John Landis on Cabin In The Sky

The hit 1940 Broadway musical version of the Faust legend made it to the screen three years later, with original stars Ethel Waters and Rex Ingram heading an all-star African-American cast and first-time director Vincente Minnelli behind the camera. Jack Benny foil Eddie Anderson replaced Casablanca pianist Dooley Wilson in the lead because "Rochester" was popular enough to allay objections from exhibitors in some of the race-averse Southern states. Released in "glorious Sepiatone".

[Elric]

The "Lena Horne in a bath tub" scene was taken out of the film but it can be seen as part of an extra feature on the DVD. There was a lot of controversy connected with this film to the point that on the DVD there was an apology of sorts regarding the "stereotype" images portrayed in the film. I thought it was unnecessary but I could see why it was done. Good summary.

[Gangstagran]

That was wonderful commentary. Thank you. The performers were truly gifted

[GarudaMan]

"Happiness is a THING Called Joe" was written for the movie.

The song that became a hit because of the Broadway show is "Taking a Chance on Love, " which is still a jazz standard (though one I don't think people remember comes from "Cabin in the Sky").

[johngore]

Yeah Hollywood, who wouldn't want to hear great music and see beautiful people. Who's the bigot here?

[madahad]

There is a a Bette Davis movie called Cabin In the Cotton---it's so so--but Davis amazingly beautiful in the movie with her big dreamy eyes and a and sexy Southern accent. young Lena Horne in a bath tub....very nice.