The Broadway smash Black and Blue ran for over 800 performances on Broadway from 1989 to 1991. It served as a testament to the dynamism of black culture in Paris between the two World Wars. It won several Tony awards. In 1993, acclaimed director Robert Altman filmed a TV version at the Minskoff Theatre.
Featuring songs including the smash hits “After You’ve Gone” and “In A Sentimental Mood,” Altman deftly captures the power of the Broadway ensemble. Legendary performers like Carrie Smith, Ruth Brown, and Linda Hopkins sound magnetic under Altman’s supreme direction.
One interesting direction Altman gives toward the performers is the focus on their feet while they dance. The Black and Blue ensemble are virtuoso performers, and when you see their toes tapping to the beat, you can really see it given Altman’s direction and devotion to their steps. Even in wide shots, you can see Altman’s vision of showing rapid-fire dancing. It has a unique intimacy that performers of similar shows will absolutely appreciate.
The dazzling costumes are brought to life through the film, and you can really sense a love between Altman and the performers he is capturing. You may have missed your chance to watch Black and Blue during its initial run. But thanks to the legendary Robert Altman, you’ll always have this as an option. The film would work well for library or educational programming on African-American performance, early 20th-century culture, theatre history classes, and those devoted to Altman’s filmography.