St. Louis Blues (1939 film)

St. Louis Blues is a 1939 American musical film directed by Raoul Walsh. The film stars Dorothy Lamour, Lloyd Nolan, and Tito Guízar. It tells a fictionalized story loosely based on the life of composer W.C. Handy and the creation of his famous blues composition, "St. Louis Blues." The plot centers on a cafe singer (Lamour) who inspires a Mexican singer (Guízar) to success while also navigating romantic entanglements and societal prejudices. While the title shares the name with Handy's iconic song, the film's narrative deviates significantly from historical accuracy, offering a Hollywood-style romantic drama set against the backdrop of the emerging blues music scene. The film features musical performances, including renditions of "St. Louis Blues" and other contemporary songs. Its historical representation of W.C. Handy's life and the origins of the blues has been subject to criticism, with many considering it a work of fiction inspired by the era rather than a true biographical account.