Speakeasy (1929 film)

The film follows Alice Woods (Lola Lane), a young woman who inherits a nightclub from her uncle, unaware that it is a speakeasy operating illegally during Prohibition. She partners with a struggling songwriter, Paul (Paul Page), to turn the club into a legitimate venue, but they face opposition from gangsters and corrupt officials. The plot intertwines romance, musical numbers, and comedic situations as Alice and Paul navigate the challenges of the era.

The principal cast includes Lola Lane as Alice Woods, Paul Page as Paul, Henry B. Walthall as 'Pop' (Alice's uncle), and Sharon Lynn as a nightclub singer. Supporting roles are played by Earl Foxe, and the film features a cameo by the popular vaudeville team of Shaw and Lee. The performances are typical of early sound films, with a mix of stage-trained actors and newcomers.

Speakeasy was produced by Fox Film Corporation and directed by Benjamin Stoloff, who was known for his efficient handling of early talkies. The film was released on March 24, 1929, and was one of the first musicals to be released with a synchronized soundtrack. It was shot at Fox's Movietone City studio in Westwood, Los Angeles. The film's songs, including 'I'm Just a Vagabond Lover' and 'Speakeasy', were performed by the cast and became popular on radio.

Contemporary reviews praised the film's lively musical numbers and Lola Lane's performance, though some critics found the plot formulaic. Over time, Speakeasy has been noted by film historians as an early example of the Hollywood musical genre and a reflection of the public's fascination with the illicit nightlife of the Prohibition era. The film is now in the public domain and has been released on DVD by various labels, though it remains relatively obscure compared to other early musicals.

One little-known fact is that the film's title song, 'Speakeasy', was written by Con Conrad and Sidney D. Mitchell, who later became prominent in Hollywood. Another is that the film was one of the first to feature a synchronized dance number choreographed by Sammy Lee, who would go on to choreograph many MGM musicals. Additionally, the film's depiction of a female protagonist running a speakeasy was unusual for the time, offering a progressive portrayal of women in business. The film also survives in a complete print at the Library of Congress, making it accessible for study.

Pre-Code

Refers to films made before the enforcement of the Motion Picture Production Code in 1934, which allowed more controversial content.

Vitaphone

A sound-on-disc system used in early sound films, where audio was recorded on phonograph records synchronized with the film.

Movietone City

A film studio lot in Westwood, Los Angeles, used by Fox Film Corporation in the 1920s and 1930s.