Stormy Weather in color - The Nicholas Brothers and Cab Calloway | Colorized with DeOldify

[@blackpepperswing]

One million views! All the musicians, dancers, film crew members - they have deserved every single view. And maybe even twice more than that!

[@stephenrhinomanningmanning4796]

Aw yes indeed the CABB

[@stephenrhinomanningmanning4796]

From the back of by head I saw him they baddd baddd bro

[@patrickvanrinsvelt4466]

Very sad to say when I attend live musicals I get very emotional. It is truly a mark of how amazing the human race can be. Artistry in this form gives me hope for humanity. I always say, "If an alien were to be among us, would musicals be the only thing from keeping us from being invaded?"

[@stephenrhinomanningmanning4796]

@@patrickvanrinsvelt4466 I can feel you on dat bro like they say music calms da beast

[@nancyburi893]

Great!

[@dhyde9207]

The drummer is Leroy "Cash" Maxey. I worked with him at the Main Post Office in Flint, Michigan in 1966 and 1967. He was a fascinating personality who had a bunch of stories that I thought he was making up to impress a 20 year old. Then, he brought in his scrapbook and I found out that they were all true. I treasure the time I was able to spend with him and consider it an honor to have that link with the golden age of music and talent in these United States.

[@KC-gy5xw]

That's so great. My dear friend of 25 years has just died, and I thought she was taking the 'P' when she told me about the old blues guys she knew, but then I went to US, was in hospital and she gave me her old phone. The contacts had almost half of my record collection on it!! Then as I recovered before come back to UK, she pointed out Stevie Ray Vaughan's house across the road - I almost died again.. Austin Texas, you lost a legend in my dear friend MJ..

[@FreedomFighter2112]

This is why I laugh when Youngheads say that Painters, composers, directors, actors, singers, dancers, athletes, etc are better today than the past

[@bsharpmusic]

Fli-City 🫡

[@pussycats456]

Lucky you. He looks like he’s having a ball playing those drums!

[@pussycats456]

Now THIS is music. Compare it to todays trash, Taylor Swift, Sam Smith, Beyoncé, and all the other garbage.

[@suzieque4287]

Imagine going out for dinner and this is your entertainment. They're incredible.

[@trueKENTUCKY]

Live in vegas ?

[@9ko3]

Id give my left leg to see this live.

[@clinchee]

Imagine that... I'd be there !!!

[@cesargracia5275]

I would hate to get that bill at the end of the night.

[@andresrios9855]

@@cesargracia5275 If you can afford it, than it's definitely worth every penny.

[@enfelice]

Fred Astaire told the Nicholas Brothers that this was the greatest movie musical sequence he had ever seen.

[@johnjohnson8812]

He did, indeed! And remember Fred Astaire was the ultimate perfectionist! So, this was the highest noteworthy event in these guys world in my opinion!

[@thepowerofdefinition]

Fred Astaire should have just retired.

[@DebbiesSanctuary49]

He was right!!!😍

[@Yggdrasil1844]

And they also said "When it was time to do the jumps over each other's heads into splits in the routine, we never rehearsed it. It came nice and easy. Nick Castle [the choreographer] said not to rehearse it, that we knew what to do. So we did it like a rehearsal. And in one take!"

[@DebbiesSanctuary49]

@@Yggdrasil1844 They are amazing! I love watching them and I have read up on them some too. My favorite . But i didn't know they didn't even rehearsed it!! Thanks for the info!

[@chrislee8343]

I just absolutely love the way Cab exits the scene. His index finger wagging, self-satisfied to let these two take the stage, casually strolling off-camera. It's so great

[@donnaclinton991]

Me too! I've watched this sooo many times; it's spectacular!

[@queenreg7]

He knows how to do a strut!

[@martinestridge7179]

I agree. You can almost hear him saying "My work here is done."

[@krisgoldsmith476]

Thanks for that, great observation. I've seen this dozen's of times and never noticed.

[@nikralm]

A selfless performer.

[@loop5720]

Seeing this colorized feels like seeing the most alive picture of history ever

[@johnwheatley5641]

Yeah, I’m not usually a fan or colourised black and white pictures but this did give it something extra.

[@oddborofiend]

You're not wrong. Seen this many times B&W...this really makes it pop.

[@johnnyv1982]

@@johnwheatley5641 are u British per chance?

[@johnwheatley5641]

johnny v I am indeed. My spelling of “colourised” give me away?

[@ianschmitt4991]

@@johnwheatley5641 it indeed did give you away, but your original point stands firm. The frontmen and dancers have a suit different to the musicians in this colorized video

[@gaillewis5472]

Let's not forget Cab Calloway. He was having a ball out there too.

[@brumels1570]

Also one of the greatest scat singer.

[@nancydemoss8421]

Hi-dee-hi!!

[@SR77736]

Yes such a legend

[@SR77736]

@@nancydemoss8421 hee dee hee dee heedie heee

[@kaiajackson8538]

And let's not forget all the amazing musicians the entire performance is breathtaking

[@jonathanvijongarth]

Probably the greatest dance sequence on film ever.

[@thedarkwarriorperspective7475]

I agree 100%

[@saudade2100]

Fred Astaire said the same thing. archive.nytimes.com/www.nytimes.com/books/00/03/26/reviews/000326.26alofft.html www.theguardian.com/stage/2016/oct/06/tap-dancing-fred-astaire-fabulous-nicholas-brothers

[@Canon18l]

@@saudade2100 great article thanks for sharing

[@kaylahall1219]

Hellzapoppin

[@teborshawlawllc7415]

Absolutely no doubt 😎

[@ramblerchic8180]

Talented beyond words. The Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture in D.C. has a wonderful exhibit dedicated to these brothers. They even have the tuxedo tails Cab Calloway wore.

[@johnparker1673]

Thank you for mentioning that. I didn't know and now I want to plan a trip to see that These gentlemen were second to none Their talent is sooo rare and the world misses them

[@petergreen5337]

😂so what??

[@StellarAvenger]

I gotta visit one day.

[@cateatfood6634]

That's good. What's not good is theae brothers' descendants being useless, thugs or "rappers". What a tragedy their culture and people have become. They used to be miles ahead of whites in terms of just marriage; now they're dead last at 24% of fayhers in the home, JUST a father being around, for cripes sake!

