Black and Tan (film)

Black and Tan, more fully called Black and Tan Fantasy 1929, is a musical short film written and directed by Dudley Murphy about a couple in the performing arts it is set during the contemporary Harlem Renaissance in New York City. It is the first film to feature Duke Ellington and His Orchestra performing as a jazz band, and was also the film debut of actress Fredi Washington. The film is thought to express the emergence of AfricanAmerican artists in New York City during the Harlem Renaissance.

The film begins with a scene showing Duke Ellington struggling to get bookings for his band. His finances are so tight that he cant make payments on his piano and apartment. Two men arrive to take possession of Dukes piano.citation needed Ellingtons wife played by Fredi Washington is a dancer. She has achieved acclaim beyond that of the band. She offers the movers ten dollars not to take the piano, but they refuse the payment. When she offers them gin the film is set during the Prohibition era, they take it and leave, promising to say nothing of this and to claim nobody was at home when they came by. ........

Source: Wikipedia