Killer Diller (1948) | Moms Mabley Nat King Cole Dusty Fletcher

All star music and comedy review from African-American film producer George Alexander's All American Films features some of the top talent of the day. The movie features The Clark Brothers (tap dancers), Nat King Cole, Moms Mabley, Dusty Fletcher, Butterfly McQueen, the Andy Kirk Orchestra and the Four Congaroos (dancing Lindy Hop). Originally shared on Archive.org
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From the AFI Catalog
Mortimer Dumdone, the manager of a variety show, is distressed to learn from Butterfly, his secretary, that the show's magician has disappeared and, therefore, a replacement must quickly be found. When Lola, Dumdone's glamorous fiancée, enters the office, Dumdone presents her with an expensive pearl necklace. As Lola leans forward to give Dumdone a kiss of gratitude, a strange man appears, seemingly out of nowhere, and she mistakenly kisses him instead. A furious Dumdone prepares to punch the intruder, but refrains when the stranger introduces himself as Dusty, a magician, and requests an audition for the open spot. After enclosing Lola and her necklace in one of two large cabinets placed on the stage, Dusty succeeds in making her disappear, but is unable to bring her back. Dumdone calls the police and they catch Dusty flirting with Butterfly back in the office. The police sergeant suggests that Dusty reenact the trick using the policemen as subjects, so Dusty obliges, making the four officers disappear and reappear in his cabinet. Dumdone demands that the police arrest the fleeing Dusty, and the bumbling officers head after him, tripping over one another at regular intervals. Declaring that the show must go on, Dumdone makes preparations for that night's variety show. Dusty returns briefly to a now-lovesick Butterfly, then heads down to the basement to hide from the police. In front of a packed house, the variety show opens with a number by Andy Kirk and his orchestra. Next, Beverly White sings two numbers, followed by the hefty singing and tapdancing duo of Patterson and Jackson. Jackie "Moms" Mabley does her stand-up comedy routine, and the Clark Bros. tapdance and impersonate the Ink Spots, after which the King Cole Trio performs. As the Four Congaroos dance troupe do their act, the police continue to chase Dusty through the basement and up onto the roof. Dumdone, still desperate for a replacement magician, asks Moms to entertain the crowd until Dusty can be located. As Moms stands on stage, Dusty runs by, followed by the clumsy policemen. Dusty then begins his act and encloses himself in the first cabinet. After a trap door dumps Dusty into the basement, the policemen follow. However, Moms succeeds in making the policemen and the long-lost Lola reappear on stage. The missing magician, known as "Voodoo Man," is revealed to be the culprit behind Lola's disappearance when he shows up on stage attempting to sell her necklace. After Voodoo Man is hauled off by the police, the show closes with a dance number by the eight Varietiettes. Backstage, Dusty becomes a prisoner of a different sort when he finds himself handcuffed to the infatuated Butterfly.
Dusty Fletcher Dusty
George Wiltshire [Mortimer] Dumdone, the manager
Butterfly McQueen Butterfly, his secretary
Nelle Hill Nellie Hill Lola, his fiancée
Freddie Robinson Sarge
William Campbell Policeman
Edgar Martin Policeman
Sidney Easton Sid Easton Policeman
Augustus Smith Gus Smith Stage hand
Jackie "Moms" Mabley Jackie Mabley Vaudeville star
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[@Themaddprof]

Before it degenerated into "Booty Entertainment Television," BET used to show these films in the 80s on a show called "Black Classics." My parents grew up in the 40s and remembered these films, so we really bonded while watching them.

[@mochawitch]

I remember that ❤️❤️

[@heathertea2704]

WHAT a CAST of TALENT.

[@hrwatchinpuff6551]

Heather TEA ...Back when you had to be a performer...they opened the doors for many today.

[@heathertea2704]

@@hrwatchinpuff6551 you KNOW thats right. 👏👏👏 ALWAYS appreciate those from the past who MAKE my present & future easier.✊

[@normamayberry4912]

Thanks for letting us see the beautiful blackness of classic movies 💕 😘😘💕

[@Phillyate]

I wanted to watch something from KZbin on my TV. Saw a movie called "Killer Dill" come up in Google results. Sounded intriguing. I used my Xfinity remote voice control and called up "Killer Diller" by "mistake". A happy mistake! This movie "Killer Diller" is a real gem. I'm watching it now - up to so far The King Trio with Nat King Cole. I've had a smile on my face since the first second of this film. Going back to finish watching...

[@sandramorris420]

My favorite part of this film is the singing,tap dancing and the comedy of Moms Mabley!

