Movie vs YouTube

While the world wrestles with YouTube — good for us, not good for us; fair or unfair, fun or futile — some people are still going to movie theaters. My friend Valerie is tauting “an incredible film” in a real movie theater…if but only for a moment — she writes:

I’m giving a “heads-up” to as many folks as I think might be interested and in close enough proximity to see this incredible film. It’s playing at the Music Hall on Wilshire & Doheny in Beverly Hills only until this Thursday. It is about five Black dancers who were the divas of Harlem in the ’30s at places like the Apollo Theatre and the Cotton Club. They were also strong activist-types who rose to the occasion when needed and protested at the Apollo from which resulted the AGVA union. After the big band era came to a halt, they got jobs as bartenders, etc. You’ll just have to take it from me that their lives are fascinating. They are now in their 80s and 90s and reunited about 18 years ago and are dancing once again!! I am seeing this film for the second time tonight! If you want to check out the website, it’s: www.tootscrackin.com/braml.htm

It’s not scheduled to play in this area again until next April when it will be in San Diego for one night. It’s already played New York and Boston.

Note: Her reference to “in this area” means Southern California. Looks like the film is making selected rounds, so keep your eyes open. I’m not going to have the chance to see it just yet so I’m hoping maybe it will appear on DVD.

As for the YouTube reference, I’m sure you’ve read by now Terry Teachout’s piece in The Wall Street Journal. If not, go here. I’m not sure that I’m in complete agreement, and I expect that I’ll have more to say on this subject down the road.