Francine Everett

Desperate to leave Harlem to escape an old boyfriend, Gertie La Rue, an enticing singer-dancer, runs away to a sleepy Caribbean island resort.

Between swing and blues musical numbers, the story of comedian Lem Anderson, whose long-awaited chance to act dramatically vanishes when he witnesses a mob killing and is forced to leave town. Lem becomes a wanderer, then an alcoholic. Finally a chance to play Othello draws him back to Harlem

Urged by a new fight manager, a Golden Gloves champion decides to turn professional against the reservations of his family and his girlfriend.