Melody Master

The Melody Masters were a series of first-rate big band musical film shorts produced by Warner Brothers, under the supervision of Samuel Sax at their Vitaphone studio in New York between 1931 and 1939, and in Burbank, California with producer Gordon Hollingshead in charge between 1940 and 1946.

Overview

Among the most popular short subjects of their kind (making the Motion Picture Herald top money-making shorts lists in 1939 [1]); these were an offshoot of the Vitaphone Varieties. Each ran from 9 to 11 minutes in length and was produced in black and white.

While rival studios like Universal Pictures focused mostly on the performance itself in their own “Name Band Musicals” shorts, Warner Bros. added more storyline material and visual experimentation. Early films often used a gimmick to frame the musical performances such as the roller skates used in Eddie Duchin & His Orchestra. As the series progressed, the uses of multiple exposures (a great example being Symphony of Swing with Artie Shaw), optical effects, mirrors (i.e. Glen Gray and the Casa Loma Orchestra) and stark shadow lighting (i.e. Henry Busse and His Orchestra) made this series stand out against the competition.[2]

Jean Negulesco was a key director on some of the best titles of the early 1940s before graduating to features. Life (magazine) photographer Gjon Mili contributed to the most frequently seen today title, Jammin' the Blues, entered into the National Film Registry in 1995.

After the series’ official end in 1946, there were two follow-up series called “Memories from Melody Lane” and “Hit Parade of the Gay Nineties” that differed somewhat in style and narration, tracing the history of popular music since the 1890s.

Current availability

A group of them were released on laser disc (through MGM/UA) and Warner DVD, starting in the 1990s. In the latter format, they were mostly “extras” with various Warner features before the Warner Archive Collection produced a set titled Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts in 2010.

List of titles

Below is a full listing by title, director and major credits, followed by release date, review date (Film Daily) or copyright date.[3] DVD availability is also provided.

1931

TitleMajor creditsReview date (Film Daily)
Rhythms of a Big CityHarold Levy (director) John Hickey & Billy GilbertAugust 23
The Big House PartyEarl CarpenterSeptember 27
A Havana CocktailCastro Cuban OrchestraOctober 4
Musical MoodsHorace Heidt & His CaliforniansDecember 6
Darn Tootin'Rudy Wiedoeft with Dixie Lee & Lucille PageDecember 6

1932

TitleMajor creditsRelease, copyright or review dateNotes
Up on the FarmRoy Mack (director); Henry Santrey & Band with Dudley Clements, Barney Grant & the Three ModernsMarch 27 (Film Daily review)
It's a PanicRoy Mack (director); Benny Meroff & His OrchestraApril 10 (Film Daily review)
Music to My EarsRoy Mack (director); Jack Denny & Orchestra, Dorothy Brent, George Tapps, Jean & LyntonSeptember 17
The Yacht PartyRoy Mack (director); Roger Wolf Kahn, Gertrude Niesen & Melissa Mason© September 29Sometimes listed as a “Vitaphone Variety”. Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
The Lease BreakersRoy Mack (director); Willie Creager & Band, Aunt Jemima (Tess Gardella), Isabel Brown & the Colleano Wire ActNovember 10 (Film Daily review)

1933

TitleMajor creditsRelease, copyright or review dateNotes
Hot CompetitionRoy Mack (director); The Continentals, Ted Husing, Harry Barris, Lois Whiteman & Ray Sax© January 9
Abe Lyman BandAbe Lyman & His BandJanuary 20
That's the SpiritRoy Mack (director); Noble Sissle & The Washboard Serenaders, Cora La ReddFebruary 3 (Film Daily review)Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD; Copyright date on opening credit is MCMXXXII (1932)
The Alma MartyrFred Waring & His PennsylvaniansFebruary 23 (Film Daily review)
How's TricksRoy Mack (director); Howard Lanin Band© February 25
Hot from PetrogradJoseph Henabery (director); Dave ApollonMay
The Name is FamiliarAlfred J. Goulding (director); Leon Belasco & Band, Vivian Janis, Holland & Knight, Dorothy Dodge© June 6
David Rubinoff and His OrchestraDavid Rubinoff & Jean SargentJuly
The AuditionRoy Mack (director); Phil Emerton & Band, Hannah Williams (actress), the Three X Sisters, Larry & LarryJuly 8Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD & The Mayor of Hell DVD
A Castilion GardenJoseph Henabery (director); Senor del Pozo's Marimba Band, Celso Ruttado, Tortolero de Medina, Senorita Adrina and Ismael Guzman© August 1
Barber Shop BluesJoseph Henabery (director); Claude Hopkins, Orlando Roberson & Four Step Brothers© September 23Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Notre Dame Glee ClubJoseph Henabery (director); Charles Coleman© November 11
Eddie Duchin & His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Eddy Duchin© November 25Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD. Spelling of title is incorrect on screen.

1934

TitleMajor creditsRelease, copyright or review dateNotes
Mills Blue Rhythm BandRoy Mack (director); with Sally Gooding, Fredi Washington & others© February 6Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Vincent Lopez and OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Vincent Lopez & Sheila Barrett© April 13Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Big City FantasyJoseph Henabery (director); Phil SpitalnyApril 14Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Isham Jones & His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); Isham Jones, Gypsy Nina, Eddie Vogt, Arthur & Rose BoylanMay 12Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Richard Himber and His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); Richard Himber, Joey Nash, Brhardt & Graham, Virginia MacNaughtonJuly
Jolly Good FellowJoseph Henabery (director); B. A. Rolfe & the Men About Town, Dolly Arden & John Monahan© July 5
Little Jack LittleJoseph Henabery (director); Jack Little (songwriter)August 22 (Film Daily review)
Phil Spitalny & His Musical QueensJoseph Henabery (director); Phil Spitalny & Mickey BraatzAugust 23 (Film Daily review)Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
MirrorsRoy Mack (director); Freddie Rich's Orchestra© September 8Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Ciro Rimac's Rhumba OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director)October
Ben Pollack & His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Ben Pollack with Doris Robbins© October 4Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Mr. and Mrs. Jesse CrawfordJoseph Henabery (director); Mrs. & Mrs. Jesse Crawford, Margaret O'Donnell & John CreightonOctober 15 (Film Daily review)
Don Redman & His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Don RedmanOctober 29Dames DVD & Vitaphone Cavalcade of Musical Comedy Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD

1935

TitleMajor creditsRelease, copyright or review dateNotes
EchoesJoseph Henabery (director); Charles Davis & His Orchestra, Cackles O’Neill© March 5
Will Osborne and His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); with Helen Ward (singer), Evelyn & James Vernon© April 1
Barney Rapp and His New EnglandersJoseph Henabery (director); Barney Rapp, Jack & June Blair, Ruby Wright© April 1
Freddie Martin and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Freddie Martin, Paul & Eva ReyesMay 11
The Wishing StoneRoy Mack (director); Dave Apollon, Paul Perry & Zeni Vatori© June 3Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Borrah Minnevitch and His Harmonica Rascals (#2)Roy Mack (director); Borrah MinnevitchJuly 6Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Phil Spitalny's All Girl OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Phil Spitalny, Maurine & NovaAugust 7
Rubinoff and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director) David Rubinoff, Loupoukin & Kounavsky, Martnoff, Adla KuznetzoffAugust 10
Johnny Green & His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Johnny GreenSeptember 6Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD & Captain Blood (1935 film) DVD
By RequestRoy Mack (director) & Orlando Robeson; Claude Hopkins, Tip, Tap & ToeOctober 18
Borrah Minnevitch and His Harmonica RascalsRoy Mack (director); Borrah Minnevitch© October 28filmed June 1933
Jack Denny's OrchestraJack DennyNovember 29 (Film Daily review)
Red Nichols & His World Famous PenniesJoseph Henabery (director); Red Nichols, Bob Carter & the Wallace SistersDecember 30Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD

