Bubbling Over Pt. 2

Bubbling Over (1934) Part 2 musical short with Ethel Waters. Black man dressed like Indian maharaja (Swami), feathered turban etc. at apartment mail box. Man pulls postcard out of mailbox. CU as he reads: ‘Dear Nieces and Nephews, I’ve made millions $$$ Coming up fo’ to visit you, an’ wants yo’ to help me fo’ to spend some of dat dough $$$ Reserve room and bath. Yo’ Uncle, Frisby’. Man puts card back in mailbox and knocks on Ethel’s door; “It’s me, Swami Rivers the Mind Reader” - tells her she will be getting news, takes her up to his apartment to tell fortune. 18:52:42 Ethel & Swami seated at table in living room filled w/ draperies etc. Crystal ball in between. “So how do you want the good news spell on you - by reading your palm, or a bump on your head or does you just want to be psycho-annihilated?” “Let your conscience be your guide, just tell me”. Room goes dark, dramatic lighting; CU Swami operating foot pedal under table to make knocking sound; “Do you have an uncle called Frisby? He’s coming to spend...” (18:53:53) Samson interrupts w/ postcard. 18:54:19 Samson & relatives get ready for uncle’s arrival, dressing, ironing clothes, all singing “Company’s Coming Tonight” - Ethel in kitchen in smart dress. (18:55:2? Crazy Uncle Frisby brought to apartment building by two guards - ask him if he’s going to stop stealing now. (18:55:48) CU signs State Asylum release papers as ‘Emperor Jones’ - guards chase him up stairs. (18:56:05) Uncle into Ethel’s apartment, whole family waiting. “You know who I am? I AM the Emperor Jones”, sits at dinner table - “If I don’t get some service I’ll CALL the manager!” (18:57:00) Samson acts as waiter, Ethel brings in silver platter but chicken found to be missing; cousins’ find watches and braces (suspenders) missing. (18:58:15) “Let’s call Swami”. 18:58:18 Swami in Ethel’s apartment. finds crystal ball is missing; empties goldfish into flower vase & puts bowl over light bulb, lights out, all sing in dark. Swami creeps out w/ coat stuffed w/ roast chicken & family’s valuables, caught by Asylum guards looking for Uncle; family turn on light to find clothes all stolen, all in underwear. Blacks. Ghettos. Gags. Blues. Stereotypes; Musical Race Film; Harlem Community; Slums; Flapper; Optical effects; Mysticism; Spirits; Fortune Telling; Fortune Teller; Negroes;