Syncopation (1929 film)

Syncopation

Film poster
Directed by Bert Glennon
Produced by Robert Kane (producer)
Joseph I. Schnitzer (executive producer)
Written by Gene Markey (novel and dialogue)
Frances Agnew (adaptation)
Paul S. Haschke (titles)
Starring Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians
Barbara Bennett
Bobby Watson
Ian Hunter
Music by Richard Myers
Bud Green
Herman Ruby
Clifford Grey
Sammy Stept
Leo Robin
Cinematography Dal Clawson
George Webber
Ian Hunter
Edited by Edward Pfitzenmeier
Production
company
Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures
Release dates
  • March 24, 1929 (1929-03-24) (US)[1]
Running time
 83 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Box office $1,250,000[2]

Syncopation is a 1929 American musical film directed by Bert Glennon and starring Barbara Bennett, Bobby Watson, and Ian Hunter, although top billing went to Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians.

This was the second film produced by RKO Radio Pictures, but the first released by the studio, as the company's first produced film, Street Girl, was not released until August 1929. The film was made at the company's New York City studios[3] and is based on the novel Stepping High by Gene Markey. The film was heavily marketed on its release, being the first film to be broadcast over the radio, as well as being RKO's first sound musical,[4] and was a significant success.[5]

This film was the first made in the RCA Photophone sound-on-film process, and was an important test for Radio Corporation of America, which had invested heavily in the newly created RKO.

Plot

Benny and Flo are a husband and wife dance team, Sloane and Darrel, traveling around the country as part of a revue. The revue gets picked up and taken to New York City, to be on Broadway. However, it quickly folds, and the two are forced to look for other employment. They eventually find work in a nightclub, becoming famous.

While performing at the nightclub, Flo becomes entranced by a young, sophisticated millionaire playboy, Winston. Swayed by his sweet words, Flo leaves Benny, and finds another dancing partner, who she pairs with in another revue, this one financed by Winston. However, her new act is a flop, and when Winston offers to take her to Europe, but is unwilling to marry her, she realizes the mistake she's made. She repents and returns to Benny, who takes her back and re-establishes their act, going back on the road.

Cast

Songs

Notes

References

  1. ↑ "Syncopation: Detail View". American Film Institute. Retrieved June 3, 2014.
  2. ↑ "FILM WORLD.". The West Australian. Perth: National Library of Australia. 19 October 1934. p. 2. Retrieved 19 April 2014.
  3. ↑ Barrios p.83
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "AllMovie Guide: Syncopation". Answers.com. Retrieved April 2, 2014.
  5. ↑ Barrios p.83-84
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jewell, Richard B.; Harbin, Vernon (1982). The RKO Story. New York: Arlington House. p. 20. ISBN 0-517-546566.
  7. ↑ Parish, James Robert. The Glamour Girls. Rainbow Books. p. 41. ISBN 0895080028.

Bibliography

This article is issued from Wikipedia - version of the 4/2/2016. The text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution/Share Alike but additional terms may apply for the media files.