The Duke Is Tops (The Bronze Venus) (1938)

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While it deserves a bit more credit and sense of historical importance than merely being the film debut of the luminous Lena Horne, it doesn’t deserve those things by much. It’s certainly not on the merits of its filmmaking or storytelling, the film’s B-movie origins and quick ten day shooting schedule are painfully obvious. No, The Duke Is Tops deserves a slightly better reputation because ... read more

Also known as The Bronze Venus, this is one of the best examples of the many all-black films made in the 1930s for what were then designated as "colored" theatres. Looking about 15 years old, Lena Horne plays the main attraction for the stage shows put on by a fellow named Duke (Ralph Cooper). When she gets a chance at a Broadway show, Lena swiftly severs all ties with Duke. But when Lena's big-time debut threatens to be a disaster, it is Duke who saves the day. The dialogue is for the birds, but The Duke Is Tops is aces when it comes to musical numbers.