[@hrwatchinpuff6551]

sandra morris ...mine to. I love my people ✊🏿

[@sandramorris420]

@ hrwatchinpuff me too!

[@nicmart]

The jazz is sweet.

[@profoundja9598]

I love Mom's Mabley.. The Original Queen of Comedy...Nat King Cole stories are clever to say the least... thanks again 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@damonfitzgerald7507]

I love my people as well the pride I feel when I watch the immense talent these performers possessed is only humbled by the indignities that each every person in the theatre that day/night it’s bittersweet I LOVE MY PEOPLE

[@deborahmccoy3837]

It make me so.....proud to see our people with so...much talent in a variety of categories and to some it of us it might seem degrading but you got to remember, these you the 40’s and they wasn’t many opportunities for people of color; and they had to do what they had to do; and what about the people that came to see them. These individuals were busting with talent why not show case it. I know that I’m proud that I’m able to see all this talent from back in the day.

[@junkboxxxxxx]

I don't see anything degrading in this at all

[@Black0ysterPearl]

Amazing guitar work and way ahead of the time.

[@speakeasyarchives8764]

This is a great movie filled with talent. I wish it would be totally digitally restored

[@hrwatchinpuff6551]

Watch how Nat King Cole plays the piano, as well as face the audience...now that’s swag....I love my people.✊🏿

[@Dardrum]

He was bad ass

[@leecepooh6795]

@@Dardrum mlm

[@NoBullsh_t]

He played side sattle...

[@paulyricca3881]

🚬👴🏿🚬🧔🏿🥃WE DONT

[@prosperitythegod8287]

I’m just now getting into black in white films I love them I found all the black classics on your channel I’m grateful for this channel and glad to be a subscriber!

[@willx_1]

Lindy Hop was so awesome

[@dancewomyn1]

Thank you Reelback for keeping us entertained with classic films like this..And all the historical films too!

[@hrwatchinpuff6551]

I love my people. Thank you again Reel Black✊🏿

[@SrAJones-ns7sx]

Congaroos were from Harlem Savoy Ballroom and these moves were also done in the famous Harvest Moon Ball contests.

[@lisajackson8643]

Breathtaking!!!! Excited I found this channel. Subscribed!! Thank you!!!

[@sandramorris420]

A real good classic film, thank you Reelblack for this one!!!!

[@blackdiamond306]

The entertainment was unbelievable back then totally breathtaking.🌄🦍

[@sandragailgoudelock1531]

WOW! This was great! The slapstick beginning was corny but genuinely funny. It got better w/Beverly White she was saucy & funny. Warren Patterson & Al Jackson the big dancers were exceptional in their dancing and impressions. Mom's was okay, the Clark brothers were breathtaking! Nat King Cole trio was suave & fabulous! So glad to see the great Andy Kirk orchestra in action! I could go on with the adjectives but this was a great record of fabulous vintage black talent. Thank you so much for posting.

[@jeffreygriffin7248]

You are right on time with this one Reelblack! Thanks so much for this!

[@Wonderful9935]

Watching our people entertain like this beats BET any day!!!

[@veganvocalist4782]

haaahaa that secretaries squeaky helium child voice is brilliant ;D

[@DR0621]

...a pleasure to watch our classic performers...and yet, even in our own movies, we had the light skinned thing going on ie the line of 8 dancers at the end...and can anybody tell me, was it standard to show the same (over and over) canned view of the audience during this era?....I was cracking up at those same two guys standing in the aisle in the back!!...with so few opportunities for Black folks at that time, it is refreshing to know that WE created opportunities for US....Keenan, Tyler, and Robert followed in some great footsteps with that mentality.....on to watch some other of our great Black and white classics!!!

[@AuntieSDC]

Love the men in the band and the various sets of dancers and singers for their performances ; the men look sharp in their Zoot suits. Nice. {The women performer were great as well, I just noticed the men were handsome in their tailored suits.

[@kincamell2]

Much Appreciation, Always.

[@simmiewilliams5970]

I remember my grandmother had some issues with Butterfly McQueen because she publicly denounced Christianity...that’s a no no with southern grannies. Years later I read that Ms, McQueen died in a horrible fire in GA. I could see my grand wagging her finger, and holding that ole bible.....but hey! This film is classic and full of great performances! Thanks reelblack ✊🏿the Smithsonian of Black culture.

[@spfsincerely1341]

Simmie Williams yep! Denouncing Christianity in the South was an ultimate no-no. Michele’ reminds me of Butterfly McQueen.

