Minnie the Moocher

Co-Respondent Shoes and Jazz

We were only talking about co-respondent shoes the other day, weren't we? Do take a look at those of Cab Calloway and the Cotton Club Orchestra at the start of the classic animated short Minnie the Moocher (1932) (above) starring the desirable Betty Boop. That's how to dance (and moonwalk) in a pair of these daring shoes.

Actually, I think one or two are wearing spats. I haven't got my glasses with me, so I can't confirm. Let's just appreciate the excuse to watch one of the early Boop cartoons, which are notable for their subversive jazz aesthetic, and for introducing underground jazz musicians to a mainstream audience. They are also gratifyingly strange.