Evolution of the Movie Musical: Stormy Weather (1943) 

This all-Black musical extravaganza from 20th Century-Fox chronicles the history of African American contributions to American musical entertainment, from spirituals and soft shoe, blues and zoot suits, to jazz and jive.

Standards like “Ain’t Misbehavin’,” “Diga Diga Doo,” “I Can’t Give You Anything But Love,” and “Stormy Weather” are brought to life by an all-star cast including Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Lena Horne, Cab Calloway, Fats Waller and the Nicholas Brothers.

Made during wartime, STORMY WEATHER was part of a bevy of movie musicals that helped buoy spirits and bolster the patriotic fervor of Americans at home and overseas during World War II, but the performances it captures have endured long since.