Syncopation

The shoestring plot of Syncopation is simply an excuse for this musical extravaganza that traces the evolution of jazz from the early sounds of New Orleans Dixieland to ragtime in Chicago up through the swing era. Starring Adolphe Menjou, Bonita Granville, and Jackie Cooper, and featuring such musical talents as Harry James, Benny Goodman, Todd Duncan, and Gene Krupa, the film is also notable for its relatively progressive portrayal (for its era) of African Americans. (89 mins., DCP) Preceded by the short Symphony in Black, which features Duke Ellington’s “A Rhapsody of Negro Life” and the first screen appearance of Billie Holiday. (9 mins., DCP)

Syncopation restored by Cohen Film Collection at Modern VideoFilm and released by Cohen Film Collection.