Though many will see "stereotyping" in this wonderful scene from "A Day At The Races", the reality is somewhat otherwise. For its time (1937) it was it was a rare and wonderful opportunity for some amazingly talented Black singers and dancers to be showcased before white audiences. Mae West, the Marx Brothers and Jack Benny (among others) were ahead of their time by introducing Black talent to white audiences.
Typical excuse-making, white guy nonsense. The "stereotyping," dumbo, is in how the number was chosen to be staged, not in the "talent." The talent is undeniable...there wouldn't be any "Mae West" if it wasn't for the talented black female singers who preceded Ivy Anderson in the 1920's. This number could have been staged any of a 1001 ways. Astaire's numbers were deliberately chosen to be staged in classy white tie, tux and tails; this one was deliberately chosen to be staged in a quasi-plantation scene, complete with all the stereotypical mugging, overweight dancer, and studio-mandated eye-ball rolling...all typical studio mandates during this Jim Crow era film. Not saying this number should be staged in white tie and tux; that's equally a ridiculous extreme as the plantation antics staging they chose. Cut the phony excuse-making and revisionist explanations. Most of these Jim Crow era Hollywood movies were consistent in their portrayals of black performers with stereotypical racial imagery, with only a few occasional exceptions. That's the way it was, and denial or revisionism can never change it because its too well documented. Accept the facts for what they are....this and many other scenes like it were intentionally staged 'stereotypical" because that was the overwhelming attitude of the day. It wasn't the attitude of the performers; it was the attitude of the studios and the surrounding political structure of the country.
I also noticed Judy's arrangement was identical. Both Judy and the Marx Bros. Were under contract to MGM, JUDY was allowed to record for Decca. So, it's no surprise that Ivy's arrangement would be used by Judy. MGM may have owned the arrangement. Judy and lvy must have crossed paths, and Judy loved "swing."
Ivie Anderson may not be well known today, but she was Duke Ellington’s singer for 11 years. She only retired because of chronic asthma. It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it Ain’t Got That Swing) was recorded in 1932. This clip was filmed in ‘37 without Duke. I Got it Bad (And That Ain’t Good) came out in 1941. There were plenty of hit songs in between. A wonderful entertainer with a remarkable voice - she was a big deal in jazz music during that time.
Fantastic clip, I couldn't believe it when I saw it first! Real jazz singing in a middle of Marx brothers comedy! We have to thank the director Sam Wood for casting Ivie Anderson in this picture.
What a beautiful voice. This was recorded straight onto film while she's dancing/performing...unlike today's singers where they go back into the studio and overdub.
@DjDedan I hope you realize the Marx Brothers were Jewish. They couldn't go to a lot of places either, and they were very vocal about their abhorrence to anything like that. They never changed their names to something safe and non ethnic like some people did and still do. No sugar coating. The Marx Brothers liked a lot of music, and they put a lot of music into their movies, just because they liked it. They didn't care who made it, as long as it was good.
I love the Marx Brothers and admire them for their genius and for putting Ivie Anderson in their movie - but to say they never changed their names (Harpo, Groucho, Chico, Zeppo) is - well, just a bit silly
Ivie dancing with a big 'butter and eggs man'. Again I ask, why is Ivie almost completely unknown when she was one of the originals. Ella Fitzgerald who took over from Ivie in the Duke's orchestra owed so much of her phrasing and delivery to Ivie (though Ella was the greatest singer of all time) and as such Ivie should be better known.
@Bandaids4ever hmm i always thought white folks not being able to dance is a new stereotype not an old one. considering during the swing age and even the early rock and roll age everyone was dancing. i think it wasn't until the 60's with the free dance movement that white folks stopped listening to danceable music... thats my theory anyway - cheerio.
@bvscfanatic i have to say you are distorting some history here, white folks were constantly exposed to black talent (cotton club comes to mind), it was common practice to allow blacks to perform at white establishments they just couldn't actually by PATRONS of these establishments. This is a great scene but not because of what you say, its great because these guys got talent DESPITE all the obstacles they had to overcome DAILY. It was a terrible time and yet look at the art. no SUGAR COATING.
This is so not true. The issue isn't the talent, it's the media mogul scouts that keep signing and producing the cookie cutter sounds. There are people with voices right out of yesteryear, but you won't find them on your TV or your stereo...
What a talent! My 1st time hearing Ms Anderson. She's Amazing!
Though many will see "stereotyping" in this wonderful scene from "A Day At The Races", the reality is somewhat otherwise. For its time (1937) it was it was a rare and wonderful opportunity for some amazingly talented Black singers and dancers to be showcased before white audiences. Mae West, the Marx Brothers and Jack Benny (among others) were ahead of their time by introducing Black talent to white audiences.
this was a great movie, a classic among the greats, Evie anderson and all the dancers. and singers again thanks.
Just this.... but true indeed :)
Typical excuse-making, white guy nonsense. The "stereotyping," dumbo, is in how the number was chosen to be staged, not in the "talent." The talent is undeniable...there wouldn't be any "Mae West" if it wasn't for the talented black female singers who preceded Ivy Anderson in the 1920's.
This number could have been staged any of a 1001 ways. Astaire's numbers were deliberately chosen to be staged in classy white tie, tux and tails; this one was deliberately chosen to be staged in a quasi-plantation scene, complete with all the stereotypical mugging, overweight dancer, and studio-mandated eye-ball rolling...all typical studio mandates during this Jim Crow era film. Not saying this number should be staged in white tie and tux; that's equally a ridiculous extreme as the plantation antics staging they chose.
