Dark Manhattan (1937)

Dark Manhattan is a black and white American film produced in 1937 by a partnership of African Americans Ralph Cooper and George Randol. Harry Fraser directed the film, which was written by Randol who was also the executive producer. The film was the only one made by Randol-Cooper Productions. The film opens with a dedication to R. B. Harrison, Bert Williams, and Florence Mills "and all the pioneer Negro actors who by their many sacrifices paved the way for this presentation." Music was by Ellison & Brooks (Ben Ellison and Harvey O. Brooks). Ben Rinaldo was associate producer. The film had its world premiere on January 19, 1937, at the Lincoln Theater, in the heart of L.A.'s Central Avenue Corridor. The film is discussed in the book Making a Promised Land.