Let’s be frank: This is a terrible movie. Racial stereotypes, as one might expect from 1943, abound, and they are demeaning to say the least. The plot is so weak it barely exists. The acting is dreadful. The choreography is lousy. And the heart of the love story is between a 65 year old man and a 25 year old woman. As for Robinson’s dancing, well, the Nicholas Brothers are the stars in this regard. And what exactly were Cab Calloway’s talents? There is a positive side to the movie: It is Lena Horne. She’s a delight, and there are three standard songs in this film. Horne deserved better, and in time her great talents would be recognized. Stormy Weather should be seen in its historical context: Blacks were needed in the war effort, and this was a very rare nod to some of their entertainers by a major studio.

I bought this DVD because I missed seeing it at a local theatre that features old films, but I was disappointed in that the story wasn’t good or interesting. However, I wanted to see the dancers, the Step Brothers – I think they were called, where they did that fantastic dance down the stairs. That was unbelievable! Also wanted to see beautiful Lena Horne, but disappointed that they didn’t have her in beautiful gowns. So, other than the Step Brothers dancing, I was bored.

Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, Lena Horne, Cab Calloway, and Fats Waller. That line up alone is a historic line-up. This was a major accomplishment to bring this cast together in 1943. A treat for the whole family.