The big-band mystique of the 1940s was explored by Blues in the Night. Future directors
Richard Whorf and
Elia Kazan star as, respectively, a neurotic band-leader and a carefree clarinettist. Their jazz band travels from one small-time gig to another, always hoping for their big break but always denied fame thanks to their own personal demons.
Priscilla Lane and
Betty Field portray (again respectively) the good and bad girls in the musicians' lives. While we're never treated to a full rendition of the title song, Blues in the Night scores with its melodramatic set pieces, including a gutsy climactic murder/suicide sequence involving
Betty Field and escaped convict
Lloyd Nolan. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide