Flapper & the Quarterback [1938]
Identifier
F.2011-05-0022b
Date Of Production
1938
Abstract
"The Flapper and the Quarterback" is an early Americana ballet choreographed by Ruth Page. It premiered on December 26, 1926 at the Eighth Street Theatre, Chicago.
This film appears to represent an excerpt from a later rehearsal or performance of the ballet--filmed in 1938. Costumes are worn, but there is no scenery. The original film container notes suggest the featured dancers are Ruth Page and Paul DuPont.
This film appears to represent an excerpt from a later rehearsal or performance of the ballet--filmed in 1938. Costumes are worn, but there is no scenery. The original film container notes suggest the featured dancers are Ruth Page and Paul DuPont.
Description
The film opens with a shot of a stage, on which a male dancer dressed as a football quarterback performs football movements--a hike and a slide. Then the flapper enters from stage left, scurrying in backwards and waving a flag as if spectating at the game. She seems to be trying to catch the attention of someone else, but she bumps into the quarterback and forgets that someone else immediately. The quarterback takes and tosses her flag and then her boots; the two then break into a modified Charleston together. Bits of Lindy Hop and ballet are incorporated; during the former, the quarterback completely drops his flapper on the ground in a moment of comedy. She reaches for help up, but he merely pulls her skirt down, and when he helps her up he grabs one leg and one arm. The two hug and continue dancing, again with a Charleston and then into a brief waltz--bits of ragtime-era "animal dances" seem to creep in as well. The film ends while the two are stil dancing.
Run Time
2 min 48 sec
Format
16mm
Extent
65 feet
Color
B&W
Sound
Silent
Reel/Tape Number
1/1
Has Been Digitized?
Yes
Language Of Materials
English
Element
Reversal Positives
Genre
Form
Subject
Related Collections
Additional Credits
Page, Ruth (is choreographer)
Participants And Performers
Page, Ruth (is performer)
du Pont, Paul (is performer)
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![Flapper & the Quarterback [1938]](https://collections.chicagofilmarchives.org/media/cfa/images/2/1/95202_ca_object_representations_media_2131_medium.jpg)