Score
Actual jazz giants performing, not actors pretending
Production
The 'All-American Dance Band' poll gimmick was real marketing
Acting
Todd Duncan breaking barriers as a serious Black opera-jazz artist
Director
William Dieterle
Adolphe Menjou
George Latimer
Jackie Cooper
Johnny Schumacher
Bonita Granville
Kit Latimer
George Bancroft
Steve Porter
Todd Duncan
Rex Tearbone
Connee Boswell
Connee Boswell
Ted North
Paul Porter
Frank Jenks
Smiley Jackson
Mona Barrie
Lillian
Lindy Wade
Paul Porter - as a Child
Peggy McIntyre
Kit Latimer - as a Child
Charlie Barnet
Charlie Barnet
Benny Goodman
Benny Goodman
Harry James
Harry James
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The Saturday Evening Post poll was genuine — over 100,000 readers voted, and RKO actually cast the winners, making this possibly Hollywood's first crowdsourced film.
Todd Duncan, who plays Rex Tearbone, was the original Porgy in 'Porgy and Bess' and insisted his character not be a stereotype; he won that battle with producer William Dieterle.
US
