IMDb > The Duke Is Tops (1938)

The Duke Is Tops (1938) More at IMDbPro »

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The Duke Is Tops (1938) -- A theatrical producer puts aside his own success to boost the career of a talented singer.

Overview

User Rating:
5.1/10   82 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Down 30% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writer:
Phil Dunham (writer)
Contact:
View company contact information for The Duke Is Tops on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
1 September 1938 (USA) more
Genre:
Plot:
A theatrical producer puts aside his own success to boost the career of a talented singer. full summary | add synopsis
User Comments:
an unusual film starring an all black cast more (6 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)
Ralph Cooper ... Duke Davis

Lena Horne ... Ethel Andrews
Laurence Criner ... Doc Dorando (as Lawrence Criner)
Monte Hawley ... George Marshall
Willie Covan ... Specialty Tap Dancer
Neva Peoples ... Ella
Vernon McCalla ... Mason (as Vernon McCallum)
Edward Thompson ... Ferdie Fenton
Johnny Taylor ... Dippy, 'Prince Alakazoo'
Ray Martin ... Joe
Guernsey Morrow ... Ed. Lake (as Guersney Morrow)
Charles Hawkins ... Sam, the Stage Manager (as Charlie Hawkins)
Basin Street Boys ... Speciality
Rubberneck Holmes ... Specialty (as Rubber Neck Holmes)
Cats and the Fiddle ... Speciality
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Additional Details

Also Known As:
The Bronze Venus (USA) (reissue title)
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Runtime:
73 min
Country:
Language:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Certification:
USA:Approved (PCA #4215)

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Lena Horne did not attend the June, 1938 NAACP charity premiere in Pittsburgh because she was not paid for her work. more
Movie Connections:
Edited into Strange Frame: Love & Sax (2009) more
Soundtrack:
I Know You Remember more

FAQ

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1 out of 1 people found the following comment useful.
an unusual film starring an all black cast, 3 January 2005
7/10
Author: cfl-1 from United Kingdom

An unusual film for an audience outside the USA. Lena Horne looks fabulous and so does Ralph Cooper. There is not added background of tap steps as in other musicals so you do not hear the beat of the taps which is great realism. Music is muted to hear what dancing steps there are. Acting is a little stilted and the casts speak slowly so that you think the movie is older than it is. Costumes are daring for the time in the dance routines at the end. Often feels like you are part of an audience at a stage show. What furniture you see is very modern which adds to the movies feeling of other worldliness. A must for all film buffs.

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Related Links

Full cast and crew Company credits External reviews
IMDb Musical section IMDb USA section Add this title to MyMovies

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