New York Nights

New York Nights
Theatrical poster
Directed by	Lewis Milestone
Produced by	Joseph M. Schenck Norma Talmadge
Written by	Play: Hugh Stanislaus Stange Screenplay: Jules Furthman
Starring	Norma Talmadge
Cinematography	Ray June
Editing by	Hal C. Kern
Distributed by	United Artists
Release date(s)	December 28, 1929 (1929-12-28)
Running time	81 minutes[1]
Country	United States
Language	English

New York Nights is a 1929 crime film directed by Lewis Milestone. It is based on the 1928 play Tin Pan Alley by Hugh Stanislaus Stange.^[2] The film is known for being leading actress Norma Talmadge's first sound film.

Plot

Jill Deverne is a chorus girl married to alcoholic composer Fred. She wants to show Fred's latest song, A Year From Today, to racketeer Joe Prividi. Prividi is the producer of the musical show she is working in and agrees to use his song. Fred, however, refuses any favours and rejects Prividi's offer. When Prividi uses the song anyway, Fred and his friend Johnny Dolan become drunk and show up at a nightclub.

In a raid, the police discover Fred with chorus girl Ruthie. Jill is disgusted with his behavior and dumps him. She is soon courted by Prividi, who is very overprotective. At a private party, a gambler forces himself on her and is shot by Prividi. Prividi is arrested and sent to jail. Jill doesn't want to be left behind and plans a future with Fred. Prividi becomes jealous and sends gunmen to shoot and kill Fred. He is eventually stopped and put in jail, while Jill and Fred ride off in a train to start a new life.

Song

A Year From Today, the song featured in the film, was composed by Al Jolson, Dave Dreyer and Ballard McDonald. It was sung in four different styles in the movie.

Cast

• Norma Talmadge as Jill Deverne
• Gilbert Roland as Fred Deverne
• John Wray as Joe Prividi
• Lilyan Tashman as Peggy
• Mary Doran as Ruthie Day
• Roscoe Karns as Johnny Dolan

Release

The film was highly publicized as Talmadge's first talkie. The film, however, received generally negative reviews. Variety praised Talmadge's acting, but called the film a "stiff test" for her. Photoplay wrote that her fans wouldn't be disappointed with her voice, but stated the story was "full of hokum".^[3]

References

1. ^ Turner Classic Movies Original Print Information for New York Nights (1929)
2. ^ Turner Classic Movies Screenplay Info for New York Nights (1929)
3. ^ The Norma Talmadge Website Review from Variety & Photoplay

External links

• New York Nights at the Internet Movie Database
• New York Nights; allrovi.com/ online synopsis