Syncopation (1942)

Starring:

• Adolphe Menjou
• Jackie Cooper
• Bonita Granville
• George Bancroft
• Robert Benchley
• Walter Catlett
• Ted North
• Todd Duncan
• Jessica Grayson
• Connee Boswell
• Frank Jenks
• Hall Johnson Choir

Storyline

In New Orleans, young Kit Latimer (Bonita Granville), who loves and plays the African-American music of the city, moves to Chicago with her architect father, George (Adolphe Menjou). Over the next several years Kit discovers that the ragtime of her childhood has developed into jazz and continues performing. Struggling coronet player Johnny Schumacher (Jackie Cooper) befriends Kit, who is then arrested after her music incites a riot at a club. Upon her release, Kit forms a band with Johnny.

Jackie Brown (1997)

Starring:

• Pam Grier
• Samuel L. Jackson
• Robert Forster
• Bridget Fonda
• Michael Keaton
• Robert De Niro
• Michael Bowen
• Chris Tucker
• LisaGay Hamilton
• Tommy 'Tiny' Lister
• Hattie Winston
• Sid Haig

Storyline

When flight attendant Jackie Brown (Pam Grier) is busted smuggling money for her arms dealer boss, Ordell Robbie (Samuel L. Jackson), agent Ray Nicolette (Michael Keaton) and detective Mark Dargus (Michael Bowen) want her help to bring down Robbie. Facing jail time for her silence or death for her cooperation, Brown decides instead to double-cross both parties and make off with the smuggled money. Meanwhile, she enlists the help of bondsman Max Cherry (Robert Forster), a man who loves her.