Friday, December 28, 2018

Siren of the Tropics (1927): Josephine Baker


     Directed by Mario Nalpas and Henri Etievant, Siren of the Tropics (1927) was the first feature film for Josephine Baker, the expatriate American-born black entertainer who was then beginning to gain great notoriety in the theaters of Paris. Mostly set in the West Indies, the story focuses on a native girl that falls in love with a French man who is engaged to another woman back in Paris. The native girl follows him on his return to Paris, where she becomes a sensational star in a dance hall. The silent film was the perfect vehicle for Josephine Baker, who is simply wonderful, highlighting some of her memorable routines, including the frenetic "Charleston" dance.

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker

Siren of the Tropics. 1927: Josephine Baker