Dark Manhattan Explained

Dark Manhattan
Director:Harry Fraser
Producer:Ralph Cooper
George Randol
Starring:Ralph Cooper
Music:Ben Ellison
Harvey O. Brooks
Cinematography:Arthur Reed
Editing:Arthur A. Brooks
Studio:Randol-Cooper Productions
Runtime:69 minutes
Country:United States
Language:English

Dark Manhattan is a black and white American film produced in 1937 by a partnership of African Americans Ralph Cooper and George Randol.[1] Harry Fraser directed the film, which was written by Randol who was also the executive producer. The film was the only one made by Randol-Cooper Productions.

The film opens with a dedication to R. B. Harrison, Bert Williams, and Florence Mills "and all the pioneer Negro actors who by their many sacrifices paved the way for this presentation."

Music was by Ellison & Brooks (Ben Ellison and Harvey O. Brooks). Ben Rinaldo was associate producer.[2]

The film had it's world premiere on January 19, 1937 at the Lincoln Theater, in the heart of L.A.'s Central Avenue Corridor.[3]

The film is discussed in the book Making a Promised Land.[2]

Plot

An up-and-coming youngster ruthlessly takes control of the numbers racket from the ailing former boss.[4]

Cast

Notes and References

  1. Book: Balio, Tino. Grand Design: Hollywood as a Modern Business Enterprise, 1930-1939. September 6, 1995. University of California Press. 9780520203341. Google Books.
  2. Web site: Making a Promised Land: Harlem in Twentieth-Century Photography and Film. Paula J.. Massood. September 6, 2013. Rutgers University Press. Project MUSE.
  3. News: PLAN WORLD PREMIERE FOR "DARK MANHATTAN": RANDOL-COOPER ALL-NEGRO FILM TO SHOW JAN. 19 LOUISE BEAVERS VISITS NEW PICTURE STUDIO. Levette, Harry. January 16, 1937. The Pittsburgh Courier. A6. But now comes the first real world premiere of an all-Negro cast film made and released by Negro producers, when on January 19, 'Dark Manhattan,' authored and produced at the new Grand International Studio by Geo. Randol and Ralph Cooper, will be flashed on the screen of the Lincoln Theatre. In true Hollywood style brilliant floodlights will turn night into day in the heart of the colored district on Central Avenue, powerful searchlights will sweep the skies pointing the way to what is expected to be as elaborate a social affair as the famous ones staged at the Hollywood theatres.. .
  4. Web site: Dark Manhattan. National Museum of African American History and Culture.