New Orleans (1947): A Cinematic Celebration of Dixieland Jazz
Released in 1947, New Orleans is an American musical romance that serves as a vibrant time capsule of early jazz. Directed by Arthur Lubin, the film blends a conventional romantic plot with an extraordinary musical showcase, capturing the essence of the birth of the blues in the legendary Storyville district.
While the narrative follows the romance between a casino owner and a high-society opera singer, the film's true legacy lies in its casting. It is most celebrated for featuring jazz icons Billie Holiday and Louis Armstrong, with Holiday appearing as a singing maid in the only feature film role of her career.
Key Facts
- Starring: Arturo de Córdova, Dorothy Patrick, Billie Holiday, and Louis Armstrong.
- Musical Significance: Features over twenty songs or versions of songs in the New Orleans-style Dixieland jazz genre.
- Historic Debut: Marks the only feature film appearance of legendary vocalist Billie Holiday.
- Production Roots: Originated from an unfinished project by Orson Welles titled "The Story of Jazz."
- Release Date: April 18, 1947, in the United States.
Production and Origins
The seeds of New Orleans were sown in 1941 as part of an abandoned segment of Orson Welles' unfinished film It's All True. Originally titled "The Story of Jazz" (or "Jam Session"), the project was written by Elliot Paul and intended to center on the life of Louis Armstrong.
The connection to Welles extended to the musicians; several members of the film's Original New Orleans Ragtime Band—including Kid Ory, Mutt Carey, Bud Scott, Barney Bigard, and Zutty Singleton—had previously been assembled for Welles' CBS Radio series, The Orson Welles Almanac, in 1944.
Producer Jules Levey aimed to create a film that explored the history of jazz. While associate producer Herbert J. Biberman noted that they were not "archaeologists" and prioritized entertainment over strict factual naming, the production sought accuracy in dates and locations. Director Arthur Lubin conducted location scouting in New Orleans in July 1946, eventually spending $110,000 on ten days of location filming with collaboration from the National Jazz Foundation.
The Musical Legacy and Cast
The film is essentially a "Who's Who" of classic jazz. Louis Armstrong's ensemble featured a powerhouse of talent, including trombonist Kid Ory, drummer Zutty Singleton, clarinetist Barney Bigard, and pianists Charlie Beal and Meade Lux Lewis. The production also featured cornetist Mutt Carey and bandleader Woody Herman.
The lead roles were filled by Arturo de Córdova (borrowed from Eagle-Lion Films) as Nick Duquesne and Dorothy Patrick (borrowed from MGM) as Miralee Smith. Their chemistry was so impressive to producer Jules Levey that he planned a follow-up film titled Monterey to celebrate California's centennial, though it never materialized.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Director | Arthur Lubin |
| Production Company | Majestic Productions |
| Distributor | United Artists |
| Running Time | 90 minutes |
| Key Musicians | Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Woody Herman |
Soundtrack and Reception
The music is the heartbeat of the film. Although many tracks were truncated for the theatrical release, a 1983 soundtrack release restored full versions of the songs, including the poignant "Do You Know What It Means to Miss New Orleans?"
Critical reception has been mixed over the decades. While some critics have pointed out the conventional plot and the racial stereotypes typical of 1947 Hollywood, others praise the genuine affection Lubin showed for the music and characters. Modern reviews often highlight the fascination of seeing Billie Holiday on screen and the charm of the performances by Armstrong and Patrick.
Featured Tracklist (via AFI)
- Flee As A Bird / When The Saints Go Marching In
- West End Blues
- Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans?
- Tiger Rag
- Basin St. Blues
- King Porter Stomp
- Mahogany Hall Stomp
- Dippermouth Blues
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this the only movie Billie Holiday appeared in?
Yes, New Orleans is the only feature film appearance of the legendary singer Billie Holiday.
What is the connection between this film and Orson Welles?
The film originated from an abandoned segment of Orson Welles' project It's All True, and several of the jazz musicians in the film were first brought together for Welles' CBS Radio series.
What style of music is featured in the film?
The film extensively features New Orleans-style Dixieland jazz, with over twenty songs or song versions included in the production.
Who played the lead roles in the film?
The film stars Arturo de Córdova as Nick Duquesne and Dorothy Patrick as Miralee Smith.
Was the film a commercial success?
Director Arthur Lubin suggested that the picture did not do very well, attributing part of this to the lead actress being relatively unknown at the time.