DOUBLE DEAL (1939) Monte Hawley, Jeni Le Gon & Edward Thompson | Action, Crime, Black Cinema | B&W

Double Deal is a 1939 American drama with an all-black cast (a genre at the time called "race films"), written by Arthur Hoerl, produced by George Randol, directed by Arthur Dreifuss and released on the independent states-rights market by Sack Amusement Enterprises and Astor Pictures Corp.

SYNOPSIS
In the vibrant streets of Harlem, Tommy McCoy and "Dude" Markey find themselves captivated by the enchanting Nita, a singer and dancer at a local nightclub. However, their infatuation spirals into a dangerous game of deceit and betrayal when Markey, driven by jealousy and desperation, orchestrates a series of criminal acts.

It begins with Markey's daring heist of a jewelry store, the stolen goods promptly handed over to the notorious gangster, Murray Howard. Yet, consumed by his desire to eliminate McCoy as a romantic rival, Markey engineers a sinister plan. He manipulates events to frame McCoy for the subsequent theft of the jewels from Howard's safe, hoping to incite Howard to dispose of McCoy once and for all.

Unbeknownst to Markey, McCoy's loyal brother refuses to accept the fabricated accusations. With Nita by their side, they embark on a perilous journey to uncover the truth and clear McCoy's name, navigating through a treacherous web of lies and danger in their pursuit of justice and love.

CAST & CREW
Monte Hawley as Jim McCoy
Jeni Le Gon as Nita
Edward Thompson as Dude Markey
Florence O'Brien as Sally
Freddie Jackson as Tommy McCoy
Maceo Bruce Sheffield as Murray Howard
Charles Gordon as Lanny
F.E. Miller as Nightclub Comedian
Shelton Brooks as Singer in Nightclub Floorshow
Juanita Moore as Nightclub Patron

Directed by: Arthur Dreifuss
Written by: Arthur Hoerl (story), Arthur Hoerl (screenplay), F.E. Miller (additional dialogue)
Produced by: Dixon R. Harwin (producer), George Randol (executive producer)
Cinematography: Mack Stengler
Edited by: Carl Pierson
Music by: Ross DiMaggio
Production company: George Randol Productions
Distributed by: Sack Amusement Enterprises, Astor Pictures Corporation (US; states rights)
Release date: 1939
Running time: 60 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English