[@yvonneplant9434]

Fwiw there is still a very active tap community in Philadelphia which is where the brothers grew up.

[@likydsplit8483]

Can we take a moment to recognize the superb set construction? The Nicholas Brothers danced on every surface in that room!

[@mrmeach1967]

I agree. I looked again to see if the piano top appeared to be reinforced.

[@potate_overlord]

@@mrmeach1967I have a feeling it probably was. Impressive stuff

[@johnsilva9139]

Absolutely. It looked like they performed on two different sets. I wonder. No matter. This routine is incredible.

[@lamarrjones104]

Right

[@matthewandrews3883]

I think they missed dancing on the ceiling.

[@levitezoe1804]

Some people will never know how hard it is to split and bring yourself back up using your inner thigh muscle oh whatever the muscle you use oh my talent

[@Pashasmom1]

Terence Trent D'Arby could also do that.

[@NikomaGrob]

@@Pashasmom1 I can also do it. Everything is just irreversibly torn up and destroyed afterwards.

[@milenadivljak9387]

Yep

[@autumnrobinson8415]

SOME PEOPLE DONT KNOW HOW HARD IT IS TO EVEN DO A SPLIT AS A BOY - My brother

[@Dondonden1234]

Let alone jumping into a split every other step!!!!

[@PurpleNinja-vn4hv]

I love the way Calloway just strolls out of frame when the Nicholas Brothers take over like he’s the only one who knows how crazy they’re about to go!

[@calimango7926]

The look on his face, too! It's like, 'oooooh, let me get out of their way.'

[@tonycox7802]

I love all of them. They knew how to compliment each other.

[@annedavis6090]

and shaking his jive finger

[@tamaramadison7563]

This should be Part of Music History

[@annedavis6090]

@@tamaramadison7563 it is music history.. in the mid 80s Gap stores came out with a commercial ..for khakis... kids were dancing swing.. I believe to this song... ..but definitely was Cab Calloway.

[@davecapozzi6530]

How did we as a society ever get away from this. It is beautiful.

[@kathitownsend3857]

That ole agender not wanting us to be the great we were...

[@johnsmith8785]

I guess you don't realize that there was segregation between black and white people at the time and that black people couldn't even Vote or attend the most venues like this. Please do some reading

[@colberthunter12]

Well foundational black Americans who created this try to constantly change music with each generation and these things get played out. Others take it up and expand on it and add to it, but we eventually move on to something else to create, we came up with rhythm and blues next, Nat King Cole swoon all the ladies and then we got tired of that and we started doing doo wop, and then we got bored with that and then we started doing rock and roll and country and blues weird times lots of creation, then we got bored again and did Pop music with Motown, then we got bored again and did funk and then we did disco and eventually we just put it all together and created Hip Hop, which is past time to put on the shelf because we really are bored with it, I wonder what we will create next?

[@ebukalucky7871]

I ask the same question everyday

[@ebukalucky7871]

@@colberthunter12 lol I am really bored of today music I wish we can go back to the past where music is full of soul

[@wabska]

Those trumpet players deserve a round of applause for playing while near getting kicked in the head.

[@ButchBirdie]

Lmao the one side-eyeing them at 2:05 might agree with you. Far right front row

[@vaughnlcoleman]

@@ButchBirdie HA! i noticed him too. i’d be the same way, the way he was dodging. “kick me, i dare you.”

[@remixtape3677]

That one guy on the right kept leaning. 😂

[@stephanyjane]

I concur!!! A million times over!

[@joanodom2104]

Not to mention nailing/sustaining that high note. Mind blown!

[@garykass114]

There has never been a more athletic dance team than the Nicolas Brothers. Nobody-and I mean nobody-could do what they did.

[@ydcee3123]

Exactly. Not even Fred Astaire.

[@Brother_Dre1900]

Check out the Berry Brothers on KZbin.

[@karmaneshaspraglin2813]

The Berry Brothers as well

[@Udontkno7]

I always think about how many talents were kept away from great musicals of the past due to their race. like the Nicholas Brothers should've been major leads! Love Gene Kelly and Astaire and Fosse, but they could not do what these two could.

[@Iambriangregory]

@@Udontkno7 in the big picture every great work will be revealed and all injustices will be corrected that's why one can be happy knowing that those injustices will be reversed because what you said is true as I see it that nobody could do what they did and the funny thing is who does racist hurt the most? racist because they missed out on all the beauty that they could have gotten from the Nicholas Brothers as well as in other fields of life

[@anthony1947]

I don't care how many takes were involved. That was the most amazing dance ever captured on film. The jumping splits on the staircase is unbelievable. How could they not feel pain?

[@highvibe4839]

I’m sure they did, they just smiled their way through it. Ouch indeed.

[@cessnaace]

It was painful for them. In later interviews they talked about how they didn't rehearse the part where they jumped down the stairs, as they had in their minds what they were going to do and also knew how painful it was going to be so they only did it once. Still a major achievement. In order to reduce the wear and tear on their bodies the director elected to shoot the entire song and dance sequence in one take, using multiple cameras for complete coverage. Fred Astaire, who was in the sound stage during filming, told the Nicholas Brothers that the "Jumpin' Jive" dance sequence was "the greatest movie musical number he had ever seen".

[@lestranged]

and they do that staircase bit at the END of the routine when they were the most tired, after already doing so many split jumps and standing back up (with no hands). It's just mind boggling. I wonder if they had hip problems in old age.

[@sk_lxr2920]

@@lestranged The oldest brother had two hip surgeries and also a lot of knee pain. During their later performances, he couldn't do the splits anymore.

[@lestranged]

@@sk_lxr2920 That makes sense. Doing extraordinary things with your body takes a toll. Lots of pro athletes become disabled in old age after pushing their bodies to the limits. 😥

[@kingflourish8963]

This Was Film In 1943.. Today Year 2024 And It's Still Beautiful To Watch. Just Fantastic !!!!

[@cathyrowe9216]

Perfect performances and the fashion was beautiful and so classy.

