This film is part of Free
There's Reason in Rhumba
Rhythm and romanticism rules over realism in this recreation of the origins of the rhumba dance
Musical 1939 12 mins
Overview
There might well be reason in rhumba, but there's also plenty to ridicule in this romanticised rendition of its origins. Featuring a 110% accurate portrayal of life aboard a Spanish ship sailing to the New World of the Americas, it was one of six “dance-spectacle entertainments revealing the history and origin of popular dance rhythms”. Keen viewers might spot that the heralded “Parsons Multiscene System” is basically a big mirror to give an illusion of depth to the scene.
Related
Musicals!
Five Guineas a Week Five Guineas a Week
Musical 1956 33 mins
1950s song and dance revue set in a colourful world of boarding houses and coffee bars
The Rise and Fall of Nellie Brown The Rise and Fall of Nellie Brown
Musical 1964 70 mins Location: Liverpool
An incredibly joyous TV musical about a young woman's search for her long-lost cousin.
Devil's Rock Devil's Rock
Musical 1938 51 mins Location: Bangor
Will new open-air microphone technology give Richard Hayward the chance to silence his critics? Watch as Cushendun and Bangor steal the show.
Shooting Stars Shooting Stars
Comedy 1937 32 mins
Black music hall stars Scott and Whaley perform stereotypical minstrel routines in blackface in this 1937 touring revue.
Musical Motorcycles - Cachito cha cha cha (Coursée) Musical Motorcycles - Cachito cha cha cha (Coursée)
Performance 1961 3 mins
The musical motorcycles hit Paris to a Cuban vibe.
Twinkling Fingers Twinkling Fingers
Musical 1940 11 mins
Pianists Charlie Kunz and Mark Hambourg tickle the ivories for our entertainment in this jolly musical short.
New
Marli Siu introduces Sweet Bean Marli Siu introduces Sweet Bean
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Actor Marli Siu (Anna and the Apocalypse, Run) introduces Naomi Kawase’s calming culinary drama.
Hannah Strong introduces Red Road Hannah Strong introduces Red Road
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Associate Editor for Little White Lies Magazine Hannah Strong introduces Andrea Arnold’s stunning debut feature.
Lydia West introduces Second Coming Lydia West introduces Second Coming
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Lydia West (It’s A Sin) introduces debbie tucker green’s ethereal, warm and human debut feature.
In Separation In Separation
Drama 1965 5 mins
The powerful, multifaceted spirt and energies of the revolutionary 1960s are channelled in dynamic, monochrome microcosm.
Susan Wokoma introduces Prevenge Susan Wokoma introduces Prevenge
Short documentary 2021 5 mins
Susan Wokoma introduces Alice Lowe’s slasher comedy Prevenge, reflecting on Lowe’s journey making and starring in the film while pregnant, and her rich palette of classic influences.
Enverounen Enverounen
Animation & Artists Moving Image 1973 15 mins
An elderly man takes a hypnotic journey through his memories in the moments before his death.