Ruth Brown
Broadway royalty and Tony-winners Tommy Tune, Carol Channing, Robert Goulet, and Harvey Fierstein are your hosts for this third compilation of great musical performances from the archives of the Tony Award® broadcasts. Legendary stars from legendary shows strut their stuff in 23 performances that have become part of Broadway history.
In 1950s America, teenage rebellion comes easy when something like rock 'n' roll is viewed as sinful. Looking to have a good time while they're young, Susan, Cookie and Tony -- three teenagers from a small town -- start a nightclub where host Danny Klay introduces the newest rock 'n' roll talent, and everyone can dance the night away. Of course, not everyone in town is happy with the new establishment.
Christmas at the Messiah Church in Washington D.C. A young preacher and, later in the day, a mysterious pregnant girl arrive at the church doors looking to begin new lives. The preacher, the Reverend Oliver Crawford, is not the judgmental church committee's first choice to be the Messiah's new pastor; an unwed father of a teenage son, he is given only two days to prove his worth to his new parishioners. Meanwhile, Katherine, a sixteen-year-old girl who is about to give birth, has come to the area to escape an abusive home and to search for a grandfather she doesn't know. With the help of local homeless advocate "Big" Willie Thorton, Crawford attempts to revive the spirit of the church and provide solace to the displaced girl.
The famous rhythm and blues revue featuring such standards as the title song, "After You've Gone" and "In a Sentimental Mood," to name just a few, and sung by R&B legends Ruth Brown, Linda Hopkins and Carrie Smith.
In order to escape from the mob, an African-American man must disguise himself as a white man.
'Pleasantly Plump' teenager Tracy Turnblad achieves her dream of becoming a regular on the Corny Collins Dance Show. Now a teen hero, she starts using her fame to speak out for the causes she believes in, most of all integration. In doing so, she earns the wrath of the show's former star, Amber Von Tussle, as well as Amber's manipulative, pro-segregation parents. The rivalry comes to a head as Amber and Tracy vie for the title of Miss Auto Show 1963.
A documentary covering the R&B (rhythm and blues) field from the 1940s to the early 1950s. Included is footage of performances by major R&B singers of the time, and interviews with singers, producers and others involved in the field.
Checking In is an American sitcom that aired on CBS in April 1981. The series is a spin-off of The Jeffersons, which itself had spun off from All in the Family.
Rhythm and Blues Revue is a plotless variety show, one of several compiled for theatrical exhibition from the made-for-television short films produced by Snader and Studio Telescriptions, with newly-filmed host segments by Willie Bryant. Originally 86 minutes, the "short" version available on public domain collections and websites is missing a reel
Inspired by the 1993 Grammy-winning album, this historic meeting of superpowers stars the King of the Blues performing duets with a pantheon of fellow legends: Ruth Brown, Albert Collins, Robert Cray, Buddy Guy, Koko Taylor, Irma Thomas and Joe Louis Walker. Interspersed with exclusive interviews, it's an inspired and unprecedented gathering of blues greats that may never be equaled. The performances include B.B.'s signature song, "The Thrill Is Gone," and "Playin' With My Friends," which was penned by Robert Cray just for The Blues Summit. Best of all, with this home video, you sit right on stage where you don't miss a beat.
