During the 40’s, Louis Jordan was not just a star of the live music circuit and recordings, but also a movie star!  He starred in three feature length films, appeared in three others (”Meet Miss Bobby Sox”, “Swing Parade of 1946”, and “Follow The Boys”), one short, and numerous “soundies”.  The films in which he starred were produced to cash in on his success as record artist and were aimed at African-American audiences.  These movies were tailored for African-Americans and were often cheaply and quickly made and filled a need that Hollywood neglected.  “Soundies” were the precursors to today’s music videos.  A then current, hot recording artist would be filmed lip synching to their hit and the film would be shown in jukeboxes with pop up video screens and theaters, often before the artist was scheduled to come to town.

When it comes to being an actor, Louis sure played a mean alto.  I’m a fan and own these movies, but, to be honest, haven’t watched the full length ones more than once or twice.  More enjoyable are the “soundies’.

This list is by no means meant to be complete but rather a guide to available appearances by Jordan on video.

“5 Guys Named Moe!” Vintage Jazz Classics - a compilation of “soundies” and TV appearances (including one in which he is introduced by Ronald Reagan). 

“Caldonia” (1945)- a short with a loose plot and lots of Louis tunes.  Short on acting and long on songs so, therefore, enjoyable.  Played in both black and white theaters.

“Beware” (1945) - Full length film starring Louis as a himself.  He returns to save his old college from dissolution, wins the hand of a beautiful, and manages to play ten tunes.

“Reet, Petite, and Gone” (1947) - Full length film.  Louis must fulfill his father’s wishes that he marry a girl that meets specific vital statistics before he can inherit dad’s fortune.  Louis also finds time to mount a Broadway show.

“Look Out Sister” (1949) - Full length WESTERN!  The best of the bunch in which a pistol packing, gun toting Jordan has to save a dude ranch.

"Swing Era - Louis Jordan: Films & Soundies" - DVD collection of film bits and soundies.  Not the best transfer but all Louis.