Axel in Harlem: A Comprehensive Guide to the 1957 Film

Introduction

Axel in Harlem is a 1957 American crime film directed by Arthur Marks and starring Eartha Kitt, John Kitzmiller, and Frank Silvera. The film follows the story of Axel Nordmann, a Swedish immigrant who becomes involved in the Harlem underworld.

Plot Summary

Axel Nordmann arrives in Harlem with dreams of starting a new life. However, he quickly finds himself drawn into the criminal underworld. He becomes involved with a local gang and is soon recruited to carry out a robbery.

The robbery goes awry, and Axel is arrested. While in prison, he befriends Jazz, a fellow inmate who teaches him about the realities of life in Harlem. Axel is eventually released from prison and returns to Harlem, where he tries to start over.

However, Axel's past catches up with him, and he is once again drawn into the criminal underworld. He becomes involved in a dangerous scheme that puts his life at risk.

Characters

• Axel Nordmann (John Kitzmiller): A Swedish immigrant who becomes involved in the Harlem underworld.
• Jazz (Eartha Kitt): A fellow inmate who teaches Axel about the realities of life in Harlem.
• Jackson (Frank Silvera): A local gang leader who recruits Axel to carry out a robbery.

Themes

• Race and Prejudice: The film explores the themes of race and prejudice in Harlem. Axel, as a white man, is an outsider in the predominantly black neighborhood. He experiences discrimination and prejudice from both the black community and the police.
• Crime and Punishment: Axel's involvement in the criminal underworld leads to his downfall. He is arrested and sent to prison, where he learns about the consequences of his actions.
• Redemption: Axel is eventually released from prison and tries to start over. However, his past catches up with him, and he is once again drawn into the criminal underworld. The film raises the question of whether redemption is possible for someone who has committed crimes.

Critical Reception

Axel in Harlem received mixed reviews from critics. Some praised the film's gritty realism and strong performances, while others criticized its slow pacing and lack of focus. However, the film has since been recognized as a classic of the blaxploitation genre.

Cultural Impact

Axel in Harlem had a significant impact on American culture. The film helped to raise awareness of the problems of race and prejudice in Harlem. It also helped to popularize the blaxploitation genre, which became a major force in American cinema in the 1970s.

Additional Information

• Release Date: April 25, 1957
• Running Time: 82 minutes
• Budget: $150,000
• Box Office: $1,000,000

Table 1: Key Figures in Axel in Harlem

Table 2: Themes in Axel in Harlem

Table 3: Critical Reception of Axel in Harlem

FAQs

• 1. What is Axel in Harlem about?
  • Axel in Harlem is about a Swedish immigrant who becomes involved in the Harlem underworld.
• 2. Who directed Axel in Harlem?
  • Axel in Harlem was directed by Arthur Marks.
• 3. Who starred in Axel in Harlem?
  • Axel in Harlem starred Eartha Kitt, John Kitzmiller, and Frank Silvera.
• 4. When was Axel in Harlem released?
  • Axel in Harlem was released on April 25, 1957.
• 5. What is the running time of Axel in Harlem?
  • The running time of Axel in Harlem is 82 minutes.
• 6. What is the budget of Axel in Harlem?
  • The budget of Axel in Harlem is $150,000.
• 7. What is the box office of Axel in Harlem?
  • The box office of Axel in Harlem is $1,000,000.
• 8. What are the themes of Axel in Harlem?
  • The themes of Axel in Harlem are race and prejudice, crime and punishment, and redemption.