Syncopation

This 1942 feature ostensibly presents the evolution of jazz—from the New Orleans clubs of the early 20th century to the swing bands of the 1920s—through the story of an amateur pianist named Kit (Bonita Granville), who learns jazz as a child and later introduces the music to young Chicago coronet player Johnny (Jackie Cooper) and his combo. The narrative is rudimentary as it charts Johnny's hard times trying to make a living and Kit's support of his dream along the way. Syncopation is also largely focused on white artists, although it does acknowledge the genre's black roots and features one African-American, Rex Tearbone (Todd Duncan), a master jazzman and inspiration to our plucky young hero. Overall, director William Dieterle, a specialist in studio bio-pics and cultured dramas, delivers an interesting, if historically incomplete, snapshot of jazz's inception, one full of swinging music. Incidentally, legendary figures Benny Goodman, Charlie Barnet, Harry James, Gene Krupa, and Joe Venuti are prominently featured in the credits but only appear at the end of the film, playing together in a scene that could be a prototype music video. Making its home video debut on DVD and Blu-ray, extras include nine archival music shorts made between 1929 and 1939 showcasing Duke Ellington, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Cab Calloway, Hoagy Carmichael, Artie Shaw, and others (some contain offensive stereotypes, but all are well-preserved and feature great music). An historically interesting film, this is recommended. (S. Axmaker)