Now
here’s a little film that could easily fall through the
cracks and be missed by mainstream audiences. The problem is its
length – only 45 minutes. Pity because it’s fascinating
viewing, this story of Josephine Baker, possibly the first true
international black superstar. If you’re hazy about the
extraordinary woman, this documentary, lovingly compiled from
some remarkable archival footage by Annette von Wangenheim, gives
a moving account of her life and times.
Born 1906 to humble parents in St. Louis, Josephine
began in vaudeville at an early age. In the 1920's, she appeared
in the chorus line of Broadway revues, becoming an audience favourite
with her rolling eyes and comic style. She was the highest paid
chorus girl at the time. In 1925, she opened in Paris despite
some audience concerns over her near-nude comic and erotic dancing.
“Josephine and Jazz will be the downfall of Western Civilization”
they cried. Nonetheless she became an instant hit and toured Europe;
returning to star at the Folies Bergère with a Danse Sauvage
routine in a skirt made from bananas. She was the most successful
American entertainer working in France and nicknamed the “Black
Venus”.
The darling of the rich and famous in Paris, Baker
also found her wonderful voice through intense training, with
her theme song being “J’ai deux amours”. Her
style changed to glamourous fashion performances, and she became
a role model for Shirley Bassey, among others. During the war
she raised money for the Resistance. Josephine returned in triumph
to America with “Baker Day” in Harlem, involving herself
in the 1963 Civil Rights March as the only female speaker.
Baker wasn’t popular with white audiences
in USA who didn’t enjoy her new sophistication as a “coloured”
performer. A liberated woman in so many ways, and member of the
anti-racial movement, Josephine adopted twelve orphans of different
nationalities. Nearing 70, she appears in a final performance
in 1975 sponsored by Prince Rainier – and despite wearing
revealing costumes, she still looked stunning on stage. She went
to a party after the show, and later died “the death of
an angel” in her sleep.
While
the doco follows the traditional TV style of thing – talking
heads intercut with archival footage, it works because the people
who recall Josephine speak passionately about her. Then there
is the remarkable early footage of her comic dance routines, which
are really astonishing. Talk about frantic enthusiasm for the
dance – you ain’t seen nothing yet! She’s a
powerhouse on legs, with extraordinary energy. And those eyes
– they seem to have life of their own and go in all directions.
She reminded me of early B&W cartoon characters with the speeded
up Charleston, oval face and the crazy eyes. Baker had the ability
to make a caricature of herself, something few great stars would
dare.
Where can you see the movie? It’s part of
the programme of short films being screened at The ReelDance Festival
of dance on film. In its biennial tour of Australia, it features
a wide range of dance-related films including music videos and
experimental films, no doubt following in the path of Maya Deren
the great innovator of cinematic choreography. ReelDance International
Dance on Screen Festival opens in Sydney 11th May and will tour
nationally.
Now
here’s a little film that could easily fall through the
cracks and be missed by mainstream audiences. The problem is its
length – only 45 minutes. Pity because it’s fascinating
viewing, this story of Josephine Baker, possibly the first true
international black superstar. If you’re hazy about the
extraordinary woman, this documentary, lovingly compiled from
some remarkable archival footage by Annette von Wangenheim, gives
a moving account of her life and times. 
While
the doco follows the traditional TV style of thing – talking
heads intercut with archival footage, it works because the people
who recall Josephine speak passionately about her. Then there
is the remarkable early footage of her comic dance routines, which
are really astonishing. Talk about frantic enthusiasm for the
dance – you ain’t seen nothing yet! She’s a
powerhouse on legs, with extraordinary energy. And those eyes
– they seem to have life of their own and go in all directions.
She reminded me of early B&W cartoon characters with the speeded
up Charleston, oval face and the crazy eyes. Baker had the ability
to make a caricature of herself, something few great stars would
dare.