Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Mystery in Swing (1940)

A somewhat confusing crime race movie, though has some good music in it.

Prince Ellis (Robert Webb), a band leader and trumpeter, is killed. When the police begin to investigate the case they find there is no shortage of suspects as Ellis seemed to be hated by nearly everyone! This includes his ex-wife and the father of Ellis' new squeeze Mae (Tommie Moore). Reporter Biff (Monte Hawley) also helps the detective with the confusing case...

The film is typical of race movies (black only cast and crew) in being pretty low budget and roughly made at times. The story is a bit confusing though has a pretty good and innovative way to discover and unmask the killer. But if you can't follow the story just enjoy some good blues, jazz and swing music. Highly enjoyable.