Why Bring That Up?
| Why Bring That Up? | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Directed by | George Abbott |
| Written by |
Octavus Roy Cohen (story) George Abbott (screenplay) Hector Turnbull (screenplay) |
| Starring |
Charles Mack George Moran Evelyn Brent Harry Green Bert Swor |
| Music by |
Sam Coslow (songwriter) Leo Robin (songwriter) Richard A. Whiting (songwriter) |
| Cinematography | J. Roy Hunt |
| Edited by | William Shea |
| Distributed by | Paramount Pictures |
Release date |
|
Running time | 82 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
Why Bring That Up? is a 1929 American Pre-Code black-and-white musical film starring minstrel show comedians Charles Mack and George Moran, as blackface team Two Black Crows.[1]
The title of the film was part of the "vernacular of the day".[2] It was the duo's first talking comedy film.[3]
Plot
George's partner in vaudeville quits their act, claiming that Betty has broken his heart. George then teams up with Charlie, a stranded trouper, and Irving becomes their manager. Later, in New York, the "Two Black Crows" star in their own revue and save money to build their own theater on Broadway. Betty comes to the theater with her lover, who poses as a cousin and induces George to hire her. He showers her with jewels and money. She tries to persuade George to invest in oil stock her lover is selling, and though their act is a success, Charlie fires Betty. When Charlie and Betty's lover quarrel, Charlie is injured.
Cast
- Charles Mack - Mack
- George Moran - Moran
- Evelyn Brent - Betty
- Harry Green - Irving
- Bert Swor - Bert
- Freeman Wood - Powell
- Lawrence Leslie - Casey
- Helen Lynch - Marie
- Selmer Jackson - Eddie
- Jack Luden - Treasurer
- Monte Collins - Skeets (as Monte Collins Jr.)
- Eddie Kane - Manager
- Charlie Hall - Tough (as Charles Hall)
Soundtrack
- Do I Know What I'm Doing While I'm in Love, written by Leo Robin, Richard A. Whiting (as Richard Whiting) and Sam Coslow
- Shoo Shoo Boogie Boo, performed by Ethel Waters, written by Leo Robin, Richard A. Whiting (as Richard Whiting) and Sam Coslow
Reception
Toronto Daily Star deemed the film a "success".[4]
References
- ↑ "Why Bring That Up?". NY Times. Retrieved 2011-09-25.
- ↑ "Notes and comments". The Globe. Toronto ON. 27 September 1929. p. 4.
But, in the vernacular of the day, "Why bring that up?"
- ↑ "Moran and Mack". Toronto Daily Star. Toronto ON. 12 October 1929. p. 4.
- ↑ "In next week's shows". Toronto Daily Star. Toronto ON. 12 October 1929. p. 8.
External links
- Why Bring That Up? on IMDb
- Why Bring That Up? at Answers.com
- Review and Information at VITAPHONE VARIETIES