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Mystery in Swing
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Wikipedia article
'Mystery in Swing' is an American murder mystery film released in 1940. It was directed by Arthur Dreifuss, based on a script by Arthur Hoerl.Dreifuss, Arthur, director. 'Mystery in Swing'. International Road Shows, Inc., 1940. (The University of California at Berkeley erroneously states it was directed by Arthur Hoerl.)
'Mystery in Swing' features music by The Four Toppers and Cee Pee Johnson and his Orchestra and was noted as being the first time a Black orchestra recorded an entire score for a film. It is currently held in the collections of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
Synopsis
The movie's plot features the murder of an unpopular band leader at a nightclub and a long list of suspects.
Songs in the movie include "Jump, the water's fine", "Let's go to a party" performed by The Four Toppers, "You can't fool yourself about love", "Beat my blues away", and "Swinging sweet and lightly" performed by Cee Pee Johnson and his Orchestra.
Cast
*Monte Hawley as Biff Boyd
*Marguerite Whitten as Linda Carroll
*Tommie Moore as Mae Carroll
*Edward Thompson as Captain Hall
*Buck Woods as Buck Bedford
*Jess Lee Brooks as John Carroll
*Josephine Edwards as Maxine Ray
*Sybil Lewis as Cleo Ellis
*Robert Webb (actor) as Prince Ellis
*Alfred Grant as Chet Wallace
*Thomas Southern as Sgt. Phipps
*Halley Harding as Editor Bailey
Reception and legacy
A review in 'Box Office' noted, "The cast, largely comprising night-club entertainers, delivers competently and there are a few welcome and well-done musical interludes.""Reviews Exploitips: Mystery in Swing." 'Boxoffice'. Vol. 36, Iss. 17, (Mar 16, 1940): 31-32. 'Mystery in Swing' has been noted for being the first time a Black orchestra recorded an entire score for a film.
'The Pittsburgh Courier' ran a story on the film as it was in production.
References
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