[@kimberlyhughes6548]

To have that much energy! I get tired just watching and my joints tell me to dream on. This is just fantastic.

[@jrors93]

If I recall, the Nicholas brothers did only ONE take for this part. Those guys are legendary.

[@kuklafranandollie]

Not true. One take for the final splits - usual filming for everything else.

[@julietfischer5056]

@@kuklafranandollie - But probably didn't need as many takes as other performers. (I heard the splits down the steps were improvised?)

[@robertansley6331]

I don’t know how anybody would have the energy for multiple takes. I’m exhausted just watching!

[@BeeWhistler]

@@julietfischer5056 I suppose it's possible the splits weren't planned, but the music matched them...

[@Zzyzzyzzs]

I'm willing to believe they danced a tight set, but I can't bring myself to believe any (or even the entire thing, as I've seen said in some places) of this was improvised. At the least they would've had a thorough listen-through of the song and choreographed beforehand. If they really improvised it, it would've been almost impossible to sync every footfall so perfectly, or predict every transition, for instance the "duet" with the piano at 2:49. The whole thing just looks too clean.

[@tedcabana]

If Cab Calloway didn’t keep you enthralled, out comes the Nicholas Brothers to blow your minds with their insane dance moves. This truly was the golden age of American entertainment. No camera tricks, no computer generated music, all organic humans being awesome entertainment. Love that Swing Jazz!

[@CD318]

So true, Ted!

[@paolaleonardinigmail]

Dopo una esibizione del genere ben vengano menischi rotti e slogature a profusione . Sono dei giganti 👏👏👏

[@candyladyson]

This is the greatest dance act ever put on film.

[@tedcabana]

@@candyladyson Absolutely! It was!

[@c.chappelierfuller-hughes7852]

The Nicholas Brothers got this dance move done in ONE TAKE for this movie. Perfect doesn't need to be redone.

[@roseharlow9908]

What makes this clip more amazing is that dance sequence was their first and only take! One take with no mistakes and this is what's produced! Easily the greatest performance I have ever seen in my life, I'll forever be in awe of how legendary this scene is.

[@calisongbird]

No they said in an interview it was more than one take

[@mr.majestic8713]

Not true watch very closely there were many breaks in this clip. Clever editing made it appear as though this was done in one take. Some of the breaks were done at 2:03, 2:27, 2:50, 3:12, etc. They were brilliant dancers nonetheless.

[@johnsrabe]

Don’t be absurd.

[@MickyTubbs1985]

Everyone in this film is " the consummate professional artist and performer "- because they had to be!

[@johnsrabe]

@@calisongbird you and your actual facts are not pleasing to the crowd that wants to believe everything was better in 1940, And nobody has ever made a good movie since the godfather.

[@sassytarius7884]

The Nicholas Brothers were nothing short of phenomenal. Their recovery, grace, control, and strength were second to none. And their energy... just the big smiles on their faces... yeah ❤

[@DSTsucks]

The strength it takes to rise up from those splits using only their legs is unbelievable and they do it as easily as I open the medicine cabinet.

[@davilathegreat]

Cab Calloway is one of the best performers to ever live. The Nicholas Brothers are insanely talented. Those dive-bomb splits are just wild.

[@c8xyr]

I would've paid top money to have seen this extraordinary performance live. The crowd was very lucky to have seen such a legendary act. something I wish I could've experienced at the time

[@MBM1117727]

This was part of the 1943 movie Stormy Weather so it wasn't really a "performance" that people could go and see as such

[@mats7492]

@@MBM1117727 they did actual performances as well though

[@MBM1117727]

@@mats7492 true. But they might not have been quite as elaborate.

[@sheilaallen2146]

Me too

[@joannehines7806]

May they continue to RIHP!! Extraordinary & unlimited God-given talent!! 💘 💃 👡 🌈 🎶 😍 🎥 📷

[@kyleneopperman6186]

The amount of trust and control you have to have over your body to dance like they are, is insane and beyond incredibly impressive

[@patrickryan1515]

The amount of trust those orchestra players had as well.

[@BuckScrotumn]

I was born in 1993 yet I’m so fascinated by the 40’s and 50’s. I would do anything to see my grandad again and hear the stories he used to tell.

[@Magnetron33]

I am a reincarnationist and I believe we tend to gravitate toward what is familiar and what we have known before.I'm the same with movies from the 20s and 30s I like silents as well. I was born in 52

[@defaultusername123]

I'm not a reincarnationist. I was born in '94 and I agree lol. I just think there is something very classy about that era and the people of that era. The things you owned were real and analog. People were forced to socialize to make things happen. When being an adult meant enjoying sophisticated, adult, things like jazz etc. I think we realize this as we mature and look back at what our parents\grandparents were into. Something to the way they did things back then that we lost along the way. This was filmed in 1935, makes me kind of sad to think to compare to what we have today (mainly aimed at a evergreen built-in teen audience) for adults to enjoy. And what that means for the formation of healthy, diverse, adult minds in the future..... Idk just thoughts

[@jailenhoneycutt5584]

Not to mention the type of shape you have to be in to dance like that for that long

[@ricchansan]

They never skipped leg day for sure.

[@queenmeka896]

Right

[@Aethelhadas]

What is the name of the dance?

[@alexjackson5693]

@@Aethelhadas it’s called tap dancing

[@Aethelhadas]

@@alexjackson5693 thank you Alex!!

[@lestranged]

There's so much going on in this scene. It's so much more than just the mind boggling athleticism. They have this kind of nonchalant cool elegance, they are not robotically synchronized like The Rockettes. Each brother is doing slightly different hand movements and stuff, it makes it feel loose and free and spontaneous, at the same time they are in TOTAL control of every detail. Even the band all have such great moves and flourishes and showmanship. The back & forth between the piano player and the brothers when they dance on his piano. the 2 sax players in the front row and their interplay. This is just the definition of cool. This is my #1 favorite dance scene and I must have watched it hundreds of times. #2 is from Hellzapoppin -Jumpin at the Woodside, with the Lindy Hoppers.

[@lamarrjones104]

Well said Bro

[@beartz1415]

You got it!

