And after I ordered it, I looked up a bio on the 'net so that I could learn a little more about the “Schnozzola.” I put your name in this thread’s title in case you have more data about him like you seem to have about everyone in show business.
I never suspected he had such a fascinating career! The man was firstly a hot-hot-hot ragtime piano player, and gradually worked a little comedy into his act. He and some partners started a speakeasy called “Club Durant” and eventually came up with a routine so hysterical that bigwigs came from all over to squeeze into his little club. He eventually worked his way through vaudeville, the movies and television. I only know his work from a couple of movies and a recording or two.
I also never knew he had a variety show on early television. There’s a show I’d have love to have seen! Seems like he had a lot of his old stage pals on as guests. One of the main reason I love old movies is that they are a treasure-trove of recordings of artists who have thousands of hours of experience in vaudeville and stage, and they perfected their abilities to an extent we never see in contemporary actors. You can’t learn timing and grace like that in one year of college drama and a couple of commercials. I wonder if any recordings of this old TV show exist?
Well, that’s the end of this rambling Jimmy Durante appreciation post. Good night, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are.
Let me know what CD you ordered—in later years, all those old vaudevillians went lachrymose and sang sad heartwarming stuff about getting older . . . Urgh. Jimmy’s best stuff was on his radio show in the '40s. I have a cassette with him and guest stars (Eddie Cantor, Sophie Tucker, even Ethel Barrymore!) that is hilarious and has some great songs.
Wow, that’s a kick-butt article, Eve; thanks for posting the link to it. It had way more information than the couple of bio sites I was able to find. How can you track down all those obscure films for your research? I’d love to have access to these old flicks.
I ordered the CD entitled “The Schnozzle” for the very reason you cited. Other CD’s carry his more maudlin, later work, but this one seemed to have a lot of his earlier songs. I can’t wait to get it and play it in commute traffic as a stress-reducer. Jimmy just seems to make you feel good all over.
Pug—Glad you enjoyed the piece! The Lincoln Center collection is a treasure trove; I research all my books and the most esoteric of articles there.
You’ll find Durante is one of those people—like Mae West—who you wind up imitating if you listen to him too much. You’ll be on the train or bus, grabbing your hat and rasping “Stop da Music!” and “Surrounded by Assassins!” Hope this CD has some songs with the other two “Broadway Bums,” Clayton and Jackson!