Duke Is Tops (1938)

57% of users liked it
(18 ratings)

Also known as The Duke Is Tops, this is one of the best examples of the many all-black films made in the 1930s for what were then designated as "colored" theatres. Looking about 15 years old, Lena Horne plays the main attraction for the stage shows put on by a fellow named Duke (Ralph Cooper). When… More Also known as The Duke Is Tops, this is one of the best examples of the many all-black films made in the 1930s for what were then designated as "colored" theatres. Looking about 15 years old, Lena Horne plays the main attraction for the stage shows put on by a fellow named Duke (Ralph Cooper). When she gets a chance at a Broadway show, Lena swiftly severs all ties with Duke. But when Lena's big-time debut threatens to be a disaster, it is Duke who saves the day. The dialogue is for the birds, but The Duke Is Tops is aces when it comes to musical numbers. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 20 min.
Directed By: William Nolte
Written By: Phil Dunham
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts

In Theaters: Sep 1, 1938 Wide
Studio: American Pop Classics

Critic Reviews

Phil Hall, Film Threat
Mildly entertaining all-black musical that introduced a 21-year-old Lena Horne.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
An all-black film made in the 1930s that costars the 21-year-old Lena Horne, in her first film role.

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Cast

Ralph Cooper
as Duke Davis
Lena Horne
as Ethel
Lawrence Criner
as Doc Dorando

Monte Hawley
as Marshall
Vernon McCalla
as Mason
Edward Thompson
as Fenton

See full cast

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