THE DEVIL'S DAUGHTER (1939) Nina Mae McKinney & Jack Carter | Drama, Horror, Black Cinema | B&W

The Devil's Daughter, also known as Pocomania, is a 1939 American film directed by Arthur H. Leonard.

SYNOPSIS
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Jamaica, Sylvia Walton, portrayed by Ida James, returns from Harlem to claim ownership of a banana plantation inherited from her late father, much to the chagrin of her embittered half-sister, Isabelle, played by Nina Mae McKinney. As Sylvia grapples with the challenges of managing the plantation, tensions rise amidst the rhythmic beats of distant drums.

The film opens with a lively scene featuring a group performance followed by a cockfight, setting the stage for the unfolding drama. Alongside Sylvia's endeavors, the narrative follows her interactions with two competing suitors and her comedic sidekick, Percy. Yet, amidst their personal conflicts, the persistent sound of drums looms ominously, hinting at deeper mysteries awaiting discovery.

CAST & CREW
Nina Mae McKinney as Isabelle Walton
Jack Carter as Philip Ramsay
Ida James as Sylvia Walton
Hamtree Harrington as Percy Jackson
Willa Mae Lang as Elvira
Emmett 'Babe' Wallace as John Lowden
Francine Larrimore as Island girl

Directed by: Arthur H. Leonard
Written by: George Terwilliger (story and screenplay)
Produced by: Arthur H. Leonard (associate producer), Harry M. Popkin (producer)
Cinematography: Jay Rescher
Edited by: Samuel Datlowe
Music by: John Killam
Release date: December 7, 1939
Running time: 52 minutes (52 minutes), 67 minutes (original American release)
Country: US
Language: English

NOTES
Nina Mae McKinney can be heard singing an excerpt of The Devil’s Daughter soundtrack on the album Jamaica Folk Trance Possession 1939-1961.