HI-DE-HO

Cinemavixion Review

Cab Calloway's "Hi-De-Ho" from 1947 is a vibrant showcase of the bandleader's magnetic stage presence and the infectious energy of his orchestra. Directed by Josh Binney, the film, while perhaps more of a musical revue than a tightly plotted narrative, offers a delightful glimpse into the jazz and swing era. The plot, which involves nightclub politics, jealousies, and the looming threat of gangsters, serves as a loose framework for a series of electrifying musical numbers. Calloway, alongside Ida James and Jeni Le Gon, delivers performances that are both technically brilliant and brimming with charisma. Despite its thin storyline in the latter half, "Hi-De-Ho" remains a valuable document of Calloway's artistry and a treat for fans of classic musical entertainment.