Nat King Cole - Soundies And Telescriptions

Nat King Cole was one of the greatest singers of all time, and "Soundies and Telescriptions" is a fascinating documentary about his life and music. The movie delves into the early days of Cole's career and showcases some of his early performances on Soundies and Telescriptions. These were short films that were shown in jukeboxes and on television in the 1940s and 1950s.

The movie shows us the evolution of Cole's music, from his early jazz roots to his later pop hits. We get to see him at his best, performing some of his most iconic songs, including "Sweet Lorraine", "Nature Boy", and "Mona Lisa". The performances are all shot in black and white, which gives them a classic, timeless feel.

The documentary is narrated by Tom Hanks, who does an excellent job of telling Cole's story. We learn about how he got his start in music, and how he became one of the wealthiest and most successful performers of his time. The movie also features interviews with some of Cole's family members and collaborators, who offer insights into his life and legacy.

One of the most interesting things about "Soundies and Telescriptions" is how it showcases Cole's versatility as a performer. We get to see him singing jazz standards in a small club, but we also see him crooning ballads in front of a big band. We see him playing to a small studio audience, but we also see him performing for a massive crowd at the Hollywood Bowl.

The movie also touches on some of the challenges that Cole faced as a black performer in a segregated society. We learn about how he had to deal with racist attitudes and how he used his music to promote equality and justice. There are some powerful moments in the movie, such as when Cole performs "Strange Fruit", a song about the lynching of black people in America.

Overall, "Nat King Cole - Soundies and Telescriptions" is a must-see for fans of his music, and for anyone interested in the history of popular music in America. The movie is a celebration of Cole's talent, and a tribute to his lasting impact on the music world.