Murder At The Juice Joint

Facts of the case

A Roaring 20’s Night of Murder and the Mob!

Guest Info

Everything you need to know about the Juice Joint, its patrons, the latest dance craze and how to best talk with your fellow party-goers at this 1920s murder mystery game!

Prime Suspects: Juice Joint Regulars

Rosie Marie—Juice Joint Owner. As the widow to Louie Marie, the original Juice Joint owner, Rosie not only inherited a gold mine but the power that comes with it. It is hard to say, is Rosie out to avenge her husband’s death or capitalize on it?

Notorious Nick Nemetz—North Side Mob Boss. Since the rise of organized crime, Nick’s operation has done nothing but prosper. With Nick having so much power, he seems to have a lot going for (and against) him.

Natalie Nemetz—Notorious Nick’s Sister. Annoyed by her brother’s over-protective nature, Natalie has kept more than secrets from Nick.

Mugsy Malone—North Side Henchman. As Nick’s right-hand man, Mugsy has worked hard to gain his position in the operation and will stop at nothing to keep it.

Cy Ramsey—Juice Joint Bouncer and North Side Gang Member. Cy’s success in Nick’s operation could be considered a threat to those in the operation….and to those opposing it.

Kitty Cocktail—Cocktail Waitress. As Cy’s main squeeze, Kitty will do anything to help advance her boyfriend in his chosen career.

Southside Sal—South Side Mob Boss. It is no secret that Sal has been making a push to expand his territory. The real secret may be who is working with him

Flora Nemetz-Gadora—Notorious Nick’s Ex-wife. Caught cheating, Nick divorced Flora immediately a month ago. Left without anything, Flora’s romantic interest has shifted from one mob boss to another.

Hal Hollywood—Movie Director. Hal is in town to cast for his next project—the first talking picture. Since this project will be one that makes history, Hal is taking his time in casting his lead lady, for he knows his decision will have a lasting impact.

Molly Moll—Notorious Nick’s Girlfriend. One of the most popular women in town, Molly had no interest in Nick until she realized what he could do for her movie career.

Dina Diva—Juice Joint Singer. Dina’s voice and stage presence seem to be exactly what Hal is looking for. Dina won’t let anyone come between her and her dreams of starring on the big screen.

Mayor Biggs—Mayor. As the head of the city, the Mayor’s power is what many seek. However, is it the Mayor who is really calling the shots or are the decisions coming from someone else?

Mabel Biggs—Mayor’s Wife. Mabel considers herself the brains behind the Mayor and she will not let him do anything that could ruin his political career.

Chief Cameron—Police Chief. As the city’s main law enforcement officer, Cameron enforces the Mayor’s decisions…but whose side are they really on?

Cindy Butt—Cigarette Girl. Responsible for ruining many lives, Cindy doesn’t stop at spreading rumors to get her way.

Bernie Booze—Bootlegger. Bernie had one of the most successful bootlegging businesses in town before Notorious Nick had them blacklisted. Will Bernie’s business end up dying for their mistake or will someone else?

Gino Gin—Bartender. As the eyes & ears of The Juice Joint, Gino may know more than they let on.

Flirty Flapper—Juice Joint Patron. It is no secret that Flirty desires a man with power and she will stop at nothing to get it.

Anna Marie—Rosie’s daughter. Still mourning the loss of her father, Louie Marie, Anna is ready to seek revenge at whatever cost.

P.I. Pinkerton—Investigator. As the private detective on the scene, P.I.’s job will be to take charge and decipher the clues and reveal the truth.

** Some names and characters may or may not be included in your version.

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Gangster Gazette

Gangster Glossary and other terms

Talk the Talk: Gangster Glossary

Download this dictionary to brush up on your lingo and fit in as one of the Family.

SPEAKEASY

A speakeasy is an establishment that sells alcoholic beverages illegally. The term “speakeasy” derived from the idea that people patronizing a speakeasy needed to stay quiet or “speakeasy” to avoid detection.

In addition to offering alcohol, some speakeasies operated as nightclubs with music, dance, gambling and other entertainments for guests. In order to avoid detection, you often had to enter a speakeasy by the back door and provide a password to enter. These restrictions were designed to admit only select elite clientele and used to keep government agents out.

FLAPPER

Flapper in the 1920s was a term applied to a “new breed” of young Western women who wore short skirts, bobbed their hair, listened to jazz, and flaunted their disdain for what was then considered acceptable behavior. Flappers were seen as brash for wearing excessive makeup, drinking, treating sex in a casual manner, smoking, driving automobiles and otherwise flouting social and sexual norms.

FIND MORE ABOUT FLAPPER FASHION AND COSTUMES BY CHECKING THE COSTUMES RESOURCES BELOW

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Learn The Charleston!

Won’t you Charleston with me ?

The Charleston originated in the early 20’s in illegal drinking places during the time of prohibition. The combination of a particular type of jazz music and the highly polished, slippery floors of the Speakeasies gave rise to an in and out flicking of the feet which essentially characterized the dance.

If you don’t see the video below, refresh your browser!

Follow this link to learn how to Dance the Charleston.

One of our hosts chose to teach her crew the Charleston

And even had a Juice Joint Singer!!!

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Where to Find Costumes?

Determined to make a splash at the speakeasy? Need to jazz up your wardrobe for that swanky Juice Joint shindig? Look no further! We’ve got the bee’s knees in flapper frills and gangster garb to make you the cat’s meow.

Shimmy into the spotlight with our ritzy threads, perfect for every moll and wise guy. Check out these snazzy samples below, and keep reading for the lowdown on how to be the big cheese at your next hotsy-totsy hoopla!

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Costumes

Everything you need to know about the Juice Joint, its patrons, the latest dance craze and how to best talk with your fellow party-goers at this 1920s murder mystery game!

Costume Gallery

Costumes

Inspired by the glamour and intrigue of the 1920s speakeasy scene, with a touch of mystery and danger. The costumes should evoke the atmosphere of a time when prohibition was in full swing, and everyone was trying to let loose and have a good time while remaining undetected by the law.

Flappers Accessories:

Long Beads
Feather Boas
Sequined Headbands
Feather Headbands
Cigarette Holders
Bobbed Wigs (see below)
Garter (gun optional)
Fishnet Leggings
Fringe on your dress
Fake Eyelashes

Complete any outfit with a number of accessories that scream 1920s. You can find a number of these around the house or at your local thrift store or follow the links to order them online.

Mustache
Suit Vest
Suspenders
Tie
Cigar
Fedora
Holster with Gun

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Hairstyles

Flapper Hairstyles

Flapper hairstyles of the 1920s were known for their short, sleek, and rebellious look, reflecting the spirit of the Roaring Twenties. Here are some classic 1920s flapper hairstyles and inspiration for women:

The Bob: The most iconic hairstyle of the era was the bob. It was typically a short, blunt-cut style that ended at or just below the chin. Some women even went for a shorter, jaw-length bob.

The Shingle Bob: A variation of the bob, the shingle bob was even shorter at the back and sides, often exposing the nape of the neck. It was a daring and modern look at the time.

The Eton Crop: This was an even shorter version of the bob, inspired by the men’s Eton haircut. It was extremely short, with a boyish and androgynous appeal.

Finger Waves: Finger waves were a popular styling technique in the 1920s. They involved creating “S” or “C” shaped waves in the hair close to the scalp. Finger waves could be incorporated into various lengths of hair, including bobs.

Marcel Waves: Marcel waves were another wave pattern that was created using a heated curling iron. This style was characterized by deep, regular waves and was often seen on flapper hairstyles.

Fluffy and Feathered: Some flapper hairstyles had a slightly softer and more voluminous look. These hairstyles involved adding a bit of volume and texture to the hair, creating a more ethereal appearance.

Headbands and Accessories: Flappers often adorned their short hair with headbands, cloche hats, and other accessories. These added a touch of glam and personality to their hairstyles.

The Boyish Look: Many women in the 1920s embraced a more androgynous style, and some even went for very short, almost buzzed, hairstyles, which contributed to the “boyish” look.

To achieve these styles, women often used hairpins, combs, and hair products like pomade to keep their hair in place. It’s important to note that these styles were considered quite daring and unconventional for the time, as they defied traditional long hair norms. Flapper hairstyles were a symbol of the changing societal norms and women’s increasing independence during the 1920s.

If you’re looking for inspiration, you can search for images of iconic flappers like Louise Brooks and Clara Bow, who sported these classic 1920s hairstyles. Additionally, you can find various tutorials and guides online to help you recreate these vintage looks for special occasions or themed events.

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Decoration Ideas

Setting the Scene

Creating Your Entrance

There are several ways to decorate for your party, but the most authentic way would be to set up your space to resemble a speakeasy.

Secret Entrances: Have the guest enter by the side door instead of the Front Door. Many Speakeasies had secret/side entrances to avoid calling attention to themselves.

Peephole: Use a peephole in the door before letting your guests in.

Passwords to Get In! Have the guests use a secret password to get in. If the guests do not know or can’t remember the password, make them do something (sing a silly tune, do jumping jacks, etc.) to enter your private club.

Liquor Crates: Make your own crates (boxes) of bootlegged liquor. Included in the Murder at The Juice Joint mystery are 6 label designs. Simply download and print out these labels we’ve designed for you onto craft paper and paste them onto the sides of boxes. You can place the boxes outside or in your speakeasy to help set the mood.

Old Liquor Bottles: Adhere the labels that are included in the mystery to bottles of liquor (empty or full) to add to the old-time feel of an authentic speakeasy.

Wanted Posters: Create “WANTED” posters for felons coming to the party – Southside Sal, Notorious Nick, and Mugsy Malone – to name a few. (Included with the mystery when you order Murder at The Juice Joint mystery.

Old-fashioned Car: If you have access to a vintage car from the 1920s or even just a prop that looks like one, park it near the entrance.

Gangster Silhouettes: Place life-size silhouettes or cardboard cutouts of gangsters and flappers by the entrance.

Jazz Music: Play some soft jazz music near the entrance. The sultry sounds of a saxophone or a slow jazz number can instantly transport guests to the 1920s.

Frisking Station: Set up your own frisking station where your bouncer (Cy Ramsey) will frisk for weapons!

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Inside Your Party Space

Art Deco Designs and SIgns: These printable designs (and more) are included in your Murder at The Juice Joint packet when you order. Simply print them out to make signs for your Juice Joint.

Gangster Photos: Hang autographed pictures of the famous gangsters of the times. Included with the mystery.

Old Bottles and Crates: Make vintage liquor bottles and/or bootlegging crates using the materials included with the mystery. This will help add to the ambiance of your Juice Joint.

Bullet-filled Walls: Shower your walls with bullet holes (clings) to remind your guests of past events that have gone down at The Juice Joint.

Feather Boas & Pearls: Drape some feather boas and strands of pearls around the area, or even on a table nearby where guests can borrow and wear them to get into the theme.

Fringe & Tassels: Use draped fabrics with fringes around tables, chairs, or as curtains. Tassel garlands can be hung across walls or ceilings.

Speakeasy Bar: Set up a vintage-looking Juice Joint bar with period cocktails like the Sidecar, Bee’s Knees, and Gin Rickey. Use ornate decanters, crystal glasses, and vintage cocktail shakers. Use the vintage bottles to accentuate the bar. Labels included with mystery purchase.