1936

TitleMajor creditsRelease, copyright or review dateNotes
Jolly Coburn and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); with Kathleen Wells, Harold Richards & LewisFebruary 22
Off the RecordJoseph Henabery (director) B. A. Rolfe & Orchestra, the Music Hall Boys, and Sincair Twins© March 9Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Little Jack Little & OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Jack Little (songwriter)with Dot, Donna & TeddyMarch 28Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Ramon Ramos and His Rainbow Room OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); with Manya & DrigoApril 18
Meet the KernelJoseph Henabery (director) Dave Apollon & His BandMay 13 (Film Daily review)
Vincent Lopez and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Vincent Lopez, June Hart, Jack Holland, Maxine Tappan, Fred Lowry, and Johnnie MorrisMay 13 (Film Daily review)
Clyde Lucas and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Clyde Lucas, Dave & Dorothy Fitzgibbons, Lyn Lucas, the Three SymphonettesJune 12 (Film Daily review)
Carl Hoff and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); with Grace MacDonald, Sonny Schuyler & the CollegiansJuly 11
Poets of the OrganJoseph Henabery (director); Mr. & Mrs. Jesse Crawford, Robert SimmonsAugust 15
Clyde McCoy and His Sugar Blues OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Clyde McCoyAugust 15
Nick Lucas and His TroubadorsJoseph Henabery (director); Nick Lucas, Kay Kernan, Marion Witkins & Jack WaltersAugust 15
Harry Reser & His EskimoesRoy Mack (director); Harry ReserSeptember 26Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Leon Navara and His OrchestraLloyd French (director); with Honey & WeldonNovember 7
Emil Coleman and His Orchestra with The NightingalesRoy Mack (director); with Harlan & Hart© December 7
Jimmie Lunceford and His Dance OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Jimmie LuncefordDecember 19Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive), Blues in the Night (film) & Follow the Fleet DVD

1937

TitleMajor creditsRelease or copyright dateNotes
George Hall and His OrchestraRoy Mack (director)January 9Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Bullets or Ballots DVD
Swanee CruiseJoseph Henabery (director); Louisiana Kings, Willis Ducre & the Robinson TwinsJanuary 23
Hi De HoRoy Mack (director); Cab CallowayFebruary 20Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Black Legion (film) DVD
Peter Van Steeden and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Peter van Steeden, Harold Richards & Hazel GearyMarch 6
Jacques Fray & His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); with Andrea Marsh, Louise & Andrew CarrMarch 27
The Jam SessionJoseph Henabery (director); Clyde McCoy & His Sugar Blues OrchestraApril 17
A Musical Journey to South AmericaJoseph Henabery (director); Ciro Rimac OrchestraMay 8
Eliseo Grenet & His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); Eliseo Grenet, Conchita, Jose Negrette, R. Armangod & the Rhumba SextetteJune 15
Lennie Hayton and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Lennie Hayton, the Rhythm Kings, Billy Gilbert & Paul BarryJuly 10
The New ProfessorJoseph Henabery (director); Jack Denny & His Orchestra, Chester Fredericks, LaNelle Avery, Judy Lane & George Pembroke© July 21
David Mendoza and OrchestraLloyd French (director); with Minor & Rot, Lucille Manners, Bob Simmons & the RevelersJuly 31
Russ Morgan and His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); Russ Morgan, Bernice Parks, Tom MacDonald & Christine RossSeptember 11
Mal Hallett and His OrchestraLloyd French (director); Mal Hallett, Teddy Grace, Jerry Perkins, Buddy, Claire & Wallace GreenSeptember 11
Milt Britton and His World Famous OrchestraLloyd French (director); with Walter Powell, Tito, Joe Britton & the Three LesliesOctober 2
Jan Rubini and OrchestraJoe Henabery) with Lillian Dawson, Rosalean & Seville, Francis PierlotDecember 4
Henry King and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director) with Betty AllenDecember 20
Benny Meroff and His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); with Jackie Marshall & Florence Gast© December 20

