Paradise in Harlem

Synopsis
Feature film. Set in 1930s Harlem, Lem Anderson (Frank Wilson) is a vaudeville actor who aspires to performing Shakespeare. One evening after a show he witnesses a notorious gangster’s murder. The gangster’s killers order Lem to leave town. He travels South to find more work on the stage but frightened and discouraged turns to drink and loses bookings. He eventually takes up an offer to move North and take the lead role in a church production of Othello - a black musical version. As soon as her returns to Harlem however he is recognised by the gangsters.
Language
English
Country
United States
Medium
Film
Technical information
Black-and-white / Sound
Year of release
1939
Duration
85 mins

Credits

Director
Joseph Seiden
Cinematographer
Charles Levine; Don Malkames
Writer
Frank L. Wilson
Screenplay
Vincent Valentini
Music
Juanita Hall; Lucky Millinder
Cast
Frank WilsonLem Anderson (Othello)
Francine EverettDesdemona Jones (Desdemona)
Babe MatthewsLaura Lou
Edna Mae HarrisDoll Davis
Mamie SmithMadame Mamie
Norman AstwoodRough Jackson

Additional Details

Production type
Operas and Musicals
Plays
Othello
Keywords
Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Amateur theatre; Black actors; Gangster films

Notes

Notes
Released on DVD 2007 by Alpha Home Entertainment.
General
Taglines were: The Sensational Inside Story of a Great Comedian Whose One Ambition Could Not Be Denied!! and Greatest Colored Cast Ever Assembled in One Picture.

The songs are performed by Lucky Millinder and His Orchestra, the gospel quartet The Alphabetical Four and the Juanita Hall Singers.

Production Company

Name

Jubilee Pictures

Archive

Name

Library of Congress, Motion Picture, Broadcasting and Recorded Sound Division

Web
http://loc.gov/rr/record External site opens in new window
Phone
(202) 707-7833
Address
Recorded Sound Reference Centre
101 Independence Avenue, S.E.
Room LM-113
Washington, DC 20540

Online Retailer

Name

amazon.com

Web
http://www.amazon.com External site opens in new window

How to cite this record

Shakespeare, "Paradise in Harlem". https://learningonscreen.ac.uk/shakespeare/search/index.php/title/av66989 (Accessed 26 Nov 2024)