Will Handy grows up in Memphis with his preacher father and his Aunt Hagar. His father intends for him to use his musical gifts only in church, but he can't stay away from the music of the ...
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Title: St. Louis Blues (1958)
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Cast
| Complete credited cast: | |||
| Nat 'King' Cole | ... | W.C. Handy | |
| Eartha Kitt | ... | Gogo Germaine | |
| Cab Calloway | ... | Blade | |
| Ella Fitzgerald | ... | Singer | |
| Mahalia Jackson | ... | Bessie May | |
| Ruby Dee | ... | Elizabeth | |
| Juano Hernandez | ... | Rev. Charles Handy | |
| Teddy Buckner | ... | Musician | |
 |
Barney Bigard | ... | Musician |
| George 'Red' Callender | ... | Musician | |
|
|
Lee Young | ... | Musician |
|
|
George Washington | ... | Musician |
| Billy Preston | ... | Will Handy as a boy | |
| Pearl Bailey | ... | Aunt Hagar | |
Learn more
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Plot Summary
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Plot Synopsis
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Storyline
Will Handy grows up in Memphis with his preacher father and his Aunt Hagar. His father intends for him to use his musical gifts only in church, but he can't stay away from the music of the streets and workers. After he writes a theme song for a local politician, Gogo, a speakeasy singer, convinces Will to be her accompanist. Will is estranged from his father for many years while he writes and publishes many blues songs. At last the family is reunited when Gogo brings them to New York to see Will's music played by a symphony orchestra. Written by Lisa Grable <grable@unity.ncsu.edu>
Plot Keywords:
african american | memphis tennessee | jazz | three word title | period in title |Taglines:
The glitter and glory story of the man whose rhythm and blues beat became all America's heartbeat!Parents Guide:
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Music by W.C. Handy
New lyrics by Mack David
Sung by Nat 'King' Cole
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Did You Know?
Goofs
Late in the movie, Gogo runs into Elizabeth and explains she was just passing through St. Louis. The Hanleys live in Memphis. See more »Soundtracks
Morning StarMusic by W.C. Handy
New lyrics by Mack David
Sung by Nat 'King' Cole
See more »
Frequently Asked Questions
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See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
7 April 1958 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Lamento Negro See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
Mono (Westrex Recording System)Color:
Black and WhiteAspect Ratio:
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A terrific cast, which depicted Southern Black religious traditions and values versus changing times for true opportunity (in the early days). It's a heartfelt movie suitable for the entire family, and should be a suggested viewing in school (if not already).