Black buskers perform in Rupert Street in London. At this time in the United States, minstrel shows were near the height of their popularity and many American singers of the first three or four decades of the 20th century came out of these shows: Eddie Cantor, Bert Williams and Al Jolson performed in blackface and there are many recordings of this sort of act until the 1950s.
Meanwhile in London, street performers, called "buskers" performed for coins from their impromptu audiences. A French film maker recorded this performance, certainly staged for the camera -- notice how they maintain the borders of the screen.
Were there similar performers in France? If not, what did the audiences make of this?
Meanwhile in London, street performers, called "buskers" performed for coins from their impromptu audiences. A French film maker recorded this performance, certainly staged for the camera -- notice how they maintain the borders of the screen.
Were there similar performers in France? If not, what did the audiences make of this?
