Alan Crosland

  • William C. McGann & Alan Crosland – The Case of the Black Cat (1936)

    Alan Crosland1931-1940CrimeMysteryUSAWilliam C. McGann

    Synopsis:
    Lawyer Perry Mason is summoned to the Laxter mansion in the dead of night to write granddaughter Wilma out of invalid Peter Laxter’s will, to keep her from marrying suspected fortune hunter Doug. Peter dies in a mysterious fire and Laxter’s two grandsons, Sam Laxter and Frank Oafley, inherit his estate on the condition old caretaker Schuster and his cat Clinker are kept on. When cat-hating Sam threatens Clinker, Perry steps in and learns Laxter’s death was suspicious and the family fortune and diamonds are missing. Schuster’s found dead in his basement apartment, Laxter’s nurse Louise is murdered with Schuster’s crutch, and circumstantial evidence brings Doug to trial for Louise’s death. Mason’s investigation produces a surprise witness who turns the trial around.Read More »

  • Alan Crosland – Big Boy (1930)

    USA1921-1930Alan CroslandComedyMusical


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    Plot: If faithful Gus can only help the racehorse BIG BOY to win the Kentucky Derby the white folks who employ him will be saved from financial ruin.
    Strange, offbeat, bizarre, unique. All of these terms can describe this film which features legendary entertainer Al Jolson in blackface, playing a black man. While acted with tongue very firmly planted in cheek, and meant solely for lighthearted entertainment, this movie will definitely not be to every viewer’s taste. Not until the final minutes does Jolson appear as himself, joking with the audience and reprising the film’s dullest song yet once again.Read More »

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