Classic Black Cinema Series: St. Louis Blues

St. Louis Blues is a biographical film that tells the story of legendary composer and musician W. C. Handy, widely known as the “Father of the Blues.” Raised by a deeply religious father who condemns all music except church hymns as sinful, Handy is still irresistibly drawn to composing and performing secular music.

His passion ignites a lasting conflict between faith and self-expression, as well as ambition and family. As Handy gains national fame, he must face the personal costs of success and the painful decision between following his calling and maintaining his family ties. This film features legendary actors and musicians, including Nat King Cole, Eartha Kitt, Cab Calloway, and Ella Fitzgerald.

Don't miss your chance to revisit or discover this classic film from 1958 in a vibrant and culturally rich setting!

Specifically designed as a vehicle to expose the community to the vast artistic value black film has had throughout the years, the goal of the film series is to appeal to as diverse a population as possible and further the appreciation of Black cinema.

Curator and host, Felix Curtis, came to Charlotte from the Oakland/San Francisco Bay area where he curated The San Francisco Black Film Festival and Black Filmworks, the annual film festival component of the Black Filmmakers Hall of Fame, where he later served as Executive Director.