Birth of the Blues

Title (and a fine appearance by operatic soprano Ruby Elzy) notwithstanding, this is a dixieland jazz movie with a large side of old Tin-Pan Alley, wherein Bing pulls together "the first white jazz band in New Orleans". Fans of the style's 20s heyday will be pleased to note Jack Teagarden in an "acting" role. Bing and Mary Martin are in winning form, though I must say the romance angle was was very half-heartedly present. Also present: a shiny new swing number more suitable for tie-in marketing.

For the music and not much else, except Bing Crosby seemingly very proud to present the Birth of the Blues (1941).