That's the Spirit

Two night watchmen go on duty in a pawn shop. They are surprised to discover the place is haunted by a jazz band, led by Noble Sissle.

Sissle is better remembered as the writing partner of pianist and composer Eubie Blake. Together, they co-wrote SHUFFLE ALONG, one of the first all-Black Broadway shows, and appeared in a Lee DeForest Phonofilm. In this short subject, he's leading his own jazz band, and playing some pretty hot versions of standards like 'St. Louis Blues' and 'Tiger Rag.' There are some superior performers in the band, like Wilbur de Paris, who would go on to lead his own band.

Mantan Moreland is one of the two watchmen. They play them in standard 'scared of ghosts' style.