[@alexismansion9761]

Mind boggling is an understatement. I would have passed out long before they ended, AND needed oxygen!!! They are out of this world.❤

[@chriso8193]

Rockettes??? Wow, no flavor, no spice, just white ladies dancing and kicking in sync. Not even worth being in a conversation of tap dancing.

[@gmlaster]

Same. I can't watch one without watching the other.

[@Pashasmom1]

The Nicholas Brothers were the best. Talent, enthusiasm, athleticism, endurance, entertaining, precision moves, and those smiles.

[@YaoEspirito]

And class.

[@ASMRChess]

I'm out of breath just watching lol

[@karenhill2023]

They were underrated

[@Threektwookonk]

They were imitated but never replicated by their contemporaries. To this day they remain one of the great pillars of innovation in dance.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

This is why I laugh when Youngheads say that Painters, composers, directors, actors, singers, dancers, athletes, etc are better today than the past

[@sharleenalexander4506]

Their smiles were genuine, their move, grace and impeccable timing were fun to watch. Never to be duplicated. 😊😊😊😊

[@monicabrowne-smith8009]

This is why Janet Jackson paid a well deserved "Tribute" and acknowledgement in her video "Alright" to iconic Hollywood Stars, Cab Callaway and The Nicholas Brothers. We should always remember and learn from those who paved the way for us, phenomenally in The Arts, Entertainment & Theatre. 😃💗😃💗

[@aww773]

Not only are they landing those splits but they are getting out of the splits off the ground without using their hands. Insane

[@kc.emerson8792]

I just played it for my 16 and 22 year old. And they are Wowed by it. Restoring their appreciation for their African American heritage.

[@rhondaatkins1776]

I love it!! ❤❤❤

[@303zuri]

My parents did too. same reaction even though I was about 7 years old

[@Muxxyy]

This is American heritage, nothing African American about it. Old movies are a proof that back in the day people were a lot more unified in their culture than they are now! This is the same type of dance number that you could see everywhere across the English speaking world. Danced by white people, Black people, and everything in-between. I don't understand this modern need to segregate yourself from all things "white". Your grandparents fought for the right to integrate and you're spitting on their graves!

[@rhondaatkins1776]

@@Muxxyy BS. I was going to explain how wrong your comment is but decided to erase it. Do the research your damned self. You need to study the history of this country if you think ANYTHING you just wrote is factual. One thing I will tell you is that our grandparents had pride in their Blackness, in their African American-ness and would be proud that were recognizing the works of our ancestors and labeling it as such. You know nothing about our ancestors or their history in this country or you wouldn't have even thought to write your comment. Good day!

[@carolineglazier3505]

@@Muxxyy tap dancing’s origins are incredibly rooted in African American culture. It started as a combination of Irish jig and African rhythm dance, but developed into what was called juba (mostly performed in the south by African Americans until white performers used this style for minstrel shows). The black dancers popularized and perfected this craft, so yes, it is 100% apart of the African American culture. This has nothing to do with segregation, but rather taking pride in how the African American community was able to help form one of America’s most beloved art forms! And, by the way, this is a white tap dancer writing this!

[@defaultusername123]

11 years and this will be 100 years old. Just amazing how *timeless* this is

[@wanderingstar2717]

Cab Calloway is and remains the coolest cat, and I keep having to watch this again and again to convince myself this dancing is even possible

[@catherinerobilliard7662]

Cab Calloway’s singing was dubbed in many of the musicals but that doesn’t detract from his presence or the fact he could really hold a tune. The Nicholas Brothers beat Fred Estaire and Ginger Rogers into a cocked hat.

[@jeffreyyounger5772]

Nicolas Brothers were the pioneers of modern pop/jazz dancers, they were the coolest 😎 brothers on the big movie 🎬 screen.

[@serpentines6356]

Fred Astaire was a dancers dancer. He was extremely good. Just a different style.

[@mikehowell5513]

Yes Cab is the coolest cat I've ever seen! This has got to be the greatest performance ever!

[@Transit_my-way]

I like the way cab smooth walks off the stage when the Nicolas brothers started to do their thing.

[@mslady-rd7tf]

Ikr! I kept rewinding it lol

[@harrisfrankou2368]

This era completely demolishes the talent of today.

[@mycolortv1]

Cab was just too......COOL

[@jaylenharris2150]

Same fr I thought it was smooth

[@budahbaba7856]

Yes! As much as Cab likes to be center of attention -he not only runs one of the best big bands of the era, he is also its featured vocalist. But even the great Cab Calloway side steps out to let the Nicholas Brothers make their magic! :) OMFW! I can die happy just because i was able to see this piece of cinema history! :)

[@jeffreyfitzgerald1779]

They were known for their athletic moves, but if you read between the lines you see a quiet perfect kind of grace that maybe only they and Fred Astaire captured, and is the reason Fred Astaire called this the greatest dance sequence ever put on film.

[@zsedcftglkjh]

If you watch Astaire or Kelly, you see disciplined control. You can't possibly call this "graceful" by comparison. The footwork is all over the place. This is controlled, wild abandon! Just a different, fun kinda swing.

[@jj1106]

@@zsedcftglkjhWe’ll just have to agree to disagree. 😒

[@nicolasgodines1129]

@@zsedcftglkjh As someone who dances, this takes more bodily control, discipline, and hard work to do than a lot of what Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly do. There is discipline in the seeming chaos that makes this experience as good as it is.

[@Greyareas27]

If Fred thought it was the best, that's enough for me.

[@gloriaschwazenhag2252]

@@Greyareas27 exactly. Can’t argue with that!

[@phillynurse9492]

That was the most amazing show of athleticism meets art that I’ve ever seen! Brilliant simply brilliant ❤

[@indigothecat]

My knees hurt just watching them! They are good!

[@jasonstarr6419]

funny, but it wasn't my knees that were hurting when they did those split/jumps coming down the stairs!! lol

[@punkanellylovejoy702]

My booty's hurting. Although that's always been the case.

[@heissovereign]

They are awesome dancers but every move all I can think of is my knees and hip joints 😂

[@LJ-focus]

Me too🤣🤣🤣 My knees are killing me. Hahaha

[@MsTishalish]

My ankles!

