Paradise in Hamlet

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

Notes

Released on DVD 2007 by Alpha Home Entertainment.

Keywords

Shakespeare, William (1564-1616); Amateur theatre; Black actors; Gangster films

Credits

Director

Joseph Seiden

Cinematographer

Charles Levine; Don Malkames

Writer

Frank L. Wilson

Screenplay

Vincent Valentini

Music

Juanita Hall; Lucky Millinder

Cast

Babe Matthews
Edna Mae Harris
Francine Everett
Frank Wilson
Mamie Smith
Norman Astwood

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