Murder with Music (1941) A nightclub singer finds herself at the center of a murder mystery when one of her many admirers is killed, leading to a tangled web of suspicion and intrigue. Director: George P. Quigley Screenplay by: Georges Friedland, Victor Vicas, Norman Borisoff Produced by: Sack Amusements Starring: Bob Howard as Editor Milton Williams as Ted Simmons Nellie Hill as Lola Bill Dillard as Mike George Oliver as Hal Ken Renard as Bill Smith Andrew Maize as Patrolman Marjorie Oliver as Secretary Noble Sissle and His Orchestra as Party Band Johnson & Johnson as Club Tap Dancers Pinky Williams as Lewis the Club Piano Player Skippy Williams and His Band as Club Band Alston & Young as Club Comic Dancers Production Company: Century Productions Distributed by: Sack Amusements Enterprises Release Date: 1945 (originally filmed in the early 1940s) Runtime: Approximately 59 minutes Country: United States Language: English Genres: Musical, Crime, Drama ------------------------------------------------------------ Synopsis: - Lola, a talented nightclub singer, is admired by many, but when one of her suitors is murdered, suspicion falls on everyone around her. - The film unfolds through flashbacks, as a newspaper editor recounts the events leading up to the crime. - A reporter, an escaped convict, a nightclub manager, and various musicians all play a role in the unfolding mystery. - As tensions rise, musical performances punctuate the drama, blending entertainment with suspense. - The investigation leads to unexpected twists, revealing the true culprit in a dramatic conclusion. ------------------------------------------------------------ Key Themes & Highlights: - Murder Mystery in a Nightclub Setting: The film combines crime drama with musical performances, creating a unique blend of suspense and entertainment. - Showcase of Black Talent: Featuring performances from Noble Sissle and Skippy Williams, the film highlights the musical artistry of Black entertainers in the 1940s. - Flashback Narrative Structure: The story is told through recollections, adding layers to the mystery as details unfold. - Classic Jazz and Swing Music: The soundtrack includes lively jazz numbers, enhancing the film’s atmosphere. - Public Domain Legacy: As part of early race films, *Murder with Music* remains accessible through archives and digital platforms. ------------------------------------------------------------ Trivia: - Originally Shot as *Mistaken Identity*: The film was initially produced under a different title, with additional scenes later added to create *Murder with Music*. - Noble Sissle’s Orchestra: The film features performances from Noble Sissle, a pioneering jazz musician known for his contributions to early swing music. - Public Domain Accessibility: Many early race films, including *Murder with Music*, have entered the public domain, allowing them to be rediscovered by new audiences. - Influence on Musical Crime Films: The film’s blend of music and mystery set a precedent for later crime dramas incorporating musical elements. ------------------------------------------------------------ Hashtags: #MurderWithMusic #1941MusicalMystery #ClassicJazzCinema #BlackEntertainmentHistory #PublicDomainFilm #GoldenAgeCinema #NightclubMystery #VintageCrimeDrama #NobleSissle #SwingEraFilm