Syncopation (1942)

Through a riveting exploration of a quarter-century of American music, Syncopation (1942) immerses viewers in the rhythmic heart of the nation. From the lively pulse of Ragtime to the soulful strains of Blues, through the exuberance of Jazz and the infectious beat of Boogie Woogie, the film charts a melodious journey from pre-WWI era to the dawn of WWII. The tale is beautifully interwoven with the romantic saga of Kit Latimer, a gifted singer hailing from New Orleans, and Johnny Schumacher, a passionate music enthusiast. Their relationship ebbs and flows on the waves of their shared love for music, punctuated by spirited debates over musical ideas. Adding an unusual twist to the film's production, RKO held a contest in partnership with 'The Saturday Evening Post', allowing readers to vote for their favorite musicians. The resulting All-American Dance Band, as showcased in the film, boasts an array of stars - Charlie Barnet, Benny Goodman, Harry James, Jack Jenney, Gene Krupa, Alvino Rey, Joe Venuti, and the enchanting singer Connee Boswell, all chosen by the magazine's readers. Syncopation is not just a film, but a rhapsody that captures the essence of an era, delivering a visually stunning, harmonious blend of romance and music history.

Syncopation is a music movie featuring Adolphe Menjou.

Syncopation is currently streaming for free (ad-supported) on Kanopy and Tubi TV.

It is also possible to buy Syncopation on Amazon Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, Kino Now and YouTube.