Watch Blues in the Night

Blues in the Night is a 1941 musical film directed by Anatole Litvak and starring Priscilla Lane, Betty Field, and Richard Whorf. The movie tells the story of a group of four musicians who travel around the country playing blues music. The band consists of Jigger (Richard Whorf), Leo (Lloyd Nolan), Peppi (Elia Kazan), and Nickie (Jack Carson). They are joined by their singer, Kay Grant (Priscilla Lane), who adds her melodious voice to their performances.

From the very beginning, it is clear that the band is struggling to make ends meet. They perform in small towns, in front of small audiences, and are paid very little. They are constantly on the move, never staying in one place for too long. This type of lifestyle takes a toll on their relationships, as well as their health. Jigger, the band leader, is particularly vulnerable to the temptations of alcohol and women.

Things start to look up for the band when they reach a bigger city, where they are hired to play at a nightclub. They are excited to finally have a steady gig, but soon discover that they are caught up in the dangerous world of organized crime. One of the band members, Leo, falls in love with a beautiful singer named Character (Betty Field), who is involved with the club's owner, Del Davis (Howard Da Silva). Leo and Character's romance quickly turns sour when he discovers her involvement with the mob boss.

As the movie progresses, the band members become increasingly embroiled in the seedy criminal underworld. They are lured into illegal activities such as smuggling and extortion, and their lives become increasingly dangerous as a result. But despite the danger, they are relentlessly committed to their music, and perform with all their heart and soul.

The highlight of the movie is undoubtedly the music. The blues numbers are electrifying, with the band members putting their heart and soul into every performance. Priscilla Lane's singing is particularly noteworthy, as she delivers soulful renditions of classics such as "St. Louis Blues" and "This Time the Dream's on Me". The musical numbers are expertly choreographed and shot, making for an immersive and entertaining experience.

Blues in the Night is also notable for its impressive cinematography. The film uses unconventional camera angles and lighting techniques to create a moody, atmospheric feel. The black and white visuals are expertly used to create a sense of tension and danger, particularly during the film's thrilling climax.

Overall, Blues in the Night is a timeless classic that is well worth watching. It delivers a powerful message about the passion and dedication needed to succeed in the music industry. The performances are all top-notch, with Priscilla Lane's singing being a particular highlight. The film's moody cinematography and expertly choreographed musical numbers make for a truly unforgettable viewing experience.

Blues in the Night is a 1941 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.