The Mayor of 44th Street
The Mayor of 44th Street | |
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Directed by | Alfred E. Green |
Written by | Robert Hardy Andrews |
Screenplay by | Lewis R. Foster Frank Ryan |
Based on | The Mayor of 44th Street 1940 story in Collier's by John Cleveland and Luther Davis |
Produced by | Cliff Reid |
Starring | George Murphy |
Cinematography | Robert De Grasse |
Edited by | Irene Morra |
Music by | C. Bakaleinikoff |
Distributed by | RKO Pictures |
Release date |
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Running time | 86 minutes |
Country | United States |
Language | English |
The Mayor of 44th Street is a 1942 film directed by Alfred E. Green. It stars George Murphy and Anne Shirley.[2] It was nominated for an Academy Award in 1943.
Plot
[edit]George Murphy is a reformed crook who has made a success as a booking agent for big bands at supper clubs. Richard Barthelmess is his ex-partner who is up for parole and needs the promise of a job to get out of prison. George volunteers to help out and offers him a place at his agency.
Before long, Richard has returned to his old ways and is pushing “ protection “ to the bands they represent. When Murphy finds out, he immediately cans the crook.
A spree of violence ensues as the criminal gang ups the ante. Barthelmess turns up the pressure on Murphy and torches his best club. Murphy gets a gun and goes to settle the score but he’s outsmarted. Murphy is being beaten by Barthelmess’ gang when a crowd of ordinary citizens arrive and save the day.
Cast
[edit]- George Murphy as Joe Jonathan
- Anne Shirley as Jessey Lee
- William Gargan as Tommy Fallon
- Richard Barthelmess as Ed Kirby
- Joan Merrill as Vicky Lane
- Freddy Martin as himself
- Rex Downing as Bits McKarg
- Millard Mitchell as Herman
- Mary Wickes as Mamie
References
[edit]- ^ "The Mayor of 44th Street: Detail View". American Film Institute. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
- ^ "The Mayor of 44th Street (1942) - Alfred E. Green - Synopsis, Characteristics, Moods, Themes and Related - AllMovie". AllMovie.