Summaries

This documentary presents clips from black films from 1929 through 1957. Musical performers include Paul Robeson (in Song of Freedom), Bessie Smith (St. Louis Blues), Eubie Blake and the Nicholas Brothers (Pie-Pie Blackbird), Lena Horne (Boogie Woogie Dream), Nat 'King' Cole (Killer Diller), Sammy Davis Jr. (Rufus Jones for President), Cab Calloway (Jitterbug Party), and Ethel Waters (Carib Gold). Dramatic excerpts include Murder in Harlem (1935), Juke Joint (1947), and Souls of Sin (1949). Also included are clips from white films stereotyping blacks, including Griffith's Birth of a Nation, and a blackfaced Bing Crosby in Crooner's Holiday (1934).—Robert Mandzi

Details

Keywords
  • singer
  • entertainment
  • african
  • segregation
  • musical filmmaking
Genres
  • History
  • Music
  • Documentary
Release date Jun 23, 2015
Countries of origin United States
Language English
Production companies Skyline Entertainment Partners

Box office

Tech specs

Runtime 1h
Color Color Black and White
Sound mix Mono
Aspect ratio

Synopsis

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