[@AhlanYah]

Christianity is the white mans religion, it was there to keep us in our place as we were brainwashed through it. But we are waking up to our true nationality. The blacks/melanin people are The Most High children. We are the real Israelite. As for your grandmother is wasn’t awake yet to who she is.

[@withgoddess8029]

@@AhlanYah Religion is like that....

[@trevorduncan8140]

She didnt due then I saw that same woman in church in 1977,in the islands ,I could remember her ,as I was young ,sitting behind me and my mom in church Sundays ,and you say she denounced ,church ,I don't think so ,I remember her and my family will also ,ay I could be wrong ,I don't think I am

[@IamP3ngu1n]

🥰1:10:01 Hard to believe but...that's probably somebody's Great-Great Grandmother dancing ! "Ball-and-the-Jack"..."Lindy -Hop"...👍

[@vivianlang5269]

Cool ENTERTAINING💕💝💕💕

[@mongoslade4016]

These dudes killing the free Sanford song!!!

[@sabrinamwalker7049]

Again, Bless you sweetheart!

[@auntie9077]

SLapstick usually doesn't make me laugh....but the timely was good.Enjoyed see a young Moms Mabley,Butterfly McQueen too

[@juanardgrimitt4890]

Butterfly reminds me of Marion Ramsey a.k.a Laverne Hooks (Police Academy)

[@silkewetzel801]

Echt wunderbar 😍👌🏼 🤟🏼

[@Marie-do1il]

ENCORE!!!

[@mongoslade4016]

He killing it!! For penny's

[@corneliuswhite5139]

This would be cool reintroduced and updated as a comedy with current actors (e.g. Tiffany Haddish) and Dave Chappelle as Dusty.

[@hrwatchinpuff6551]

Some of those melanin challenged dancing girls, couldn’t dance...but they passed (the brown paper bag test:)...I love my people✊🏿

[@alank5560]

Butterfly McQueen!

[@courtlove2763]

This what black people need to be remakin movies like this Tyler Perry look how they goin back and remakin there movies 20 30 40 50 yrs later

[@bOmBAsTiK]

Dude played Elroy in "Sanford and Son"...

[@paulyricca3881]

👱🏻‍♂️NO KIDDIN? 🚬👴🏿🥃U NEED A GIRL AND A JOB GRANDPA

[@hpeezy58]

Wow...

[@Labor_Jones]

Butterfly is such a good actress and it's evident immediately that she's playing a 2nd when her lead is no where near her grade of acting ability. I know I'm not saying anything new, but it was pretty glaring when I thought about some of the Studio Stuff she did before WWII. ... opps, back to the movie - i had a brain 'pffff'

[@cheatstarr]

when light was in😏😏😏

[@heathertea2704]

"NOW U KNOW WHAT 2 TELL YO NOSEY NEIGHBORS." HELLO

[@simplenough]

Why didn’t we make more of these?

[@2117th]

Man, this shit gone be 100 y/o soon

[@cheatstarr]

what did he say about "salami"?

[@gregbattles4742]

Classic legendary BLACK

[@mongoslade4016]

Hell yeah when women luved men!!

[@gregbattles4742]

Feed me mo black old school movies please

[@GMAV3RICK]

Thanks for posting another gem, Mike! Quick question, I’ve been on a personal crusade to uncover as many old archival speeches from Malcolm X [El-Hajj Malik El Shabazz] as I can - most of which are stored at different college/university libraries around the country where he spoke. My question is this: Have you ever stumbled upon any of Malcolm’s work during your travels, Mike?

[@jadecharles3907]

W

[@mongoslade4016]

Wow look at the real us!!

[@leetate1963]

This is a real struggle to watch.... I don't which was more damaging to our image, this or the 70s Blaxpoitation films. I was just about to turn it off until that swinging Jazz Band started playing.... That music was the best thing so far...

[@JomoDaMusicMan]

Louis Jordan and Nat sounds alike, so we know Louis was somewhat imitating Nat King Cole

[@oluhamilton2121]

Take off the coat, turn around and bless me with your beauty

[@mamarremamarremamarremamar4092]

O.oooooo

[@JomoDaMusicMan]

Butterfly McQueen had that same whiney voice as K Michelle, FROM DEATH ROW. And Moms was not a bad looking woman, when she was young, she was fine, but bros, had no chance, she always had the finest woman in the joint

[@mongoslade4016]

Mom was pretty or I'm I drunk!!

[@NoBullsh_t]

27:45 and damn, big man could move...

[@NoBullsh_t]

55:09

[@NoBullsh_t]

50:21 27:45