Well, film this item under Sangraal du Jazz. This is kind of a holy grail quest. In the world of jazz and jazz dance on film, Policy Man, stands out as one of the most sought-after items. Now lost, when this film is found (and it will be found–perhaps insanely positive thinking, Jazz buffs will treasure seeing Count Basie’s first film. On the other hand, jazz dancers wil cherish seeing Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers perform what looks like both Lindy Hop and the Big Apple.
While I knew the film’s title and that it involved Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers, which Judy Pritchett had posted the title on Savoystyle.org. What I had no clue about was its content. OK, technically I still don’t. But I have evidence that this clip could be an important piece of traditional jazz dance, particularly lindy hop history. In the above image, the dancers are referred to as Savoy Lindy Hoppers and Big Applers. Given that the film predates “Keep Punching,” which has the most famous Big Apple clip and a nice freestyle Lindy Hop jam, by one year, it’s possible this film could yield useful insights into the evolution of the Whitey’s Big Apple routine or the Big Apple itself. It also could help connect the dots between how the group danced in 1937 and in 1941m the two main years for which film footage exists. Finally, it’s useful to see who is in the group, dancing with whom.
If you have any information about this film, please let us know.
Posted on June 2nd, 2006 by chad
We perform and teach popular and historical social dances of the Jazz Age and Swing Era and have appeared on stage, independent film, and local and national television. Known for our performance and our research of social dancing, we also consult and choreograph for period productions, particularly those set in the Roaring Twenties. Though we do not regularly compete, we have placed in a number of competitions, including 1st in the 2004 American Lindy Hop Championships Fast Dance division.