January-February Film Challenge: A Film For Every Letter in the Alphabet

Film Fourteen: No Maps on My Taps (1979). A fascinating tap dancing documentary that features performances from three of the greats: Bunny Briggs, Chuck Green, and Howard "Sandman" Sims to a backing band led by Lionel Hampton. The film weaves interviews with each man with chronicles of their techniques and personal histories. It also includes footage of early tap dancing greats like Bill Robinson and John W. Bubbles. George T. Nierenberg filmed the documentary at a time when the tap dancing community was lamenting decreasing public interest in their art . The performances and interviews show the versatility and passion that these men bring to the dance floor. As the audiences debate which one is best, it becomes evident that, while interest in tap dancing might wane, it will continue to wow people. The revival of the art form in the 1980s attests to that.



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