Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A. (1946)

A sexy, enticing dancer from Harlem makes things happen in a sleepy Caribbean island resort.

Director:

Spencer Williams

Writer:

True T. Thompson

Stars:

Francine Everett, Don Wilson, Katherine Moore

Cast

Complete credited cast:
Francine Everett	...	Gertie La Rue
Don Wilson	...	Diamond Joe
Katherine Moore	...	Stella Van Johnson
Alfred Hawkins	...	Jonathan Christian
David Boykin	...	Ezra Crumm
L.E. Lewis	...	Papa Bridges
Inez Newell	...	Mama Bridges
Piano Frank	...	Larry
John King	...	Al
Shelly Ross	...	Big Boy
Hugh Watson	...	Tight Pants
Don Gilbert	...	Manager
Spencer Williams	...	Old Hager
July Jones	...	Specialty Dancer
Howard Galloway	...	Specialty Dancer (as Howard Gallaway)

Storyline

An all-black Caribbean island resort welcomes flashy dancer Gertie La Rue, forced to perform in this remote spot because she two-timed Al, her Harlem lover and backer, once too often. As Gertie amuses herself by dazzling the local men with her sex appeal, sanctimonious Mr. Christian (shades of 'Rain') schemes to either reform her or have her thrown off the island. On opening night, her sensuous performance exceeds Christian's worst fears...but more serious trouble awaits.

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Plot Keywords:

dead woman on bed | death of title character | fortune teller | temptress | singer | 

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Genres:

Drama

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Filming Locations:

Dallas, Texas, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Sack Amusement Enterprises

Technical Specs

Runtime:

65 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Black and White

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Quotes

Gertie La Rue: Take your hands off me, you dirty psalm-singin' polecat! If the truth were only known, you want me just like all the rest!

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Connections

Version of Miss Sadie Thompson (1953)

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Soundtracks

"BLUES IN THE NIGHT"
Written by Harold Arlen
Lyrics by Johnny Mercer
Performed in part by female voice on record

User Reviews

one of the last films of Spenser Williams Jr.

Spenser Williams Jr. Is more familiar to people as Andy Brown of the old NBC TV. show AMOS AND ANDY. But prior to his television role he was a seasoned Writer,Actor,Director and Producer of All Black films. He had directed Midnight Shadow,Son of Engagi,The Blood of Jesus,Marching On,Go Down Death,The Girl in Room 20, Juke Joint,Dirty Gertie From Harlem U.S.A. and others. Gertie LaRue[Francine Everret] is on the run from her boyfriend in Harlem and hides on an Island,her acting company are forced to go with her,her flirting causes problems for the group,she becomes a source of temptation to the men of the Island. The film though entertaining attempts to tell a morality Tale which would discourage young Black Girls from following Gerti's example. Spenser Williams tells the story well. The acting was good but,could have been better. Transition,dialogue and action were very good. A lot of show packed into 60 minutes. A very good film.