Comedy Cult Classic

A tap-dancing odyssey through jazz, ambition, and the golden age of Black entertainers.

STORMY WEATHER

1943 · 1h 18m · NR · Comedy / Drama / Musical · IMDB TMDB

The relationship between an aspiring dancer and a popular songstress provides a retrospective of the great African American entertainers of the early 1900s.

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Quick Answer

What is Stormy Weather about?

Stormy Weather is a 1943 American comedy-drama musical directed by Andrew L. Stone about a talented dancer, Bill Williamson, who recalls his rise in show business and his relationship with singer Selina Rogers.

Programmer's Pick

Stormy Weather is a high-energy showcase where tap, jazz, and powerhouse vocals intersect, putting legends like Lena Horne and Bill Robinson front and center. If you crave a musical that doubles as a history lesson in dazzling Black entertainment, this one shuffles to the top of the heap.

— SassyFlix Programmer

Overview

Stormy Weather unfolds as the reminiscence of Bill Williamson, a gifted dancer who shares his journey with neighborhood children. Returning from World War I in 1918, Bill meets the charismatic Selina Rogers, a singer and dancer whose brother served with him. The film follows Bill’s pursuit of a performing career in New Orleans, his reunion with Selina, and his efforts to break into the vibrant world of stage shows and jazz music. Set against the backdrop of early 1900s show business, the story weaves in legendary African American entertainers, lively musical numbers, and the challenges of ambition and rivalry, all wrapped in a stylish, toe-tapping musical package.

Details & Specs

Director: Andrew L. Stone
Writers: Frederick J. Jackson, Ted Koehler, H.S. Kraft, Jerry Horwin, Seymour B. Robinson
Release: 1943
Runtime: 1h 18m
Country: United States of America
Language: English
Genres: Comedy, Drama, Musical

Why This Matters

Stormy Weather stands out as one of only two Hollywood musicals with an African American cast released in 1943, prominently featuring Lena Horne and showcasing leading Black performers such as Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway, the Nicholas Brothers, and Fats Waller during a time of limited opportunities for African American talent in mainstream cinema.

— SassyFlix Curator

Cast & Crew

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Director: Andrew L. Stone Writers: Frederick J. Jackson +4 more

Lena Horne Selina Rogers

Bill Robinson Bill Williamson

Cab Calloway Cab Calloway

Katherine Dunham Katherine Dunham

Fats Waller 'Fats' Waller

Fayard Nicholas Self (archival footage)

Harold Nicholas Self (archival footage)

Ada Brown Singer

Dooley Wilson Gabe Tucker DA Doris Ake Dancer (uncredited) JB Juliette Ball Dancer (uncredited) LB Lucille Battle Dancer (uncredited)

Matthew Beard Stagehand (uncredited) TB Talley Beatty Dancer (uncredited) LB Lennie Bluett Dancer / Nightclub Patron (uncredited)

Anise Boyer Singer (uncredited) TB Teddy Buckner Band Member (uncredited) JC Judy Carol Chorus Girl (uncredited)

Benny Carter Trumpeter (uncredited) JC Janet Collins Dancer (uncredited)

Vivian Dandridge Dancer (uncredited) RF Robert Felder Cab Calloway, Jr. (uncredited) LF Louise Franklin Dancer (uncredited) RG Ruby Golden Fat Girl (uncredited)

Suzette Harbin Dancer / Nightclub Patron (uncredited) AH Avanelle Harris Dancer (uncredited) KH Kathleen Hartsfield Hatcheck Girl / Dancer (uncredited) MH Maggie Hathaway Dancer (uncredited) CH Charles Hawkins Dancer (uncredited)

Coleman Hawkins Saxophonist (uncredited) CH Cleo Herndon Dancer (uncredited) JH Johnny Horace Member The Shadracks (uncredited)

Illinois Jacquet Band Member (uncredited) ME Mae E. Johnson May Johnson (uncredited)

Jo Jones Drummer (uncredited) JL Johnny Lee Lyles (uncredited)

Jeni Le Gon Dancer (uncredited) RL Rosalie Lincoln Dancer (uncredited)

F.E. Miller Skit (uncredited) TM Taps Miller Trumpeter (uncredited)

Millie Monroe Dancer (uncredited) TM Tommie Moore Dancer / Nightclub Patron

Florence O'Brien Tucker's Gold-Digging Girlfriend (uncredited) NP Neva Peoples Nightclub Dancer (uncredited) HP Henry Phace Roberts Dancer (uncredited) RS Ruth Scott Dancer (uncredited) ZS Zutty Singleton Band Member (uncredited) NS Ned Stanfield Member The Shadracks (uncredited)

Nick Stewart Cousin Jake (uncredited) JT Johnny Thomas Dancer (uncredited) LT Lena Torrence Chorus Girl (uncredited) E' Emmett 'Babe' Wallace Chick Bailey (uncredited)

Ernest Whitman Jim Europe (uncredited) AY Artie Young Dancer (uncredited)

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jazz music classic musical Dancing African American Punched In The Face Nightclub Singer Thunderstorm Dancer Piano Guitar National Film Registry Body Paint Parade 1900s Jazz Music Stage Show Marching Band

Why Cult

Legendary Black Entertainers

Features iconic performances by Lena Horne, Bill Robinson, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller, and Katherine Dunham, spotlighting trailblazing African American talent.

Jaw-Dropping Dance Numbers

Showcases unforgettable tap and jazz dance routines, including appearances by the Nicholas Brothers and renowned shuffle dancers.

Vibrant Jazz Era Setting

Set in the bustling world of 1910s-1920s jazz clubs, parades, and stage shows, immersing viewers in a stylish, music-soaked era.

Musical Variety Extravaganza

From scat singing to big band performances, the film is packed with energetic numbers and genre-defining classic songs.