The Darktown Revue (1931): cast, story & where to watch
1931 · Film · ★ 2
Released in 1931, The Darktown Revue is a notable film directed by Oscar Micheaux.
What it’s about. With a series of long takes and frontal camera set-ups, Michaeux provides a record of several cabaret acts, using intertitles to separate the individual numbers. This quietly outrageous film begins with the high-toned Heywood Choir singing "Watermelon time" and concludes with Amon David playing a preacher using heavy blackface. Amon Davus was known as "the Back Biting Comedian, Par Excellence", and his sermon is one of Michaeux's many notable send-ups of the clergy.
How it landed. With an audience score of 2.0/10, The Darktown Revue has proved divisive with audiences.
Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Criterion Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Darktown Revue page.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Darktown Revue (1931)?
- In US, The Darktown Revue is available to stream on Criterion Channel. Availability varies by country — check our where-to-watch page for every region.
- Is The Darktown Revue worth watching?
- The Darktown Revue holds an audience score of 2.0 out of 10. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.