SYNCOPATION (1929) Barbara Bennett, Morton Downey & Fred Waring | Comedy, Drama | B&W

Syncopation is a 1929 American pre-Code musical film directed by Bert Glennon and starring Barbara Bennett, Bobby Watson, and Ian Hunter (although top billing went to Fred Waring and his Pennsylvanians). It was the second film produced by RKO Radio Pictures and the first to be released by the studio, in March 1929; the company's first produced film, Street Girl, was not released until August 1929. The film was made at the company's New York City studios and is based on the novel Stepping High by Gene Markey. The film was heavily marketed on its release, being the first film to be broadcast over the radio, as well as RKO's first sound musical,[citation needed] and was a significant success.

This film was the first made in the RCA Photophone sound-on-film process, and was an important test for Radio Corporation of America, which had invested heavily in the newly-created RKO.

SYNOPSIS
This is RKO's first sound musical. It centers on a pair of vaudevillians who are quite close on and off the stage until a dashing millionaire comes around and begins wooing the female partner.

Benny and Flo are a husband and wife dance team, traveling around the country as part of a revue. The revue gets picked up and taken to New York City, to be on Broadway. However, it quickly folds, and the two are forced to look for other employment. They eventually find work in a nightclub, becoming famous.

While performing at the nightclub, Flo becomes entranced by a young, sophisticated millionaire playboy, Winston. Swayed by his sweet words, Flo leaves Benny and finds another dancing partner, who she pairs with in another revue, this one financed by Winston.

CAST & CREW
Barbara Bennett as Fleurette ("Flo")
Bobby Watson as Benny
Ian Hunter as Winston
Morton Downey as Lew
Osgood Perkins as Hummel
Mackenzie Ward as Henry
Verree Teasdale as Rita
Dorothy Lee as Peggy (screen debut)
Fred Waring and the Pennsylvanians as Themselves. Although they had top billing, Waring and his Pennsylvanians only appeared in two scenes.

Directed by Bert Glennon
Written by Frances Agnew
Based on Stepping High by Gene Markey
Produced by Robert Kane
Cinematography Dal Clawson, George Webber
Edited by Edward Pfitzenmeier
Music by Richard Myers, Bud Green, Herman Ruby, Clifford Grey, Sammy Stept, Leo Robin
Distributed by RKO Radio Pictures
Release date March 24, 1929
Running time 83 minutes
Country United States
Language English
Box office $1.2 million