It Happened in Harlem explained

It Happened in Harlem
Director:Bud Pollard
Starring:
Studio:All-American News
Distributor:All-American News
Runtime:30 Minutes
Country:United States

It Happened in Harlem is an American musical comedy film directed by Bud Pollard[1] and starring Chris Columbus, Phil Gomez, and Nicky O'Daniel.[2] The film was partly shot at Smalls Paradise and released in 1945. However, no prints of the film are held in any archives and is presumed Lost media

The film includes performances by various musical acts including Dotty Rhodes and "Pitter-Patter" Pitts (Juanita Pitts). Rhodes was a dancer at the Cotton Club.[3] Pitts was a female tap dancer who dressed and danced like a man.[4]

The 30-minute film relies on a thin plot to showcase various performers.[5] Stills and advertising for the film survive.[6]

Plot

A very popular singer is drawing large crowds to his Smalls Paradise performances when he receives his draft notice. Ed Smalls then begins the task of auditioning someone to replace him. A somewhat unknown young singer with a loyal following tries to audition for the job but is not considered. One of his very loyal fans goes to Smalls to convince the owner to give the young man a chance.[2]

Cast

Notes and References

  1. News: It Happened in Harlem. Movies & TV Dept.. The New York Times. 29 October 2021.
  2. Book: Richards, Larry. African American Films Through 1959: A Comprehensive, Illustrated Filmography. 1 January 1998. McFarland. 978-0-7864-0307-3. 91.
  3. Web site: Ebony. Johnson Publishing. Company. December 8, 1985. Johnson Publishing Company. Google Books.
  4. Web site: 'Tap in Time' salutes dance legends. 22 February 2013.
  5. Book: Pitts, Michael R.. Astor Pictures: A Filmography and History of the Reissue King, 1933-1965. April 19, 2019. McFarland. 9781476636283. Google Books.
  6. Web site: It Happened in Harlem (1945).