Al Minns & Leon James “The Playboy Clip“

Al Minns and Leon James perform jazz dances while Marshall Stearns discusses them with Hugh Hefner. This was probably filmed in 1959 or 1960. The talk show was called “Playboy’s Penthouse“ that ran little more than a season from 1959 to 1961. The show’s interviews focused on great jazz musicians throughout its run, as well. Since Al and Leon were in so many clips together, it is often hard for dancers to know which is which. Al Minns is the one who dances with a proud posture and lots of energetic movements. He is the follower when they partner dance. Leon James has a more “laid back“ and comical style. When Marshal Stearns announces them, Al Minns is the first person the camera looks at, sitting in a chair. The camera then pans to Leon James who has his hand around one of his knees. For more discussion of this clip and the dancers in it, visit and articles such as these: