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In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema

09/15/2007

|

0hr 59min

|

Documentary

The true story of a lost era.

STORY

This documentary captures the sounds and images of a nearly forgotten era in film history when African American filmmakers and studios created “race movies” exclusively for black audiences. The best of these films attempted to counter the demeaning stereotypes of black Americans prevalent in the popular culture of the day. About 500 films were produced, yet only about 100 still exist. Filmmaking pioneers like Oscar Micheaux, the Noble brothers, and Spencer Williams, Jr. left a lasting influence on black filmmakers, and inspired generations of audiences who finally saw their own lives reflected on the silver screen.

CAST & CREW

    Cast

  • Lawrence Varnado
  • Herb Jeffries
  • Ruby Dee
  • Jeni Le Gon
  • Leroy Collins

    Director

  • Brad Osborne

INFORMATION

    Production Companies

    Production Countries

LANGUAGES

    Cast

    Lawrence Varnado

    Narrator

    Herb Jeffries

    Himself

    Ruby Dee

    Herself

    Jeni Le Gon

    Herself

    Leroy Collins

    Himself

    Pearl Bowser

    Herself

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