This is the launch night of Swing Screen - a series of Film events at Stirchley Baths Community Cinema. 

After some teething problems with our new venture i.e. our first choice film (Cabin in the Sky) not being available to licence for showing in the UK, we will be showing an equally great 1943 Musical film around the theme of Swing Dancing.

Alongside Cabin in the Sky, 'Stormy Weather' is considered one of the best Hollywood musicals with an African-American cast. Both films are considered primary showcases of some of the top African-American performers of the time, during an era when African-American actors and singers rarely appeared in lead roles in mainstream Hollywood productions, especially those of the musical genre.

Stormy Weather takes its title from the 1933 song of the same title. It is based upon the life and times of its star, dancer Bill "Bojangles" Robinson. 

Other notable performers in the movie were Lena Horne, Cab Calloway and Fats Waller (both appearing as themselves), the Nicholas Brothers dancing duo, comedian F. E. Miller, singer Ada Brown, and Katherine Dunham with her dance troupe. 

Our evening will start at 6.30 with a selection of film shorts around the theme of Swing dancing, followed by a short interval with an interactive session where we'll practice some classic jazz steps to get our brains and legs active before settling down to 78 minutes of our main feature film.

Tickets are available via the Gymcatch link at £4 each to cover the cost of film licencing and room hire.