Cut the phony excuse-making and revisionist explanations. Most of these Jim Crow era Hollywood movies were consistent in their portrayals of black performers with stereotypical racial imagery, with only a few occasional exceptions. That's the way it was, and denial or revisionism can never change it because its too well documented. Accept the facts for what they are....this and many other scenes like it were intentionally staged 'stereotypical" because that was the overwhelming attitude of the day. It wasn't the attitude of the performers; it was the attitude of the studios and the surrounding political structure of the country.
One of the greatest scenes in one of the greatest films. Of its time yet timeless.
Love Ivie Anderson. Thanks for posting.
She's from my hometown.
Judy Garland loved the Ivie Anderson record so much she used the same arrangement for her Decca version. Think what a big star Ivie would be today.
can definitely see Ivie's influence on Judy Garland . . . lot's of similarities
I also noticed Judy's arrangement was identical.
Both Judy and the Marx Bros. Were under contract to MGM, JUDY was allowed to record for Decca. So, it's no surprise that Ivy's arrangement would be used by Judy. MGM may have owned the arrangement. Judy and lvy must have crossed paths, and Judy loved "swing."
I grew up with this movie and song. I loved when I was 6, love it 66! I thought those folks were so talented!
Ivie Anderson may not be well known today, but she was Duke Ellington’s singer for 11 years. She only retired because of chronic asthma.
It Don’t Mean a Thing (If it Ain’t Got That Swing) was recorded in 1932. This clip was filmed in ‘37 without Duke. I Got it Bad (And That Ain’t Good) came out in 1941. There were plenty of hit songs in between. A wonderful entertainer with a remarkable voice - she was a big deal in jazz music during that time.
Fantastic clip, I couldn't believe it when I saw it first! Real jazz singing in a middle of Marx brothers comedy! We have to thank the director Sam Wood for casting Ivie Anderson in this picture.
I See the Beautiful Dandridge sisters, Dorothy and Vivian in the background.
They way that big dude could dance legit made my jaw drop. It just happened, I was there.
Exactly! She is so wonderful, the music is in her body.
What a beautiful voice. This was recorded straight onto film while she's dancing/performing...unlike today's singers where they go back into the studio and overdub.
well shes on so many duke ellington records, theres no way she'll ever be forgotten.
I had heard this by Martha Raye. Nice to hear this version.
Ivie Anderson is so good. But it is so sad how history has almost forgotten her. I had to research her and theres almost nothing. its sooo sad
Erroll Garner's beautiful rendition brought me here
Tom & Jerry!!
Ivie was fantastic. Glad we have clips like this to preserve a record of her talent. Health issues shortened her career and eventually her life.
thank you for such great remnerence of times gone by.
This is awesome
This is so amazing. The first time I saw this film, I was awed -- there's an authenticity and honesty here that so moves me. Thank you for posting it.
@DjDedan I hope you realize the Marx Brothers were Jewish. They couldn't go to a lot of places either, and they were very vocal about their abhorrence to anything like that. They never changed their names to something safe and non ethnic like some people did and still do. No sugar coating. The Marx Brothers liked a lot of music, and they put a lot of music into their movies, just because they liked it. They didn't care who made it, as long as it was good.
I love the Marx Brothers and admire them for their genius and for putting Ivie Anderson in their movie - but to say they never changed their names (Harpo, Groucho, Chico, Zeppo) is - well, just a bit silly
Music to that movie was written by Polish immigrant Bronisław Kaper.
Pleased to find this, listen to her sing 1941's I Got it Bad
Thank you, I will!
Ivie dancing with a big 'butter and eggs man'. Again I ask, why is Ivie almost completely unknown when she was one of the originals. Ella Fitzgerald who took over from Ivie in the Duke's orchestra owed so much of her phrasing and delivery to Ivie (though Ella was the greatest singer of all time) and as such Ivie should be better known.
Day at the Races, beautiful track.
Excellent!
Hold up.
I heard this in Tom and Jerry film short. Mouse Trouble
What does it mean for you 'scat singing'?
Gonzalo Jimenez - scat singing- improvised jazz singing in which the voice is used in imitation of an instrument. 😀
Karen Margaret Schmidler ah ok :) then I'm sorry because I didn't know that term and I thought it meant 'bad singing' hahaha
Gonzalo Jimenez. Happy to explain! ☺
@Bandaids4ever hmm i always thought white folks not being able to dance is a new stereotype not an old one. considering during the swing age and even the early rock and roll age everyone was dancing. i think it wasn't until the 60's with the free dance movement that white folks stopped listening to danceable music... thats my theory anyway - cheerio.
@Bandaids4ever lol - some black folk have no rhythm either - believe it or not ;-)
@bvscfanatic i have to say you are distorting some history here, white folks were constantly exposed to black talent (cotton club comes to mind), it was common practice to allow blacks to perform at white establishments they just couldn't actually by PATRONS of these establishments. This is a great scene but not because of what you say, its great because these guys got talent DESPITE all the obstacles they had to overcome DAILY. It was a terrible time and yet look at the art. no SUGAR COATING.
This is so not true. The issue isn't the talent, it's the media mogul scouts that keep signing and producing the cookie cutter sounds. There are people with voices right out of yesteryear, but you won't find them on your TV or your stereo...