J. Harold Murray Movies, TV Shows, and Filmography
J. Harold Murray
Acting
Biography
From Wikipedia J. Harold Murray (February 17, 1891 - December 11, 1940) was an American baritone. For more than a decade, during the Roaring Twenties and the Depression Thirties, he contributed to the development of musical theatre by bridging vaudeville, operetta and the modern American musical. Born Harry Rulten on February 17, 1891 in South Berwick, Maine, "Hal" Murray served in the Merchant Marine during World War I. After the war and a short apprenticeship in vaudeville, he made his debut on the musical theatre stage as J. Harold Murray in out-of-town productions of Arthur Hammerstein's Always You and Frank Tinney's Sometime, both in 1920. In Hollywood from 1929–30, he appeared in the William Fox Studio musicals: Cameo Kirby with Norma Terris; Happy Days; Married In Hollywood with Norma Terris; Women Everywhere with Fifi D'Orsay; and Under Suspicion. Modern theatre musicals emerged from vaudeville and operettas, and J. Harold Murray played an important role in their early development. His acting and strong baritone performances of songs, such as "Rio Rita", "The Ranger’s Song", "Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee", "Soft Lights and Sweet Music", and "New York in Autumn" were notable then, and his introducing them on the Broadway stage contributed to their withstanding the test of time into the 21st Century.
Filmography Movies
Acting
The Flame Song
In the kingdom of Florestan, a weak Prince Henry is ousted from power by his calculating cousin, Prince Basil. While exiled in Paris, Henry learns that the people are suffering under the tyranny of Basil's corrupt monarchy and decides to return to his homeland. Posing as the chauffeur of a traveling playboy--who is in reality Henry's manservant--he manages to make it across the border unmolested. But how will he be able to reclaim the throne?
Women Everywhere
Charles Jackson, an American sea-captain and singing soldier-of-fortune, is arrested by the French Foreign Legion for running guns to the rebel forces in Morocco fighting against the rule of the French in north Africa. He is saved by Lili La Fleur, a singer/dance in a Morocco café and, through her, eventually becomes a hero to the Foreign Legion.
Married in Hollywood
Heir to a Balkan throne, Prince Nicholai falls in love with an American vocalist who is touring with an operetta company in Europe. When he makes known his intention to renounce his heritage and marry Mary Lou, his mother has him locked up and orders Mary Lou back to the United States.
Under a Gypsy Moon
1937 Nu-Atlas short produced by Milton Schwarzwald with musical direction by Joseph Gershenson. Featuring J. Harold Murray who starred in RIO RITA on Broadway.
Cameo Kirby
Cameo Kirby, an honest riverboat gambler who works the Mississippi, rescues a girl from a gang of ruffians in New Orleans, but she disappears after he sings her a love song.
Under Suspicion
A group of Canadian Royal Mounted Police officers arrive home after serving overseas with the Allied Army. After enjoying a birthday banquet for the aged Major Manners amid much singing and revelry, Inspector Turner reveals suspicions about a new recruit, John Smith, whom he knows to be using a pseudonym and whose war record contains something potentially damaging.
Happy Days
In Fox's contribution to the all-star revue cycle of early talkies, showboat singer Margie, hearing that the show is in arrears, goes to New York to gather all of the former stars to stage a minstrel show as a benefit.
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