Beware

Beware, released in 1946, is a musical race film notable for the casting of Louis Jordan, an American musician, songwriter, and bandleader who was popular during the Swing Era. He is joined by Frank H. Wilson and Emory Richardson in this high-spirited musical drama that intertwines the classic elements of comedy and drama.

The film takes place in an African-American college where Louis Jordan, portraying himself, is an alumnus. He is invited back to his alma mater to receive an honorary degree. His triumphant return to the college stimulates a wave of joyous expectation among the students, teachers, and administrators alike, who are looking forward to getting a firsthand glimpse of their famous graduate's success.

However, things start to unravel when he fails to donate twenty-five thousand dollars that the college desperately needs to secure its future, causing a series of comedic and dramatic scenes. The energetic rhythm of the music provides an exquisite backdrop to the evolving plot, infusing the film with a unique color that only Louis Jordan's music can confer.

The performance by Frank H. Wilson as Dean Hargreaves, the strict yet fair college administrator, and Emory Richardson as a student, brings a blend of seriousness to the otherwise predominantly light-hearted escapade. Their distinct roles and unique interactions add depth to the story, as their characters seem to be perpetually at odds with Jordan's on-screen persona, bringing further nuance to the narrative.

Thanks to these expert performances, the film masterfully explores various themes, such as personal responsibilities, the meaning of success, and the importance of education. Additionally, with its predominantly Black cast and crew, it serves as an important cultural product from an era when African American representation in Hollywood was scarce and often presented through the lens of racial stereotypes.

Set at the college, the film portrays the academic arena as a space where young minds are lulled into dreams of success and prosperity. But as Jordan's character illustrates, success can sometimes be a guise, offering a facade that disguises true character and intentions.

Attempting to pacify the disappointed faculty and student body, Jordan and his band wheel out their musical artillery. Several of Jordan's biggest hits, including 'Let the Good Times Roll' and 'Caldonia', find their place in the movie.

Throughout the film, the performances are gracefully choreographed, with regular interludes of Jordan's toe-tapping tunes. The musical performances provide an anticipatory mood, adding to the film's natural flow, and smoothing over the tension between the comedic and dramatic elements of the plot. Moreover, Louis Jordan's band, The Tympany Five, complements the star's compelling performance, their musical intuition enhancing the film's atmosphere.

Aside from its entertainment values, Beware served not just as a motion picture, but as a conduit for getting Jordan's music to a wider audience. His pioneering work in the unique idiom of rhythm and blues later influenced major rock 'n' roll and pop artists, and this film brilliantly showcases his musical prowess.

Its rich tapestry of love, dreams, disappointment, and eventual redemption, framed within a setting uncommon in Hollywood of the 40s, makes Beware an intriguing watch. Despite the trials and tribulations the characters undergo, the film maintains an overall positive tone, encouraging viewers to uphold their principles even when circumstances are challenging.

In summary, Beware is a distinct take on the classic themes of ambition, disappointment, and redemption, set against the backdrop of 1940s African American life and music. Directed by Bud Pollard, this is a film worth visiting not only for its captivating plot and performances but also to appreciate Louis Jordan's significant impact on the American music scene. It provides a historical snapshot of the times, immersing viewers in the rich, rhythmic world of mid-century African American music and culture. With its integral focus on music, which serves as more than just a soundtrack, Beware is an evocative musical film that showcases power, humility, endurance, and the splendor of Jazz.