Rufus Jones for President
Rufus Jones for President is a 1933 American Pre-Code satirical musical-comedy, clocking in at 21 minutes. The film was directed by Roy Mack, and starred Ethel Waters and Sammy Davis Jr., in his first onscreen appearance, as the title character.[1]
Rufus Jones for President | |
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Directed by | Roy Mack |
Written by | A. Dorian Otvos (Story) Cyrus Wood (Story) |
Starring | Ethel Waters Sammy Davis Jr. |
Music by | Cliff Hess |
Cinematography | Edwin B. DuPar |
Distributed by | Warner Bros. |
Release date |
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Running time | 21 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
The film's tone appears racist to today's audience. The film is considered an important musical short.
Synopsis
Rufus Jones, an African American child, is elected president of the United States in this short musical comedy, which features song and dance numbers by seven-year-old Sammy Davis Jr.
Availability
Rufus Jones for President is currently available from Warner Archive Collection on their six-disc Big Band, Jazz & Swing set of short subjects.
Shown on the Turner Classic Movies Channel from time to time, most recently August 2020.
References
- Regester, Charlene B. (2010). African American Actresses: The Struggle for Visibility, 1900-1960. Indiana University Press. p. 268. ISBN 978-0-253-22192-6.