1938

TitleMajor creditsRelease or copyright dateNotes
Sin-CopationLloyd French (director); Leon Navara & His Band, Detmar PoppenJanuary 8
Enric Madriguera and OrchestraLloyd French (director); Enric Madriguera & Patricia GilmoreJanuary 26
Carl Hoff and His Orchestra (#2)Joseph Henabery (director); with the Kidoodlers, Minor & Root, Patricia Norman & Jimmy BlairFebruary 12
David Rubinoff and His ViolinJoseph Henabery (director); David Rubinoff, Colette & BarryApril 16
Carl Deacon Moore and OrchestraLloyd French (director)May 7
Mike Reilly and BandLloyd French (director); with Marion MiklerMay 14
Freddie Rich and His OrchestraLloyd French (director); Freddie Rich, Nan Wynn, and Joe SodjaMay 28Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & The Adventures of Robin Hood (film) DVD
Clyde Lucas and OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Clyde LucasJune 18
Don Bestor and OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); with Mildred Law, Ducky Yountz & Joan MerrillJuly 9
The Saturday Night Swing ClubLloyd French (director); Leith Stevens, Bobby HackettJuly 30Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Swing Cat's JamboreeRoy Mack (director); Louis Prima, Shirley Lloyd, Ted Gary, and Mitzi DahlAugust 6Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
His Busy DayJoseph Henabery (director); Clyde McCoy, Wilbur Gregg, and the Three Bennett SistersAugust 20
Blue Baron and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director) with Harris, Claire & Shannon, Russ CarlyleAugust 27
Larry Clinton and His Orchestra with Carol BruceLloyd French & Joseph Henabery (directors); Larry Clinton, Carol Bruce, Martin & RobinsonSeptember 3Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Arnold Johnson and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); with Siroy & Weaver, Three Sirens & Three OrchidsSeptember 11
Ray Kinney and His Royal Hawaiian OrchestraRoy Mack (director); Ray Kinneywith The Aloha MaidsOctober 1Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Jimmy Dorsey and His OrchestraLloyd French (director); Jimmy Dorsey, Bob Eberle & Evelyn OakOctober 22Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Jezebel (film) DVD
Merle Kendrick and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); with Miriam Grahame, Marion Wilkins, and Jack WaltersNovember 12
Music with a Smile in the Happy Felton StyleLloyd French (director); Three Reasons, Bob Robinson, and Virginia MartinDecember 3
Dave Apollon and His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); Dave Apollon with Buddy & Claire Green, Aunt Jemima (Tess Gardella) & Bobby Graham© December 24

1939

TitleMajor creditsRelease or copyright dateNotes
Jerry Livingston and His Talk of the Town MusicLloyd French (director); Jerry Livingston, Jack & Jane Boyle, Adrian Rollini Trio. Barbara Richards© January 4
Clyde Lucas and His OrchestraLloyd French (director); Clyde Lucas, Rosalean & Seville, Lyn LucasJanuary 7
Russ Morgan and His OrchestraJoseph Henabery (director); Russ Morgan, Gloria Whitney, Carolyn Clare & the Paradise GirlsFebruary 25
It's the McCoyJoseph Henabery (director); Clyde McCoy & His Sugar Blues Orchestra, Wayne Gregg, the Three Bennett Sisters, and Tim LormanMarch 18
Dave Apollon and His Club Casanova OrchestraLloyd French (director); Dave Apollon, Melissa Mason, May McKim, Ted Adair & Ruth LongApril 8
Artie Shaw and His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); Artie Shaw, Helen Forrest, and Tony Pastor (bandleader)April 29Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Larry Clinton & His Orchestra with Bea WainJoseph Henabery (director); Larry Clinton, Bea Wain, Ford LearyMay 20Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
On The Air (Saturday Night Swing Club)Lloyd French (director); Leith Stevens and His Saturday Night Swing Orchestra, Mel Allen, Bobby Hackett’s Orchestra, Nan WynnJune 10
Rita Rio and Her Orchestra with Emily Adrien And Bill FurrowRoy Mack (director); Rita RioJuly 1Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Will Osborne and His Orchestra with Dick Rogers and Lynn DavisRoy Mack (director)July 22
Symphony of SwingJoseph Henabery; Artie Shaw & OrchestraJuly'arner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Eddie DeLange and His Orchestra with Elisse CooperLloyd French (director); Eddie DeLangeAugust 12
The Dipsy DoodlerLloyd French (director); Larry Clinton & OrchestraAugustWarner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Swing StylesLloyd French (director); Adrian Rollini Trio, Milt Herth's Orchestra, Ruh & Jane Frazee, Tito and his SwingettesSeptember 2
Vincent Lopez and His Orchestra with Betty HuttonJoseph Henabery (director); Vincent Lopez, Betty Hutton, Johnny Russell (saxophonist), Fred Lowry & the Four HorsemenSeptember 30Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Rubinoff and His ViolinJoseph Henabery (director); David Rubinoff, June Claire, Jack Holland & June HartNovember 11

