The Mayor of 44th Street (1942)

In the bustling whirl of 1942's music industry, Joe Jonathan (George Murphy), an ex-convict turned virtuous entrepreneur, steps into the spotlight as the fresh owner of a flourishing dance-band booking agency. However, the menacing shadow of its former owner, the incarcerated racketeer Ed Kirby (Richard Barthelmess), still lingers, casting a veil of suspicion from the ever-watchful police force. A fledgling hoodlum, Bits McKirk (Rex Downing), sensing opportunity, embarks on a brazen blackmail scheme, targeting Joe's thriving enterprise. But Joe, with his charisma and savvy, manages to turn the tables, absorbing the tenacious troublemaker into his business, despite the wary counsel of his loyal girlfriend and erstwhile hoofer partner, Jessie Lee (Anne Shirley). However, the calm is short-lived. Kirby, now paroled, returns to the fray, bringing along his old gang. They aim to squeeze protection money out of Joe's unsuspecting clients, which include the esteemed Freddie Martin and His Orchestra. The allure of Kirby's formidable underworld glamour proves too much for young Bits, who starts to falter, just as Jessie had feared. As his world teeters on the brink of collapse and Jessie's faith in him wanes, Joe understands he has a daunting task ahead. He must navigate this stormy sea of treachery and deceit to safeguard his dreams, his love, and his hard-earned second chance at life.

The Mayor of 44th Street is a drama movie featuring George Murphy and directed by Alfred E. Green.

The Mayor of 44th Street is currently streaming on DIRECTV.