Check and Double Check

Plot

Amos and Andy, the beloved radio characters, operate their struggling 'open-air' taxi business in Harlem while becoming entangled in high society affairs. The duo is hired to transport the Duke Ellington Orchestra to a prestigious party at the Van Courtland mansion, leading to a series of comedic misunderstandings and complications. When they accidentally deliver the wrong orchestra, they must scramble to fix their mistake while navigating the complex social dynamics of the wealthy guests. The plot thickens as they become involved in a case of mistaken identity, romantic entanglements, and a valuable missing diamond necklace. Through their characteristic wit and resourcefulness, Amos and Andy ultimately save the day while maintaining their humble, working-class values.

Historical Background

Released in 1930 during the early days of the Great Depression, 'Check and Double Check' emerged at a pivotal moment in American entertainment history. The film industry was transitioning from silent pictures to sound, creating both opportunities and challenges for producers. Radio had become the dominant form of home entertainment, with 'Amos 'n' Andy' being one of the most popular programs in America, reaching an estimated 40 million listeners weekly. The film's release coincided with growing racial tensions in America and the early stages of the Civil Rights movement, making its use of blackface particularly controversial. The movie's commercial success demonstrated the power of cross-media marketing and helped establish RKO as a major Hollywood studio during a period when many studios were struggling financially.

Making Of

The production of 'Check and Double Check' was fraught with controversy from its inception. RKO paid Gosden and Correll an unprecedented $100,000 each for the film rights, a record sum at the time. The decision to use blackface makeup was highly controversial even in 1930, with many African American organizations protesting the production. The studio considered casting African American actors but Gosden and Correll refused, claiming they 'knew the characters better than anyone else.' Duke Ellington's involvement was a last-minute addition to provide authenticity to the Harlem setting. The sound recording presented enormous challenges, as the early microphone equipment couldn't easily capture the rapid-fire dialogue that made the radio show famous. The film's success led to RKO offering Gosden and Correll a multi-picture deal, which they declined, preferring the creative freedom and higher earnings of radio.

Visual Style

The cinematography by Jack MacKenzie utilized the early sound camera techniques of the era, with relatively static shots due to the limitations of sound recording equipment. The film employed some innovative lighting techniques for the musical sequences, creating dramatic silhouettes during Duke Ellington's performances. The contrast between the Harlem street scenes and the high society mansion was emphasized through different lighting styles, with the street scenes using more naturalistic lighting while the mansion scenes employed more dramatic, theatrical lighting. The cinematography also had to accommodate the actors' blackface makeup, requiring specific lighting adjustments to ensure the makeup appeared consistent on screen.

Innovations

The film represented several technical achievements for its time, particularly in the realm of sound recording. The production team developed new microphone techniques to capture the rapid-fire dialogue that characterized the radio show. The musical sequences with Duke Ellington's orchestra required innovative recording approaches to balance the various instruments and vocals. The film also experimented with early forms of sound mixing, combining dialogue, music, and sound effects in ways that were advanced for 1930. The makeup department created specialized blackface application techniques that would photograph properly under the new lighting requirements of sound filming.

Music

The film's soundtrack was particularly notable for featuring Duke Ellington and his orchestra, performing several original compositions including 'The Mystery of Love' and 'Three Little Words.' The music was a significant draw for audiences and represented one of the earliest appearances of a major jazz orchestra in a feature film. The score also incorporated elements from the radio show's theme music and various sound effects that would be familiar to radio listeners. The sound recording was challenging due to the early technology, but the musical numbers were generally well-received and helped establish Ellington as a national figure. The film's soundtrack was released on 78 RPM records and became a commercial success separate from the film itself.

Memorable Scenes

• The opening sequence where Amos and Andy struggle with their open-air taxi in Harlem traffic
• The mistaken delivery of the wrong orchestra to the high society party
• Duke Ellington's performance of 'The Mystery of Love' at the mansion
• The climactic scene where Amos and Andy recover the missing diamond necklace
• The final scene where the duo returns to their humble taxi business after their society adventure

What Critics Said

Contemporary critics were divided on the film's merits. Variety praised the comedy and performances, noting 'the radio magic translates well to the screen,' while The New York Times criticized the 'obvious theatricality' of the blackface performances. Many reviewers focused on the technical achievement of bringing the radio characters to life rather than the racial implications. Modern critics view the film much more critically, with most acknowledging its historical importance while condemning its racial stereotypes. The film is often studied in film schools as an example of early sound comedy and the problematic history of racial representation in American cinema. Despite its controversies, many film historians recognize the movie's technical achievements and its role in establishing the radio-to-film adaptation model.

What Audiences Thought

The film was a massive commercial success upon release, particularly among white audiences who were fans of the radio show. It grossed over $1.2 million on a $325,000 budget, making it one of RKO's most profitable films of 1930. African American audiences had mixed reactions, with some appreciating the inclusion of Duke Ellington while others objecting to the stereotypical portrayals. The film's popularity led to increased merchandise sales and boosted radio show ratings significantly. In subsequent decades, as racial attitudes evolved, audience perception shifted dramatically, with the film becoming largely unavailable for public viewing due to its controversial content. Modern audiences who have seen the film generally view it as a historical artifact rather than entertainment, with most finding the racial stereotypes difficult to watch.

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