[@dancerx411]

my favorite part about this is that they don't look exactly the same. Their taps are in perfect sync with each other, but they both have their own unique style. thanks for the likes!

[@46foryounger]

Yes!! The sign of a great dancer they are unique on to themselves even when they dance in chorus

[@Incognito-slowed-and-reverb]

Yeeeesssss!

[@BlackSeranna]

Did you notice how slick the floor is? They are like ice skaters and football athletes all rolled up in one - perfect control, manage to synchronize at all the steps. They are so talented, I don't know if we will ever see the likes of them in these modern times.

[@dancerx411]

@@BlackSeranna I didn’t but WOW. As someone who has tapped on slick floors it’s an incredibly huge feat that they aren’t flopping everywhere.

[@SmartStart24]

So true!

[@-umph]

He's so damn talented. No one living today can sing that fast and articulate every single syllable. Incredible stuff. Everyone in the band are incredible,

[@davidlamb7524]

Busta Rhymes.

[@Mila-eo9mx]

Twista

[@mnfrench7603]

Eminem has entered the chat…

[@Peacekeepa317]

Bone Thugs N Harmony dislikes this comment

[@JessicaSmith-zb7sq]

My knees hurt from watching all of these jump splits. This talent is unmatched to this day.

[@myinnermagpie]

I was thinking of my knees too!

[@raagtop363]

Knees, Balls. Everything hurts.

[@the_bearded_wonder]

Mind boggling to think this is 77 years ago!

[@ethanperreault7470]

77 years ago, but yeah crazy!

[@the_bearded_wonder]

I stand corrected.. 77 years ago 🤣 my maths were clearly disabled when I typed this haha!

[@Snipewoods69]

I'm not gonna let it go. Its always go be new to me. It's Incredible!

[@Lexilove2016]

@@the_bearded_wonder No, you're math is good. 2020-1943=77.

[@the_bearded_wonder]

@@Lexilove2016 I edited the post a while back 🤪🤣

[@stephanehamel1334]

What a performance! I can't believe my eyes! Nobody and I mean NOBODY TODAY can do such a performance!

[@johnhunter2294]

Savion Glover said that if this scene was reshot today, it'd have to be CGI, because there's no one in the world who can do this.

[@bovnycccoperalover3579]

I believe it!

[@cateatfood6634]

It's so sad seeing and knowing just how talented, loving and all around great they were as a whole, yet have turned into monsters in this day and age ☹️😞🤬 their "music", robbing and such. Ehat an absolute shame.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

This is why I laugh when Youngheads say that Painters, composers, directors, actors, singers, dancers, athletes, etc are better today than the past

[@libfuzzy4629]

@@cateatfood6634remember this world is ruled by the lowercase God satan understand that he’s really behind the the horrible rap artists. More people need to boycott the trash and instead push and promote Godly artist

[@christianmollo3239]

I grew up in the 70’s with a Father who encouraged me to watch these men dance and sing. He would yell for us to hurry up and watch these guys !! I can hear his voice as if it was yesterday. I’m so thankful for the memories I have from a man who was part of The Greatest Generation and these magnificent performers

[@marielacey7928]

My dad also

[@careca6547]

You were privileged for having an amazing FATHER. GOD bless. 🙏🏻

[@christianmollo3239]

@@careca6547 God Bless you

[@moyrawoodward2291]

Lucky you. You of course know this is once in a lifetime happening.

[@cateatfood6634]

Wonderful!!! 💜💜 I wonder what your father would think about what these people have become of today. It's so sad seeing and knowing just how talented, loving and all around great they were as a whole, yet have turned into monsters in this day and age ☹️😞🤬

[@johngrantham5508]

Great ! People got together and dance the night away. The Nicholas brothers were the best dancing duos ever.

[@dmmchugh3714]

MAGNIFICENT ! The last sequence leaping over each other down the stairs must have been a killer. Looks like Astaire used more than one dance riff from the Nicholas brothers.

[@johntechwriter]

Astaire always gave Black performers their due, from Bill Robinson (Mr. Bojangles) to Michael Jackson.

[@HollywoodCharityAuctioncom]

Sure did. BTW the staircase is a FAMOUS moment.

[@jbs431]

Black Excellence....1940s Style. Outstanding. Astounding. Amazing!

[@jameswinston5512]

It's a shame that more people doesn't know about to brothers, but it's not their fault....I guaranteed you if they had been caucasian, a lot more people would know about the nicholas brothers the same they know about fred astaire.

[@pipstermayne]

@@jameswinston5512 It sucks. Well, hey, that sure as hell doesn't erase their incredible legacies!

[@metelicgunz146]

Cab Calloway is not as well know as he deserves to be. It’s a shame this era of music is fading from public conciseness

[@jameswinston5512]

@@metelicgunz146 it's a shame that the black talent in those days wasn't getting the same respect as the white entertainers 😥

[@metelicgunz146]

@@jameswinston5512 I mean idk about that performers like Louis Armstrong are some of the most recognizable artists who ever lived. But it is a tragedy that most were payed less for their performances.

[@carij6238]

You don’t see talent like this anymore. Absolutely incredible

[@garyfrancis6193]

There pro is talent like this out there. You just don’t see it.

[@carij6238]

@@garyfrancis6193 That’s why the comment was that you don’t see talent like this anymore, not that it’s non existent. Talent like this goes unnoticed because trendy dances that have 15 minutes of fame are out at the forefront, rather than natural talent that derives from the heart and soul.

[@tanishakennedy4616]

Actually the last time you've seen this dancing was back in the mid 80s

[@MC32595]

the fact this 80 year old video has over 3 million views on youtube just goes to show how great of a routine this is 🙌

[@damelos4039]

80 years....amazing when you think about it!

[@MC32595]

@@damelos4039 yup definitely

[@FreedomFighter2112]

This is why I laugh when Youngheads say that Painters, composers, directors, actors, singers, dancers, athletes, etc are better today than the past

[@stlouislord28]

If I tried doing the splits like that I’d be in the hospital! Great performance

[@cakeboy7782]

Hehe it’s funny because your a banana

[@thebobsmith1444]

@@cakeboy7782 lol

[@rosalindwhittaker2030]

@CMsSweetCherryMusic🍒 😂😂😂😂😂😄😄😄😄😄😅😅😅😅😅 Too funny!!

[@mahahassan369]

@CMsSweetCherryMusic🍒 oh my goodness you absolutely right 😹😹😹

[@mdhbh]

🤣

[@leek2serious]

I am shocked that the nicholas brothers wasn’t gasping for air halfway through. True athleticism

[@domainofthesun4400]

well, the sequence was put together from a number of shots ;-)

[@domainofthesun4400]

@Sandpills there are several cuts and different angles - but yes maybe it was filmed on multiple cameras simultaneously... obvious I need to dig into this and learn more ... what a nice project to have :-) learning more about Nicholas Bros.

[@DR0621]

It was all done in one shot and they never practiced it on set ie just went right out and did it, and that was that!!...simply makes them all the more phenomenal!!....I am blessed to take tap from Fayards' granddaughter, Cathie...her dad is Tony...they had a 100 year b-day celebration for Fayard last year and showed all kinds of public and family clips...of course, it ended with this clip and as Tony narrated, he told us about about them just going for it with no rehearsal!!!!...the epitome of amazing, REAL talent!!!

[@barryrivadue9228]

Multiple set ups and rehearsed.

[@pongespob]

Makes a great story but I promise that's not the way it happened.

[@SatanIceCream]

NO WAY this was done in 'one shot' -- it's a FILM. Multiple shots, and editing. Not takin' anything away from the performers.. but this is FILM.

[@TonyP_Yes-its-Me]

I doubt very much that this is one single dance. You can quite clearly see where the camera changes angle. It seems as if multiple takes were made, and it was edited together to be this stunning routine. Cameras in those days with large bulky items and not easily manoeuvrable, for long complicated takes. I am not knocking them, these men were phenomenal dancers. Astonishing.

[@karykares]

pongespob pongespob lol... I agree, they look so in sync, they would have needed to understand the layout of their “stage” so to speak. You don’t go jumping down those stairs without knowing where to land each time and stop for your partner to join. That’s ok, it doesn’t diminish them, they were VERY talented and this is an AMAZING sequence but we are HUMAN guys.

[@KelzBernard]

Beautiful Black American artistry! This was amazing! 🥲

[@GatorGirl04]

While I'm more partial to the black and white version...this sequence is still absolutely gorgeous!! Thanks for giving fans this glimpse of what the cast and crew got to experience in person for this unforgettable piece of cinema.

[@GiftSparks]

I am really impressed by the colorization. When it began in the 1980’s it was awful. But it has improved so much!

[@magich8ball]

The only thing, and I'm super nitpicking here, the Army uniforms were off. Lol

[@larryshaver3568]

@@GiftSparks I agree completely but 42 street was a plausible effort then

[@sheenabecerra6397]

Just think the Nicholas Brothers said they didn't even rehearse this number, pure genius

[@yvetteihemesinwa2981]

Woah...

[@Agumisael1925]

They definitely rehearsed it, you can see shoe marks at around 3:18. They just did it in one take.

[@MrATN800]

Yeah... no, I 'm not buying that. Though it did look like a single take. Which is probably for the best, as doing this even once probably knackers you out for a while

[@terrytari1891]

Sheena: then let's do it! We don't need any rehearsel just starbucks!

[@sheenabecerra6397]

@@terrytari1891 , 🤣🤣🤣😂

[@maxgross4355]

I am in awe of the Nicholas Brothers' ability to SMILE all the way through this incredible physical performance

[@adriennesmith2133]

This dance was so brilliant they only had to do it one time!! No new takes just one!. That's perfection at its finest !!!

[@gulfgypsy]

I adore the musicals of the 30's, 40's & 50's. Incredible dance numbers, the costumes, the music. I dare anyone watching them not feel like getting up and dancing along with them!

[@Riogi]

This is the greatest sequence of dancing I have ever seen. I am in awe as the brothers along with Cab and his orchestra delight as never before.

[@anonygent]

Seriously, this is the greatest dance sequence _anyone_ has ever seen. I have yet to hear anyone contest it.

[@blackdynamite5016]

@@anonygent I've got a close second, go check out the movie called Tap with Gregory Hines, Sammy Davis Jr, Savion Glover as a kid and the Sand Man. Go to the scene where they have the tap contest in the dance studio. You're welcome in advance 💯💯

[@avocado8936]

I'm a teenager, and just randomly bumped in to this.... And I LOVE it

[@timcunningham136]

Send it to your friends and see what they think.

[@renderizer01]

@@timcunningham136 Tut. Don't make himself get rejected and sidelined...

[@timcunningham136]

@@renderizer01 Not sure what you mean. Why would anyone get rejected or sidelined by sending a video with phenomenal dancers?

[@renderizer01]

@@timcunningham136 I was - rather tongue in cheek - referring to the still not sooo distant possibility that his friends might think that this is utter crap when he shows it to them. But then they might love it, too. A lot of my friends back in the day thought me a bit of a nutcase for some of my tastes in music (I happen to love a lot of traditional forms of music from a lot of different countries). I didn't exactly get sidelined but there was always someone paying attention that I didn't get my hands on the hifi (it's been some time)... 😉

[@cringyalienguy9787]

@@renderizer01 If you’re friends want to judge you for your music tastes the fuck em. This isn’t even weird or fringe. Sure it’s outdated but it’s genuinely good shit, like enjoying classical music

[@grouchomagic]

I'm a 75-year-old jazz drummer, and after seeing this for a couple hundred times, I've decided to buy pair of shoes and a floor. Simple as that, for my exercise.

[@nadezhdaz9040]

badASS!! you inspred me today❤

[@elliotville7820]

Footage like this makes me wish time travel exists

[@MiaWallace85]

Deadass

[@MiaWallace85]

@one Sof Asael nothing I agreed

[@linmal2242]

Well no, you would not like it back there in the daily grind. What you see here is the illusion of style and sophistication. Not like that in reality!

[@reginawilliams1398]

Me too

[@kstarrify]

🤔🤩

[@franciscosoto8663]

This is officially the most magnificent thing I’ve ever seen.

[@liz6cats280]

When the Messiah arrives, hopefully this video becomes the second most magnificent thing you've ever seen.

