Up in the Air (1940) Director: Howard Bretherton Studio: Monogram Pictures Starring: Frankie Darro as Frankie Ryan Marjorie Reynolds as Anne Mason Mantan Moreland as Jeff Jefferson Gordon Jones as Tex Barton Lorna Gray as Rita Wilson (aka Gladys Wharton) Tristram Coffin as Bob Farrell Clyde Dilson as Detective Lt. Marty Phillips Dick Elliott as B. J. Hastings, Station Owner John Holland as Sam Quigley Carleton Young as Band Leader Dick Stevens Alex Callam as Van Martin, Announcer Maxine Leslie as Stella, Switchboard Operator Ralph Peters as Detective Delaney Jack Mather as Tim Wallace, Comic Dennis Moore as Gag Writer Pringle Phil Kramer as Gag Writer Release Date: September 9, 1940 (Limited) Runtime: 62 minutes Format: Aspect Ratio: 1.37:1 Color: Black and White Sound Mix: Mono Country: United States Language: English Genres: Mystery, Comedy, Crime Summary: In this 1940 Monogram Pictures release, aspiring radio comedian Frankie Ryan and his janitor friend Jeff Jefferson become amateur sleuths when singer Rita Wilson is murdered during a live broadcast. As the police bungle the investigation, Frankie and Jeff take matters into their own hands, navigating a web of backstage rivalries and on-air drama to uncover the truth behind the crime. Background: Up in the Air is a low-budget mystery-comedy produced by Monogram Pictures, known for its quick productions and B-movie fare. The film stars Frankie Darro and Mantan Moreland, a popular comedic duo in Poverty Row cinema. The movie features musical numbers and showcases the behind-the-scenes workings of a radio station during the golden age of broadcasting. Trivia: The film is notable for its portrayal of the radio industry in the early 1940s. Frankie Darro and Mantan Moreland were a popular comedic team in B-movies of the era. The movie includes musical performances, adding a lighthearted touch to the mystery. Up in the Air was released as part of Monogram's effort to produce quick-turnaround films for the matinee crowd. Hashtags: #UpInTheAir1940 #FrankieDarro #MantanMoreland #MonogramPictures #RadioMystery #ClassicFilm #BMovie #PovertyRow #1940sCinema #CrimeComedy