@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
After years of hopeful struggle, waiter and aspiring singer-songwriter Al Stone is on his way. He gets his huge break on a magical night when his song wows big-time producer Louis Marcus and gold-digging showgirl Molly, whom Al fancies. Broadway success and marriage follow, but sure enough, hard times are on the way.
Quick Stats
5.0
TMDB Rating
7
Votes
1h 42m
Runtime
$388K
Budget
$5.9M
Box Office
1525%
Return
Key Crew
DirectorLloyd Bacon
WriterC. Graham Baker
CinematographyByron Haskin
ComposerLouis Silvers
EditorRalph Dawson
Produced by
Warner Bros. Pictures
Where to Watch
Free
Public Domain MoviesRent
Amazon VideoBuy
Amazon VideoSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Al Jolson
Al Stone
Betty Bronson
Grace
Josephine Dunn
Molly Winton
Arthur Housman
Blackie Joe
R
Reed Howes
John Perry
Davey Lee
Sonny Boy
Edward Martindel
Louis Marcus
Robert Emmett O'Connor
Cafe Owner Bill
Helen Lynch
Maid
A
Agnes Franey
'Balloon' Girl
James Cagney
Handsy Patron at Blackie Joe's (uncredited)
William H. O'Brien
Waiter at Blackie Joe's (uncredited)
B
Bob Perry
Doorman at Blackie Joe's (uncredited)
Carl M. Leviness
Carl – Waiter at Clicquot Club (uncredited)
J
Jack Stoutenburg
Little Boy (uncredited)
