This article discusses the performances of Hoagy Carmichael as a bar-room pianist figure in a number of 40s and 50s Hollywood films. Supporting musical characters in film often fulfil the role of the 'knowing servant', a character type that exists in many shapes, in cinema and other art forms. The close analysis of Carmichael's characters focuses attention on precisely how this broad type has been represented cinematically in a recurrent guise. It also attests to Carmichael's special status as an actor of this kind of role. His musical persona meant he was particularly suited to being cast in these types of parts. Furthermore, his characters exhibit signs of privilege within their supporting positions when compared to similar figures played by other performers
