Beware (1946)

Ware College is a small Black college in Ware, Ohio. Once prominent, it is now low in attendance, low in enrollment and low on money; and at a meeting with instructors Drury and Annabelle ... See full summary »

Director:

Bud Pollard

Writer:

John E. Gordon (story)

Stars:

Louis Jordan, Frank L. Wilson, Emory Richardson

Cast

Credited cast:
Louis Jordan	...	Lucius Brokenshire 'Louis' Jordan
Frank L. Wilson	...	Prof. Drury (as Frank Wilson)
Emory Richardson	...	Dean Hargreaves
Valerie Black	...	Annabelle Brown
Milton Woods	...	Benjamin Ware III
Joseph Hiliard	...	Harry Jones (student)
Tommy Hix	...	Donald (student)
Charles Johnson
John Frant	...	Joe
Ernest Calloway	...	Man in train station
Dimples Daniels	...	Long-legged Lizzie dancer
Rest of cast listed alphabetically:
Eddie Byrd	...	Tympani Five drummer
William 'Wee Willie' Davis	...	Tympani Five pianist
Walter Earle	...	The porter
Carl Hogan	...	Tympani Five guitarist

Storyline

Ware College is a small Black college in Ware, Ohio. Once prominent, it is now low in attendance, low in enrollment and low on money; and at a meeting with instructors Drury and Annabelle Brown, Dean Hargreaves reveals that CEO Benjamin Ware III, grandson of the college's founder, claims the estate of his late grandfather is now also destitute, which they believe is untrue and a result of Annabelle's having spurned his affections. They decide to appeal to their famous alumni for financial help thru a reunion, and invitations are sent. Many could help; but surely not Lucius Jordan, a timid lad who loved Annabelle too but dropped out under pressure from Ware. What they don't know is, he's now Louis Jordan, king of swing and leader of the Tympani Band. By accident, Jordan and his band's train is sidelined in Ware for repairs and when he learns of the college's plight, he agrees to pitch in. Though the stuffy faculty are unaware of his reputation, the kids are, and class attendance soars ...

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Plot Keywords:

college | swing | grandson | classroom | estate | 

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Taglines:

Starring in his first feature-length, ALL COLORED, fun-packed musical screen show! (original poster)

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Genres:

Musical | Romance

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Certificate:

Approved

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

3 July 1946 (USA)

Also Known As:

Beware!

Company Credits

Production Co:

Astor Pictures Corporation

Technical Specs

Runtime:

54 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Connections

Referenced in Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The Early Years (1955-1970) (2000)

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Soundtracks

"Beware, Brother, Beware"

User Reviews

underrated record of a great entertainer

The low rating for this film at IMDb makes no sense. First, the film isn't intended as anything other than a showcase for the great Louis Jordan, one of the most simply entertaining musicians of the period, and that intent is realized pretty well. I don't see the point in not giving the film credit for completely achieving its goals.

Second, the story is no more silly than the typical Rooney-Garland vehicle of the '30s, and those are considered 'classics.' Even the dreadful Elvis vehicles of the '60s are given more benefit of the doubt, and deserve it less - lighten up here! Third, given the evident lack of funds, the quality of the film-making is strictly professional. There are no major gaffs in the camera-work or editing, the pace is very spry, the supporting players turn in believable performances.

But of course, the whole purpose of the film is Louis Jordan, a fascinating musician, bandleader and singer, oozing charisma, who is clearly having a great deal of fun giving us a great deal of fun. And that's what this film is, a whole lot of fun.

It's not art, it was never meant to be. The art here is Louis Jordan. I give him 10 stars.