[@frankhoffman6825]

Fred Astaire, not a bad hoofer himself, called this the best dance scene ever filmed, bar none

[@bozm9961]

Passion, dedication,devotion and talent perfectly measured 👌🏿👌🏿👌🏿

[@nicolecooper69]

@@liz6cats280 ? Uhm ok

[@petercontijr.4846]

@@frankhoffman6825 Mikhail Baryshnikov said they were “the most amazing dancers I have ever seen in my life - ever,” and “Those guys are perfect examples of pure genius.” [You can't get higher praise than this.]

[@andiemorgan961]

The strength you need to pull yourself up from the splits! A master performance in agility and slick movement! 👏

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

I love Cab Calloway, but the Nicholas Brothers, wow that is what perfection looks like. Just flawless and beyond compare.

[@letakeokuk5446]

The colorization feels like “today”. Thanks for posting 🕺🏾💃🏾🕺🏾💃🏾🎼💕🎼🥂💖

[@blackpepperswing]

Isn't it so, unbelievable!

[@punkanellylovejoy702]

Yeah looks like colorization has gotten better. It used to look so dull and painted on and ugly. I like this

[@vio3366]

Cab Calloway, his orchestra and The Nicholas Brothers did an amazing work! This is a masterpiece! I love everything about this performance!

[@giraffesinc.2193]

Never EVER gets old. They were all SO AMAZING!

[@bobby12348]

We are some beautiful people only if we pull together we can be that again.

[@Trump145]

You got that right and they didn't even look like they were breathing hard

[@mediaent01]

The single best performance ever recorded on film

[@lmargo3501]

Amazing. I’d take this as a super bowl halftime show over Justin Timberlake any day of the week

[@beepboop8751]

Justin Timberlake didn't play this super bowl, are you right in the head?

[@gulmerton2758]

Don’t put J.Timberlake and the Nicholas brothers in the same sentence. It’s sounds like comparing a worm with a star. Blasphemous.

[@paulgatunopaulgatuno6490]

Justin who?

[@gulmerton2758]

@@paulgatunopaulgatuno6490 exactly my point!😂 nobody knows.

[@idanceforthestars]

@@paulgatunopaulgatuno6490 🤣🤣🤣

[@russellwright1422]

The Nicholson brother’s were some of the most talented acrobatic dancers of all times!!! They were legendary pioneers and a prelude to what would later become the art of street break dancing. All genres of dancing owes them a large debt of gratitude!

[@mcdonoghrahloh459]

Who?

[@tomcon5607]

NICHOLAS BROTHERS!!! please!!!

[@yunusabbas882]

i ended up clapping at the end of the video along with the audience after seeing their performance. Goddamn.

[@debrakweddington8127]

And they did it with class!

[@dttra566]

The way that they just jumped up and down that extremely tall platform where the musicians were sitting as it was nothing was absolutely unbelievable!! They must have extremely strong ankles.

[@SHHHidku]

Swing just puts me in a happy dancing mood but Cab is on another level he was so good ❤I'm happy we get to appreciate his music many years later.

[@buchananjeneen3739]

During my grandparents' generation, such great history from African American ancestry. 👵🏾👴🏾👵🏿👴🏿

[@Pashasmom1]

They were the best in the entertainment world - singers, dancers, and musicians. I love to watch them all.

[@cringyalienguy9787]

Very true, black culture has given both America and the world some great things.

[@thomateish]

@@cringyalienguy9787 as amazing as this is and those dancers were, this style of dancing doesn’t come at all from “African American inheritance”

[@Pashasmom1]

@@thomateish Look up the origins of tap dance. You will be pleasantly surprised.

[@thebobsmith1444]

@@Pashasmom1 thank you. I appreciated your response and looking into it yes I am amazed.

[@ombreyarenee3826]

The Nicholas brothers were incredible pure talent. Wow, they were amazing dancers. They were self taught which makes it even more amazing.

[@peterg463]

Thank god for film.

[@stormjacobs5497]

Cab Calloway and the whole band, the Nicholas brothers...Pure perfection and absolute delight to watch, over and over... etc. Love this!!!!❤️🤩

[@kishiagoins2541]

Man, after a long rough day at work, I come home and look at this and it brings the biggest smile on my face and fills my heart with joy. Seeing this warms my soul. This is what happy feels like when I watch this. I watch it over and over and over again, rewinding every little see just to see their AMAZING footwork and to hear Mr. Cab Calloway sing beautifully with his scatting and that band....whoa how amazing. Those horns are everything!!!!

[@McNabbulous]

I drive Lyft as Uber. I sometimes play Cab Calloway in my car when I move whippersnappers back and forth to the bars. They are always fascinated by how good the music is to their ears.

[@stormcloudsabound]

this story is true! i was the “lyft as uber” which is totally a thing

[@evelynfranklin601]

AJ LMAO

[@lambchop6278]

"Whippersnappers"! ...😂

[@aliakba6269]

ill snap your whip

[@Blood0cean]

Well any music sounds good to intoxicated ppl

[@daviddura1172]

DIDN'T FRED ASTAIRE consider this the greatest dance sequence ever filmed.....

[@JaneFrieman]

🎩I read that too. I agree with Astaire's comment concerning the talented Nicholas Brothers. 🎩Cab Calloway was also very handsome as well as talented.My mother enjoyed his music when she went to the movies.🎞️🎬🎥📽️

[@bunnylee9202]

he did say that, it is true

[@TheOlskool4ever]

Man these guys danced circles around Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly and Arthur Murray. Hollywood was too racist to give them their proper due and put them behind the previously named dancers. Fred Astaire later admitted much of his influence on dance steps came from what he saw performed by black dancers like the Nicholas Brothers when he would visit Harlem nightclubs.

[@UWalvern0810]

He did indeed!

[@Zofer-1920]

Ol’ Cab Calloway! I remember him growing up watching Sesame Street. I always loved the segment they had of him. So much talent in this film finale. Thanks for sharing!

[@elliotlenosky9154]

Can't understand, Why someone dislike this masterpiece.