1940

TitleMajor creditsRelease or copyright dateNotes
Frances Carroll and the CoquettesRoy Mack (director); with Viola Smith & Eunice HealyFebruary 10filmed March 1939; Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Romance in RhythmLloyd French (director); Carl Hoff & His Orchestra, Barry McKinley, the Kidoodlers & Randall SistersMarch 23filmed June 1939
Matty Malneck and His OrchestraMatty Malneck, George AmyApril 5 (preview)
Ozzie Nelson & His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); Ozzie NelsonJune 29filmed July 1939; Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Torrid Zone DVD
Woody Herman and His OrchestraRoy Mack (director); Woody Herman, Lee Wiley, Hal & Honey Abbott, Marie Hartman & Reed Brown Jr.July 27filmed February 1939; Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Jan Garber and His OrchestraJean Negulesco (director); Jan GarberAugust 31
Joe Reichman and His OrchestraJean Negulesco (director)October 26
Henry Busse and His OrchestraJean Negulesco (director); Henry BusseNovember 30Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Brother Orchid DVD

1941

TitleMajor creditsRelease or copyright dateNotes
Skinnay Ennis and His OrchestraJean Negulesco (director); Skinnay EnnisJanuary 4Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Cliff Edwards and His BuckaroosJean Negulesco (director); Cliff EdwardsMarch 8Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Freddie Martin and His OrchestraJean Negulesco (director); Freddie MartinApril 12
Marie Green and Her Merry MenJean Negulesco (director)April 26
Hal Kemp and His OrchestraJean Negulesco (director); Hal Kemp, Bob Allen & Maxine GreyJune 14Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Glen Gray and the Casa Loma OrchestraJean Negulesco (director); Glen GrayAugust 12Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Carl Roff and His Orchestra (Carl Hoff and Band)Jean Negulesco (director)August 16
Those Good Old DaysJean Negulesco (director)August 16
University of Southern California Band and Glee ClubJean Negulesco (director)September 13
Carioca Serenaders (The Serenaders)Jean Negulesco (director);; music: Howard Jackson; Humberto Herrere & BandOctober 25
Forty Boys and a SongIrving Allen (director); Robert Mitchell's Boy ChoirDecember 6Nominee for Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film. Available on The Bride Came C.O.D. DVD
Leo Reisman and His OrchestraJean Negulesco (director); Leo Reisman© December 24
The PlaygirlsJean Negulesco (director); Cathy Lewis, Navy Blues Sextette & The Ryan sisters© December 26

1942

TitleMajor creditsRelease dateNotes
Richard Himber and OrchestraJean Negulesco (director); Richard HimberApril 11
Don Cossack ChorusJean Negulesco (director); Serge Jaroff conductsApr 25
Emil Coleman and His OrchestraJean Negulesco (director)May 9filmed June '41
The United States Army Air Force BandJean Negulesco (director); Alf HeiberSeptember 19 Desperate Journey DVD
Six Hits and a MissJean Negulesco (director); Six Hits and a MissOctober 24Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & The Man Who Came to Dinner DVD
United States Marine BandJean Negulesco (director); William SantelmannNovember 14Nominee for Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film; available on Kings Row DVD
Borrah Minnevitch and His Harmonica SchoolJean Negulesco (director); Borrah MinnevitchDecember 26Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Desperate Journey DVD

