Up In The Air

Up In The Air is a quintessential vintage 'who done it,' a crime-mystery comedy film directed by Howard Bretherton that premiered in 1940. The film was produced by Lindsley Parsons and is a Monogram Pictures production. The film's headlining actors included Frankie Darro, Marjorie Reynolds, veteran actor and jazz singer Mantan Moreland, and a host of other reputable talent.

Frankie Darro plays 'Frankie' Ryan, a character well-loved by fans for his youthful energy and intense curiosity. Darro, known for his expert acrobatics, infuses his role with all the dynamism and spirit expected of him, making his character intriguing and relatable. Alongside him in the movie is Marjorie Reynolds, who plays Breezy, while Mantan Moreland adds a dash of humor and wit as the unstoppable Jeff.

The story takes place in the fascinating world of radio broadcasting. Following a murder at the radio station where they work, Frankie and Jeff, who function as an office boy and janitor respectively, unintentionally dive into a sea of chaos, adventure, and mystery. The pair finds themselves in a world of intrigue after discovering cryptic notes in the office trash that points to suspicious goings-on at the station.

Hence, the radio station becomes a crime scene, and a hotbed of enigmatic characters, all intriguing in their own way. There are rival radio programmers, embittered scriptwriters, and not to forget, aggrieved actors, all suspects in an ever-twisting plot. The script cleverly balances tension and humor with engaging dialogue that keeps the audience invested in the characters and the mystery at hand.

On this journey of mystery and adventure, Breezy (Marjorie Reynolds), a 'go-getter' and tenacious radio writer, also plays a key role. Courageous and smart, she aids Frankie and Jeff in their mission to solve the murder mystery while maneuvering through the world of commercial radio. Her character adds a sprinkle of romance and a dash of feminism to Up In The Air, offering a complex character against the period piece backdrop.

Mantan Moreland, playing Jeff, offers comic relief to offset the escalating tension. His expressions and body language, largely driven by the comedy of errors in the script, adds a distinct wit and charm to the movie. Moreland's interactions with Darro in the film generate a comic pairing that resonates with audiences even today.

However, Up In The Air doesn’t confine itself to merely being a mystery-comedy. Instead, it touches upon the prevalent issues of the era, specifically the themes of race, labor, and class, and business's ruthless nature, particularly in the broadcast industry. Such themes provide depths to the characters and enrich the storyline, offering a relatable context for a contemporary audience revisiting classic cinema.

Steeped in an unpredictable mix of suspense, laughter, and intrigue, the film explores the world behind the golden age of radio broadcasting. It gives glimpses of what goes on behind the microphone – the hurried script rewrites, urgent ad-libs, lighting arrangements, and more, which add an extra flavor of behind-the-scene frenzy to the winding plot.

Director Howard Bretherton, known for his knack of telling complex stories in simple, engaging ways, has added another gem to classic cinema through this riveting movie. Coupled with the lasting humor, up-tempo jazz numbers, and well-paced narration, Up In The Air delivers a refreshing take on the mystery-comedy genre, making a mark in the cinematic archive of the early 1940s.

While the film might not adhere to the tropes of conventional mystery films, the director skillfully broaches the murder mystery in an office setting, cracking open a complex web of cold pen rivals, disgruntled employees, rookies building their careers, and a murder intertwined among them all.

In summary, Up In The Air is a marvellous mix of comedy, mystery, and melodrama that offers an exciting peek into the golden era of radio broadcasting. Its host of charming characters, intriguing plot, and reflections on contemporary society make it a timeless piece of cinema from the 1940s worthy of revisiting. Perfect for classic cinema enthusiasts, this film is a comedic, unsung treasure that continues to entertain and engage audiences with its enduring charm and wit.