New York Nights 1929
"Her First ALL TALKING Picture"
Step into the dazzling, high-stakes world of 1929 Broadway in *New York Nights*, Lewis Milestone's lively crime-drama that captures the electric pulse of Prohibition-era nightlife.
Director: Lewis Milestone
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New York Nights (1929) about?
*New York Nights* follows Jill Deverne, a charismatic showgirl trapped in a troubled marriage, who trades her stage life for the dangerous embrace of a gangster after her husband's betrayal. Set against the frenetic pulse of 1920s New York, the film explores themes of ambition, obsession, and the cost of glamour in a world where every promise comes with strings attached.
Who directed New York Nights?
Lewis Milestone, the acclaimed director behind classics like *All Quiet on the Western Front*, helmed *New York Nights*, infusing the film with a sharp, atmospheric vision of urban life.
Who stars in New York Nights?
The film features Norma Talmadge in the lead role, supported by Gilbert Roland, John Wray, Lilyan Tashman, and Mary Doran, all delivering memorable performances in this Jazz Age drama.
Is New York Nights (1929) worth watching?
Though unrated on IMDb, *New York Nights* offers a fascinating glimpse into early talking pictures and the moral complexities of its era. Fans of period crime dramas and star-studded casts will appreciate its blend of drama and atmosphere, even if it doesn't reach the polish of later films. Its themes resonate beyond its time, making it a curious watch for classic cinema enthusiasts.
How long is New York Nights?
The film runs for 82 minutes, offering a brisk yet immersive dive into its dramatic narrative.
About New York Nights (1929) — A Jazz-Age Crime Drama Steeped in Glamour and Betrayal
Step into the dazzling, high-stakes world of 1929 Broadway in *New York Nights*, Lewis Milestone's lively crime-drama that captures the electric pulse of Prohibition-era nightlife. The story follows Jill Deverne, a captivating showgirl married to a talented but distracted songwriter, Fred Deverne, as their glamorous but turbulent marriage unravels amid endless parties and relentless pursuit by a powerful gangster. Drawn deeper into the city's shadowy underbelly, Jill trades her stage life for the dangerous affections of the gangster—only to find the glittering facade of wealth and influence hollow and exhausting. Directed with a keen eye for atmosphere, Milestone contrasts the allure of fame with the harsh realities of obsession and betrayal, all set against a backdrop of jazz-filled speakeasies and neon-lit streets.
At its heart, *New York Nights* is a tale of temptation and consequences, where every glittering party and every whispered promise hides a price. Norma Talmadge delivers a magnetic performance as Jill, navigating a world where ambition and desire blur dangerously, while Gilbert Roland and Lilyan Tashman bring depth and intensity to their supporting roles. With its blend of crime and drama, this early talking picture offers a vivid snapshot of an era obsessed with both spectacle and scandal.