1943

TitleMajor creditsRelease dateNotes
The United States Navy BandJean Negulesco (director); Charles BrendlerJanuary 25Thank Your Lucky Stars (film) DVD
Ozzie Nelson and His OrchestraJean Negulesco (director); Ozzie NelsonMarch 27Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
The United States Army BandJean Negulesco (director); Thomas Darcy Jr.April 17This Is the Army DVD
The All-American BandsJean Negulesco (director);May 22recycles footage of Freddie Martin, Skinnay Ennis, Joe Reichman & Matty Malneck
Childhood DaysJean Negulesco & Jack Scholl (directors); Diana Hale, The Alvarez Sisters & California Junior SymphonyJune 5
The United States Service BandsJean Negulesco (director)July 24Edge of Darkness (1943 film) DVD
Hit Parade of the Gay NinetiesJean Negulesco (director); Jack CrosbySeptember 18
Sweetheart SerenadeJean Negulesco (director); Warren Douglas, Joyce Reynolds & othersOctober 23
Cavalcade of the Dance with Veloz and YolandaJean Negulesco (director); Veloz and Yolanda; narrator: Art GilmoreNovember 20Nominee for Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, on Action in the North Atlantic (Classic Legends Humphrey Bogart) DVD
Freddie Fisher and His BandJean Negulesco (director); Freddie Fisher (musician)December 18

1944

TitleMajor creditsRelease dateNotes
United States Merchant Marine Cadet Corps Band (Ted Weams & Merchant Marine)Jean Negulesco (director); Ted WeemsJanuary 29
South American SwayJean Negulesco (director); recycled footage of Emil Coleman, Joe Reichman & Carl Roff's SerenadersMarch 18
The United States Coast Guard BandBobby Connolly (director); Rudy ValleeApril 15Uncertain Glory DVD
Songs of the RangeDick Foran (director); narrator: Knox ManningJune 24
Junior Jive BombersLeRoy Prinz (director); music: William LavaJuly 1
All Star Melody MasterJean Negulesco (director); recycled footage of Hal Kemp, Emil Coleman, Skinnay Ennis & David RubinoffJuly 29Northern Pursuit DVD
Bob Wills and His Texas PlayboysLeRoy Prinz; Bob WillsSeptember 2Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Listen to the BandsLeRoy Prinz & Jean Negulesco (directors); recycled Glen Gray, Skinnay Ennis, Joe Reichman & Milt Britton OrchestrasOctober 7
Harry Owens and His Royal Hawaiian OrchestraDave Gould (director); Harry OwensNovember 4
Sonny Dunham and His OrchestraArnold Albert & Jack Scholl (directors); Sonny Dunham, the Pied Pipers & Angela GreeneNovember 25
Jammin' the BluesGjon Mili & Bob Burks (directors); Lester Young, Illinois Jacquet, Marie Bryant & Archie SavageDecember 18Nominee for Academy Award for Best Live Action Short Film, available on Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive), Blues in the Night (film) & Passage to Marseilles (Classic Legends Humphrey Bogart) DVD

1945

TitleMajor creditsRelease dateNotes
Rhythm of the RhumbaLeRoy Prinz (director); Chuy Reyes, Antonio Triana, Lola Montez & Chinita MarinJanuary 27
Musical MexicoJack Scholl (director); music: Howard Jackson; Pedro VargasMarch 24
Circus BandJack Scholl (director)May 5
Bands Across the Sea (G.I. Jive)narrator: Truman BradleyJune 2
Yankee Doodle DaughtersDave Gould (director); Rudy ValleeJuly 21
Spade Cooley: King of Western SwingJack Scholl (director); Spade CooleySeptember 1Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Here Come the Navy BandsDave Gould (director)September 29
Musical NoveltiesJack Scholl (director)October 6recycles footage from Vitaphone Gambols, Vitaphone Highlights & other 1930s shorts
Music of the AmericasJack Scholl (director); Lyda Vendrell, Teddy Rodriguez & PhyllisDecember 15

