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A dance sequence with some absolutely astonishing Lindy Hopping, from Hellzapoppin’ (Universal, 1941).  Things really get rolling at about 2:40 min. into the clip.

No seriously, this totally kicks ass.  Ya gotta see it.

If the Intermets aren’t failing me, the dance troupe are the Harlem Congaroo Dancers (aka Whitey’s Lindy Hoppers).  Featured in the routine, in order, are:

• William Downes (overalls) and Frances “Mickey” Jones (maid)
• Norma Miller and Billy Ricker (chef’s hat)
• Al Minns (white coat, black pants) and Willa Mae Ricker
• Ann Johnson (maid) and Frankie Manning (overalls)

Read some more about Hellzapoppin’s “plot,” and check out some vintage poster art and blog-grabs.

I watched Hellzapoppin’ on DVD a couple years ago, stumbling across it one night at Scarecrow.  (Forrest J Ackerman always used to refer to it in Famous Monsters of Filmland.)   It’s like Airplane! meets low-budget 1930s movie musical.  There’s some really pretty out-there stuff in it.  If you Google it, you’ll find some grey-market DVD-Rs floating around.