The Bootleg Files: Sammy Stops the World

Posted on May 10, 2024 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 865: “Sammy Stops the World” (1979 filmed record of Sammy Davis Jr.’s stage production of “Stop the World – I Want to Get Off”).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: Back in the early VHS and Betamax days.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: An obscure film that fell through the cinematic cracks.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

One of the most unusual figures in the movie world was Bill Sargent, who commanded a unique niche – he would videotape prominent stage productions, transfer the video to 35mm film, and release the work into cinemas. Sargent reckoned that moviegoers would pay to see recordings of shows that theatrical and concert audiences paid to see – and he was right, when he had the vehicle that demanded attention. Beginning in 1964 with the gimmicky banner “Electronovision,” Sargent packaged video-to-film presentations that included Richard Burton’s Broadway turn in “Hamlet,” the all-star music concert “The T.A.M.I. Show,” the Truman tribute “Give ‘Em Hell, Harry!” with James Whitmore in his Oscar-nominated role, and the definitive comedy concert presentation “Richard Pryor: Live in Concert.”
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: The Strollin’ ’20s

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 856: “The Strollin’ 20s” (1966 all-star television special).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: There is most likely a rights clearance issue.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

Black entertainers have been part of the American television experience since the medium’s beginning, with no less a figure than the legendary Ethel Waters starring in an eponymous special in 1939 when television was still mostly experimental and extremely limited in its reach. Once television became more prominent in American living rooms, Hazel Scott and Billy Daniels briefly had their own programs, while in the mid-1950s NBC’s decision to have Nat King Cole host his own variety show created unexpected controversy when no national sponsor was willing to back the program. Harry Belafonte headlined a 1959 special that was sponsored by Revlon, but he rejected further productions backed by the company when he was ordered not to integrate his song and dance ensemble.
Continue reading →

Sammy Davis Jr. on the Big Screen

Posted on January 23, 2023 by Phil Hall

Sammy Davis Jr. was a larger-than-life personality who was a welcome presence on Broadway, in Las Vegas and on television for many years. His film work was somewhat spotty, yet he proved himself as both a musical star in “Porgy and Bess” and “Sweet Charity” and in serious dramatic roles in “Anna Lucasta” and “A Man Called Adam.” In this episode of “The Online Movie Show,” social media bon vivant Anthony “Kingfish” Vitamia returns to the podcast to celebrate Sammy’s distinctive place on the big screen.
Continue reading →

The Bootleg Files: “Parade” Starring Sammy Davis Jr.

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Phil Hall

BOOTLEG FILES 751: “‘Parade’ Starring Sammy Davis Jr.” (episode of a 1959 Canadian television variety series).

LAST SEEN: On YouTube.

AMERICAN HOME VIDEO: None.

REASON FOR BOOTLEG STATUS: Multiple issues prevent its release in the U.S.

CHANCES OF SEEING A COMMERCIAL DVD RELEASE: Not likely.

During the 1950s, Sammy Davis Jr. was a ubiquitous presence on American television. Whether working solo or with his father and uncle as the Will Mastin Trio, Davis’ singing, dancing and comedy made him a scene-stealer on nearly every variety program.
Continue reading →