goldfish Owner ('Oh! Forevermore!') / Unmarried Couple's Offspring / Vocal ('Do Things For You')

Automobile Owner ('Springtime') / Rear End of Horse / Charles

Fourth Reporter ('Ladies of the Press')

Chorine (as Beth Laemmle)

Bridegroom ('Bridal Veil' / 'A Bench in the Park')

Himself, Announcer / Soldier ('All Noisy on the Eastern Front')

Dancer ('It Happened in Monterey' / Vocalist 'A Bench in the Park' / 'Ragamuffin Romeo')

Jack White

Quartet Lead Singer ('Nellie')

Desk Sergeant ('Springtime') / Soldier ('All Noisy on the Eastern Front') / Waiter ('Oh! Forevermore!') / Front End of Horse / Quartet Member ('Nellie')