1946-1947

TitleMajor creditsRelease or copyright dateNotes
Headline BandsJack Scholl & Lloyd French (director)January 26, 1946recycles footage of Larry Clinton, Woody Herman, Jimmy Dorsey & others
Jan Savitt and His BandJack Scholl (director); Jan Savitt, Bob Arthur, Shirley Van, Helen Warren & the Lipham ChildrenMarch 16, 1946Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Rhythm on IceJack Scholl (director); George Arnold, Corrine Church, the Brinckmann Sisters, the Cubettes & the NotablesApril 20, 1946
Dixieland JamboreeJack Scholl (director); music: Howard JacksonMay 11, 1946recycles Cab Calloway & others
Musical MemoriesJack Scholl (director); Busby Berkeley numbers from the ‘30s© June 29, 1946
Enric Madriguera and His Orchestra (#2)Lloyd French & Jack Scholl (directors); Enric MadrigueraAugust 10, 1946
Desi Arnaz and His OrchestraJack Scholl (director); Desi ArnazOctober 12, 1946Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) & Night and Day (1946 film) DVD. Last Melody Master filmed, but not last released.
Melody of YouthLeRoy Prinz (director); California Junior Symphony with Peter MerenblumDecember 14, 1946
Big Time Revuemusic: William LavaJanuary 25, 1947
Stan Kenton and His OrchestraJack Scholl (director); Stan KentonFebruary 22, 1947filmed December 1945; Warner Bros. Big Band, Jazz & Swing Shorts (Warner Archive) DVD
Vaudeville RevueSaul Elkins (director) recycled Johnny Perkins, Radio Rubes & the BuccaneersApril 12, 1947

Memories from Melody Lane (filmed 1947)

Directed by Jack Scholl, narrated by Art Gilmore and featuring the Merry Makers as musical support.

  • Let's Sing a Song from the Movies / July 17, 1947 (available on Romance on the High Seas Greatest Classic Legends Doris Day DVD)
  • Let's Sing a Song of the West / September 27, 1947
  • Let's Sing an Old Time Song / December 26, 1947
  • Let's Sing a Song about the Moonlight / January 24, 1948 (available on On Moonlight Bay (film) DVD)
  • Let's Sing a Stephen Foster Song / May 8, 1948
  • Let's Sing Grandfather's Favorites / August 8, 1948

Hit Parade of the Gay Nineties (filmed 1950)

Directed by Jack Scholl

  • When Grandpa Was a Boy / October 7, 1950
  • The Old Family Album / December 16, 1950
  • In Old New York / May 15, 1951
  • Musical Memories / June 30, 1951

See also

References

  • Liebman, Roy (2003). Vitaphone Films – A Catalogue of the Features and Shorts. McFarland & Company. ISBN 9780786412792.
  • Maltin, Leonard (1972). The Great Movie Shorts. Bonanza Books.
  • Motion Pictures 1912-1939 Catalog of Copyright Entries 1951 Library of Congress
  • Motion Pictures 1940-1949 Catalog of Copyright Entries 1953 Library of Congress
  • Motion Pictures 1950-1959 Catalog of Copyright Entries 1960 Library of Congress
  • BoxOffice back issue scans available (release date information in multiple issue “Shorts Charts”)

Notes

  1. 1965 International Motion Picture Almanac. 1964. Quigley Publishing Company. pp. 86-88A
  2. Maltin, Leonard. The Great Movie Shorts. 1972. Bonanza Books, p. 25 & 213
  3. Motion Pictures 1912-1939 Catalog of Copyright Entries 1951 Library of Congress
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