The Mayor of 44th Street
The Mayor of 44th Street is a 1942 film directed by Alfred E. Green. It stars George Murphy and Anne Shirley. The song There's a Breeze on Lake Louise was nominated for an Academy Award in 1943.
Plot
George Murphy is a reformed crook who has made a success as a booking agent for big bands at supper clubs. Richard Barthelmess is his ex-partner who is up for parole and needs the promise of a job to get out of prison. George volunteers to help out and offers him a place at his agency.Before long, Richard has returned to his old ways and is pushing “ protection “ to the bands they represent.
When Murphy finds out, he immediately cans the crook.
A spree of violence ensues as the criminal gang ups the ante. Barthelmess turns up the pressure on Murphy and torches his best club. Murphy gets a gun and goes to settle the score but he’s outsmarted.
Murphy is being beaten by Barthelmess’ gang when a crowd of ordinary citizens arrive and save the day.
Cast
- George Murphy as Joe Jonathan
- Anne Shirley as Jessey Lee
- William Gargan as Tommy Fallon
- Richard Barthelmess as Ed Kirby—Barthelmess's last film before he retired from acting
- Joan Merrill as Vicky Lane
- Freddy Martin as himself
- Rex Downing as Bits McKarg
- Millard Mitchell as Herman
- Mary Wickes as Mamie