Louis Armstrong’s Top 5 Movie Moments

Here are some of our favorite moments of Louis Armstrong on the silver screen:

Pennies from Heaven 1936

The title song is what this movie is most famous for, but we think Louis Armstrong's on screen performance of "Skeleton in the Closet" is the real gem here. Armstrong is a natural on-screen, entertaining viewers with his voice, his trumpet, and his facial expressions. Watch as he challenges a dancing skeleton to a duel of call and response with his trumpet and his eyes. 

The Strip 1951

Armstrong plays himself in a nightclub scene in this MGM drama. Alongside his orchestra, which includes trombonist Jack Teagarden and pianist Earl Hines, he performs "Shadrack" with a jazzy New Orleans twist.

High Society 1956

A real life Louis Armstrong and his Band perform Cole Porter's original song "Now You Has Jazz" with the fictional C.K. Dexter Haven (played by Bing Crosby). Be sure to enjoy Armstrong's other contributions to the film, including Cole Porter's one and only calypso tune. 

The Five Pennies 1959

Louis Armstrong once again plays himself. This time he's performing "When the Saints Go Marching In" with a fictional character named Red Nichols (played by Danny Kaye). See if you can name all the composers they want to hear singing on the judgement day!

Paris Blues 1961

The film handles tough topics like love, country, and race, but also features some levity when it comes to the celebration of jazz. The score features the music by Duke Ellington including many original compositions for the film like this number titled "Battle Royal." Watch as Louis Armstrong's character, Wild Man Moore, livens up an already swinging party. 

Share your favorite moments of 'Satchmo' on screen by leaving a comment below: