St. Louis Blues Review: Story, Cast, Rating & Final Verdict
Last updated: May 18, 2026
Movie Overview: St. Louis Blues
| Movie | St. Louis Blues |
| Release Year | 1929 |
| Director | Dudley Murphy |
| Genre | Music / Drama |
| Runtime | 16 minutes (16m) |
| Language | EN |
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is St. Louis Blues (1929) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.4/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Music.
Cast & Character Study
The performances in St. Louis Blues are led by Bessie Smith . The supporting cast, including James P. Johnson and Alec Lovejoy , provides the necessary layers to the central narrative.
movieMx Verdict: Is it Worth Your Time?
What Works in the Movie
While St. Louis Blues does not fully realize its potential, it still contains moments that may appeal to viewers who enjoy Music films.
- Interesting concept or premise
- Some entertaining scenes
- Supporting cast delivers occasional highlights
What Doesn't Work
Despite its strengths, St. Louis Blues has a few issues that may affect the overall viewing experience, particularly in terms of pacing and narrative consistency.
- Uneven pacing in certain parts of the film
- Some predictable plot developments
- May not appeal to audiences outside the Music fanbase
Story & Plot Summary: St. Louis Blues
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1929, St. Louis Blues is a Music, Drama film directed by Dudley Murphy, written by Dudley Murphy. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. It provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Bessie Smith as Bessie - Battered Wife.
Ending Explained: St. Louis Blues
St. Louis Blues Ending Explained: In this all-black cast short, legendary blues singer Bessie Smith finds her gambler lover Jimmy messin' with a pretty, younger woman; he leaves and she sings the blues, with chorus and dancers. Directed by Dudley Murphy, this 1929 music film stars Bessie Smith (Bessie - Battered Wife), alongside James P. Johnson as Piano Player (uncredited), Alec Lovejoy as Gambler (uncredited), Jimmy Mordecai as Jimmy the Pimp. Rated 5.4/10, the conclusion has sparked discussion among viewers.
What Happens at the End of St. Louis Blues?
In this all-black cast short, legendary blues singer Bessie Smith finds her gambler lover Jimmy messin' with a pretty, younger woman; he leaves and she sings the blues, with chorus and dancers.
How Does Bessie Smith (Bessie - Battered Wife)'s Story End?
- Bessie Smith: Bessie Smith's storyline wraps up in the final act, though some viewers have found the resolution more ambiguous than expected.
- James P. Johnson (Piano Player (uncredited)): James P. Johnson's role in the climax proves pivotal to how the central conflict resolves.
- Alec Lovejoy (Gambler (uncredited)): Alec Lovejoy's character undergoes a significant shift in the final act.
What Does the Ending of St. Louis Blues Mean?
The ending of St. Louis Blues brings the narrative to a close, though viewer reception has been mixed. The resolution of Bessie Smith's story may not satisfy all audiences.
St. Louis Blues Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Is St. Louis Blues Based on a True Story?
No, St. Louis Blues is a work of fiction. While the music, drama film directed by Dudley Murphy and starring Bessie Smith may incorporate realistic themes, the characters and plot are original creations.
Who Should Watch St. Louis Blues?
Age Advisory: Rated Not Rated.
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Music films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
At just 16 minutes, it's a quick watch.
Where to Watch St. Louis Blues Online?
Streaming HubSt. Louis Blues Parents Guide & Age Rating
1929 AdvisoryWondering about St. Louis Blues age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of St. Louis Blues (1929) is 16 minutes (16m). Directed by Dudley Murphy, the film runs for 16 minutes in its complete theatrical version.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.4/10, and global performance metrics, St. Louis Blues is classified as a AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1929 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Louis Blues worth watching?
St. Louis Blues is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Music movies. It has a verified rating of 5.4/10 and stands as a AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find St. Louis Blues parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for St. Louis Blues identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the runtime of St. Louis Blues (1929)?
The runtime of St. Louis Blues (1929) is 16 minutes (approximately 0h 16m).
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
