Hits and Bits of 1938

The description of the contents of this film was taken from a dialogue continuity of the film deposited at NYSA, which offers little indication as to the plot and action of the film. The continuity, which the NYSA received on December 31, 1937, bears the following inscription in what May have been the opening title card: "Bagdad in Harlem presents Hits and Bits. With a cast of millions (you count them)." The NYSA register of the continuity, as well as the PCA records, list the film as Hits and Bits of 1938, presumably the film's full title. Although the continuity notes that the Hampton University Choral Choir sang "When Jesus Christ Was Born," it is not known whether they sang the other songs in the film. The continuity contains no other legitimate credits, but it does feature the following mock credits: "We asked Cab Calloway of "hi-di-ho" fame to write the music. He suggested Beethoven and Liszt-felt they could handle the job better. Bill Robinson could not get released from his $5,000 a week contrack [sic] with 20th Century Fox to stage the dances-so the dancers staged their own. Dialogue and continuity by the Hit and Miss Boys. Scenery by Dame Mother Nature-and not in technicolor. Entire SUPER, COLOSSAL, TREMENDOUS, GIGANTIC production staged by Jumbo, now appearing in person with Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus. Editor's Note: M-G-M gave us Broadway Melody of 1938, R-K-O gave us Radio Revels of 1938, Paramount gave us Big Broadcast of 1938. We, to be original, give you 'Television of 1937 [sic].' They tell us it's just around the corner ready for perfection. The same proverbial corner that prosperity is hiding behind. Let's take a look around that corner and see what we can see-and hear."