Mystery in Swing is an American murder mystery film released in 1940.[1] It was directed by Arthur Dreifuss, based on a script by Arthur Hoerl.[2][3][4] (The University of California at Berkeley erroneously states it was directed by Arthur Hoerl.)[5]
Mystery in Swing | |
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Directed by | Arthur Dreifuss |
Screenplay by | Arthur Hoerl |
Produced by | Rudolph Brent[citation needed], Arthur Dreifuss |
Starring | Monte Hawley Marguerite Whitten Tommie Moore Edward Thompson Buck Woods Jess Lee Brooks Josephine Edwards (actor) Sybil Lewis (actor) Robert Webb (actor) Alfred Grant Thomas Southern Halley Harding |
Edited by | Robert Crandall |
Production company | Aetna Film Corp. |
Release date | 1940 |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
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.[6] It is currently held in the collections of the National Museum of African American History and Culture.[7]
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.[4]
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."[8] Mystery in Swing has been noted for being the first time a Black orchestra recorded an entire score for a film.[6]
The Pittsburgh Courier ran a story on the film as it was in production.[9]
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