BROKEN STRINGS (1940) Clarence Muse, Sybil Lewis & William Washington | Drama, Black Cinema | B&W

Broken Strings is a 1940 American race film, directed by Bernard B. Ray and produced by L.C. Borden. It has been described as "the all-black version of The Jazz Singer".

SYNOPSIS
Arthur Williams, a celebrated concert violinist, sees his career come to an abrupt end after a car accident leaves his fingers paralyzed. With his own dreams shattered, Arthur pins his hopes on his son, John, expecting him to carry on the classical music tradition. However, John’s passion lies in the modern rhythms of swing, leading to tension between father and son.

As Arthur becomes a music teacher, he favors his student Dickie Morley, who shares his classical inclinations, while dismissing John’s love for swing music. Meanwhile, Arthur’s daughter, Grace, faces her own struggles. She works for a hair products company owned by James Stilton and is romantically involved with Gus, a fellow employee. Stilton’s jealous son, Sam, who has eyes for Grace, complicates matters by refusing her a needed advance for Arthur's neurological treatment. When Sam frames Gus for wrongdoing, both Grace and Gus quit their jobs.

In a bid to help his family, John plays swing music at the Miller Café, but this only angers Arthur, who punishes him harshly. Grace reveals to Arthur that John’s performances were meant to raise money for the family, causing Arthur to feel remorse.

Determined to prove himself, John and Grace enter a radio music contest. During their performance, John’s violin strings snap, seemingly jeopardizing their chances. Thinking quickly, John shifts to swing, using the remaining strings. The improvisation is a hit, and the performance wins the contest. As Arthur watches, he begins to appreciate his son’s talent and even regains some sensitivity in his fingers, enough to applaud John. The revelation that Dickie had sabotaged the violin leads to an apology, and Arthur, inspired by his son's success, finds the strength to resume his career as a violinist.

CAST & CREW
Clarence Muse as Arthur Williams
Sybil Lewis as Grace "Gracie" Williams
William Washington as John "Johnny" Williams
Tommie Moore as Mary
Matthew "Stymie" Beard as Dickey Morley
Pete Webster as Gus Herbert
Edward Thompson as Sam Stilton
Buck Woods as Fred Stilton
Darby Jones as Stringbeans Johnson
Jess Lee Brooks as Dr. Charles Matson
Earle Morris as Earl Wells
Elliot Carpenter as Musician

Director: Bernard B. Ray
Story by: Bernard B. Ray
Adaptation and Continuity: Carl Krusada
Additional Dialogue: Clarence Muse, David Arlen
Producer: Lewie C. Borden
Cinematography: Mack Stengler
Editing: Frederick Bain
Music by: Elliot Carpenter
Distributed by: International Road Shows, Inc.
Release Date: 1940
Running Time: 60 minutes
Country: United States
Language: English