A NIGHT IN TUNISIA

Year Published: 1947

Format: 16mm

Description: This short film is an excerpt of the feature "Jivin' in Be-Bop", a 1947 musical revue film that stars Dizzy Gillespie and his orchestra. Here, Gillespie and his band perform "A Night in Tunisia", one of his signature tunes. This short, sans titles, was apparently sold for the home market as a "soundie" -- a 1940s music video. The film itself was produced by William D. Alexander and shown primarily in African American community theaters. "Jivin'" doesn't really have a plot, but served as an excuse to put nineteen musical and dance numbers on the silver screen. In addition to Gillespie, the film featured singers Helen Humes and Kenny "Pancho" Hagood and Freddie Carter as the M.C.

Complete Record: This short film is an excerpt of the feature "Jivin' in Be-Bop", a 1947 musical revue film that stars Dizzy Gillespie and his orchestra. Here, Gillespie and his band perform "A Night in Tunisia", one of his signature tunes. This short, sans titles, was apparently sold for the home market as a "soundie" -- a 1940s music video. The film itself was produced by William D. Alexander and shown primarily in African American community theaters. "Jivin'" doesn't really have a plot, but served as an excuse to put nineteen musical and dance numbers on the silver screen. In addition to Gillespie, the film featured singers Helen Humes and Kenny "Pancho" Hagood and Freddie Carter as the M.C.