The Fabulous Dorseys (1947) Director: Alfred E. Green Studio: United Artists / Charles R. Rogers Productions Starring: Tommy Dorsey (Himself), Jimmy Dorsey (Himself), Janet Blair (Jane Howard), William Lundigan, Sara Allgood Release Date: May 7, 1947 Runtime: 89 minutes Format: Black & White | Mono | Sound | Live Action Country: United States Language: English Genres: Musical | Biopic | Drama | Jazz | Big Band Era Summary: The Fabulous Dorseys dramatizes the true-life story of Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey—brothers, jazz legends, and swing pioneers who rose from small-town beginnings to become two of the most celebrated bandleaders in American music history. Told with flair and musical energy, the film follows their early childhood, meteoric rise to fame, bitter falling-out, and ultimate reconciliation—all set to the backdrop of 1930s and ’40s swing. With the real Dorsey brothers playing themselves, and featuring electrifying performances of their hits like "I'm Getting Sentimental Over You" and "Tangerine," the film serves both as a musical showcase and a dramatized biography of two siblings who helped shape the sound of a generation. Background: Directed by Alfred E. Green (Baby Face, The Jolson Story), The Fabulous Dorseys was one of the earliest musical biopics to feature real-life musicians portraying themselves. The movie balances sentimental storytelling with swinging big band numbers, offering an authentic glimpse into the personalities behind the music. It also stars Janet Blair as the fictional love interest and muse, adding emotional stakes to the narrative. The film captures the cultural zenith of the Big Band era just as it was beginning to fade, preserving both the style and spirit of the Dorsey brothers at their peak. Despite some dramatic embellishment, it remains a valuable time capsule for jazz and swing aficionados. Trivia: Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey were not trained actors, but their musical performances bring authenticity to the film. Features live performances by Paul Whiteman, Art Tatum, and Charlie Barnet—jazz legends in their own right. The story is loosely based on real events, though dramatized to highlight sibling rivalry and reconciliation. One of the only films where jazz great Art Tatum appears on screen performing. Janet Blair, who plays the fictional pianist Jane, was an accomplished singer in her own right. The movie entered the public domain, making it widely available in jazz and vintage film compilations. Hashtags: #TheFabulousDorseys #TommyDorsey #JimmyDorsey #BigBandEra #SwingMusic #JazzBiopic #JanetBlair #1940sCinema #PublicDomainFilm #MusicalDrama #ClassicJazz #VintageHollywood #AlfredEGreen #PaulWhiteman #ArtTatum #CharlieBarnet #GoldenAgeOfMusic #SiblingsInMusic #JazzLegends #BandleaderHistory