Why Bring That Up? is a 1929 American pre-Code musical film directed by George Abbott and starring minstrel show comedians Charles Mack and George Moran, as blackface team Two Black Crows.[1]

Why Bring That Up?
Directed byGeorge Abbott
Written byOctavus Roy Cohen (story)
George Abbott (screenplay)
Hector Turnbull (screenplay)
StarringCharles Mack
George Moran
Evelyn Brent
Harry Green
Bert Swor
CinematographyJ. Roy Hunt
Edited byWilliam Shea
Music bySam Coslow (songwriter)
Leo Robin (songwriter)
Richard A. Whiting (songwriter)
Distributed byParamount Pictures
Release date
  • October 12, 1929 (1929-10-12)
Running time
82 minutes
CountryUnited States
LanguageEnglish

The film's title was part of the "vernacular of the day".[2] It was the duo's first talking comedy film.[3]

Plot

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George's partner in vaudeville quits their act, claiming that Betty has broken his heart. George then teams up with Charlie, a stranded trouper, and Irving becomes their manager. Later, in New York, the "Two Black Crows" star in their own revue and save money to build their own theater on Broadway. Betty comes to the theater with her lover, who poses as a cousin and induces George to hire her. He showers her with jewels and money. She tries to persuade George to invest in oil stock her lover is selling, and though their act is a success, Charlie fires Betty. When Charlie and Betty's lover quarrel, Charlie is injured.

Cast

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Soundtrack

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  • Do I Know What I'm Doing While I'm in Love, written by Leo Robin, Richard A. Whiting (as Richard Whiting) and Sam Coslow
  • Shoo Shoo Boogie Boo, performed by Ethel Waters, written by Leo Robin, Richard A. Whiting (as Richard Whiting) and Sam Coslow

Reception

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Toronto Daily Star deemed the film a "success".[4]

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Sandra Brennan (2012). "Why Bring That Up?". Movies & TV Dept. The New York Times. Archived from the original on November 5, 2012. Retrieved September 25, 2011.
  2. ^ "Notes and comments". The Globe. Toronto ON. September 27, 1929. p. 4. But, in the vernacular of the day, "Why bring that up?"
  3. ^ "Moran and Mack". Toronto Daily Star. Toronto ON. October 12, 1929. p. 4.
  4. ^ "In next week's shows". Toronto Daily Star. Toronto ON. October 12, 1929. p. 8.
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