Speakeasy (1929 film)

Speakeasy is a 1929 American pre-Code musical drama film directed by Benjamin Stoloff and starring Lola Lane and Paul Page. The film is notable for its depiction of a speakeasy during the Prohibition era in the United States.

The film revolves around the story of Lou (Lola Lane), a young singer working in a speakeasy run by a gangster, and her romantic involvement with two men: a charming bootlegger and a determined newspaper reporter. The narrative explores themes of love, ambition, crime, and the moral complexities of the Roaring Twenties, set against the backdrop of the illegal alcohol trade and the vibrant nightlife of the era.

The musical numbers, typical of early talkies, were integrated into the plot, showcasing popular songs and dance routines of the period. Speakeasy provides a glimpse into the social and cultural atmosphere of the time, including the flapper lifestyle, the prevalence of organized crime, and the challenges faced by individuals navigating a society grappling with the consequences of Prohibition. The film has been preserved by the Library of Congress.