"Hi De Ho" is the second of two films by the same title starring Cab Calloway. The first was an enjoyable short and this later one is an example of black cinema...a film with an all-black cast intended to be watched by black audiences. Generally, these sorts of films have very low production values and less than stellar acting. In this one, the story and acting aren't very important nor all that great....but Calloway's music is terrific.
There are two main themes in this film---Calloway's girlfriend Minnie who is super jealous of him as well as a couple gangsters who are trying to force Cab to work in their night club...or else. Neither plot is all that strong and resolve themselves rather quickly and much of the film simply consists of Calloway doing what he does best...sing and lead his band.
I was not surprised that some of the acting wasn't great. However, I was pleased to see that Calloway was far better at acting than I'd assumed. And, as far as his music goes, it was as enjoyable and entertaining as ever...and is THE reason to watch this movie.
There are two main themes in this film---Calloway's girlfriend Minnie who is super jealous of him as well as a couple gangsters who are trying to force Cab to work in their night club...or else. Neither plot is all that strong and resolve themselves rather quickly and much of the film simply consists of Calloway doing what he does best...sing and lead his band.
I was not surprised that some of the acting wasn't great. However, I was pleased to see that Calloway was far better at acting than I'd assumed. And, as far as his music goes, it was as enjoyable and entertaining as ever...and is THE reason to watch this movie.