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

Director

Joseph Seiden

Cinematographer

Charles Levine; Don Malkames

Writer

Frank L. Wilson

Screenplay

Vincent Valentini

Music

Juanita Hall; Lucky Millinder

Cast

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

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.

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British Universities Film & Video Council