[@kaylaleave]

Bad bunny generation

[@kotan80]

Prolly racists

[@thankful3841]

Jealous cause they fell downstairs trying to dance like this

[@stephendailey3108]

You already know who that person might be, easily someone who does not look like them

[@bme4285]

Probably decendants of Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly 😀. Did I just say that 🏃🏾‍♂️🏃🏾‍♂️

[@jeffreycavallo7755]

We really need more of this!!! such pure talent!!

[@rachelmlusby]

I've watched this dozens of times and it still blows my mind. These men are unmatched even today.

[@Callie83]

The class, the talent, the athleticism. Man, I bet this was one hell of a show to see live!

[@yamayama6083]

These two have immortalised themselves with this dance. This will forever be the best choreography ever. The creativity and yet simplicity can never de duplicated. I doubt even the Nicholas brothers could repeat this choreography as is. You could tell this just flowed naturally and was in the moment. Amazing dancers.

[@RaceIsOpen]

This, is incredible in all senses of the word. From cab to the Nicholas Brothers. We are so far removed from this time and it's sad., at least we have this to bring happiness

[@namj8145]

Wow, great to see this in color. This DeOldify process has some flaws, with small color shifts back and forth, but overall it gives a great warm look to these B&W clips. Thought I knew this classic by heart, but the color brings out so many details, like the flowers and candles inside the giant staircase I'd never noticed before. Beginning to like colorization with this. Oh...did I mention the incredible talents of Cab and the Nicholas Brothers? Color or B&W, what they did was simply superhuman.

[@blackpepperswing]

That's the best part of these colorizations in my opinion as well - the (unnoticed) details pop up and it's like seeing the clip for the very first time!

[@camd0407]

This ⬆️

[@EmpressMermaid]

I've seen some other colorizations that did a terrible job with the African American skin tones, which often come out grey looking. This was did the skin tones very well. So compliments.

[@TheRenCoco]

Agreed

[@MichaelDavis1]

All in one incredible damn take!!

[@jersey5000]

That’s the most amazing dance routine I’ve ever seen! It’s the GOAT of all dance routines. The physicality alone can’t be duplicated…

[@kiwanishinton9410]

YEP

[@TLS31255]

I agree

[@oldschoolfunkster1]

Man! Talk about talent!! These guys gave it their ALL!!! Thank God we have it on film forever.

[@Altosax449]

My grandfather playing altosax at the 2:39 min mark on the left, Hilton “Jeff” Jefferson.

[@zeroswings2]

That's so 🔥, you must swell with pride seeing your family immortalized like that!!

[@smallbee1234]

Did he ever talk to about the pure raw energy in this video?

[@victorparker308]

Our great-grandparents knew how to have a good time too.The musicians, Cab himself, the dancing, great clothes, cool lyrics, set designs, happy audience, pure class all around circa 1943.

[@cateatfood6634]

No bottom shaking, no "rapping" about ending lives, getting sith girls in the nastiest of ways, nor taking substances and acquiring money. It's so painful to see and know just how great they were, only to be degraded to what they are now.

[@FreedomFighter2112]

This is why I laugh when Youngheads say that Painters, composers, directors, actors, singers, dancers, athletes, etc are better today than the past

[@atedinahalf6288]

​@@cateatfood6634Yeah never get sith pregnant. We could end up with Darth maul and go back to 1999.

[@atedinahalf6288]

​@@FreedomFighter2112It's amusing. They're ignorant as they are stupid. A bushel of narcissists.

[@o4_]

3:58 I have no idea how they even survived that. And managed to continue dancing afterwards. These two are legends.

[@eternalmiasma5586]

Is this what inspired that part in Aladdin? They do that same thing during friend like me

[@zkasdarli5749]

agreed Ouch !!!

[@IAmJustR]

How does one even rehearse such a thing?! I am a woman and if you could ever get me to attempt this ONCE, you'd better have a camera rolling.😂

[@jessicapesigan9198]

@@eternalmiasma5586 yes I was looking for a comment that said this

[@289rory]

@@eternalmiasma5586 Really? I never watched Aladdin, not all the way through. Now I want to.

[@para7429]

I'm sure I read that this was all done in 1 take - just magnificent. Can never be repeated. I've enjoyed watching this so many times in B&W but a real treat in colour - Thank You.

[@evidenceunseen1575]

I could *NEVER* imagine them taking another take on this. Main reason why the *Nicholas Brothers* achieved *PERFECTION.* They were *COMPLETE* in every facet. *FACT*

[@fifthbusiness1678]

Yes, but can you imagine how many ‘takes’ they had to do in rehearsal? It boggles the mind, the amount of time and effort that must have gone into preparing for this incredible performance.

[@barryseymourmusic]

There are a COUPLE of edits here. But not many! A superhuman dance performance!

[@Buttagreyz78]

I saw a interview with the brothers they said it wasn’t done in 1 take but no matter how many it took it’s still unmatched I agree it is a treat

[@dominiquejenkins5495]

Yup and they basically free styled it

[@koolvidkids5519]

I was a film student. Go back and watch this production (specifically the Nicholas brothers dancing) without the sound. Notice the angles, the steadiness of the camera, the zooming in/out the highs and lows of the shots and expecially the delays...Masterclass!!

[@danielcombs3207]

Imagine going back in time and walking into a nightclub and seeing these great artists live!

[@mrcapybara3579]

Oh, what I would give for that to be true.

[@bridgetgregory3876]

We need a Time Machine 🙂

[@c00mgoblin]

This is the type of content that needs to be getting in people’s recommended section.

[@jayriver1644]

Imagine seeing this live, wow such talent. This is the best musical/dance routine I have ever seen in my life. Glad it was recorded for future generations to appreciate!

[@princearthur4946]

Absolutely Amazing! Excellent! Unique!

[@johnriley8591]

Without question the greatest dance routine ever put on film. The flexibility, and athleticism is just incredible.

[@Bigjizay]

The best dancing I've seen in my entire life!

[@nevaehlheaven]

Truly phenomenal. They are so talented. Never found anything on this level.

[@wescarpenter4289]

Swing music is the best. These guys danced so smoothly, it's like they were levitating

[@MarleneGreen]

November 2024 and I’m STILL in Awe at this performance! Amazing!