That Rhythm… Those Blues

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

Newly restored after its first release 30 years ago, That Rhythm…Those Blues traces the breakthrough of rhythm and blues music in the 1940s and 1950s through the people who made it happen. Singers Ruth Brown and Charles Brown and producer Jerry Wexler are among the interview subjects with vibrant memories. “Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of this fine documentary,” wrote New York Times critic John O’Connor, “is the objectivity displayed by many of the performers as they talk about the past with perception and even humor.” The film premiered at the Telluride film festival, following the success of director George Nierenberg’s gospel documentary Say Amen, Somebody! (also recently restored).

Screening as part of the Winter 2019 season of Pure Nonfiction.

• Year 1988
• Running Time 58 minutes
• Distributor Powershausen
• Director George T. Nierenberg

IFC Center does not generally provide advisories about subject matter or potentially triggering content in films, as sensitivities vary from person to person. In addition to the synopses, trailers and other links on our website, further information about content and age-appropriateness for specific films can be found on Common Sense Media, IMDb and DoesTheDogDie.com as well as through general internet searches.