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-
Juke Joint
- Directed by
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Written by
- Thompson, True T., American, 1896 - 1973
- Produced by
- Alfred N. Sack, American, 1898 - 1969
- Newell, Inez
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Orr, Robert, American
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Newell, Inez
- Duncan, Leonard
- Moore, Dauphine
- Duncan, Melody
- Moore, Katherine
- Patterson, Tilford
- Smith, Albert
- Galloway, Howard
- Beamon, Clifford
- McHugh, Frances
- Gilbert, Don
- Date
- 1947
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 68 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1175 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1175 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Juke Joint. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- It opens as the protagonists Bad News Johnson (Spencer Williams) and July Jones (also known as “Cornbread Green” in the film) deboard an automobile in Dallas, Texas. Both men thank their driver and after the vehicle pulls away Johnson tells Jones, “Well, here we are. Mr. Jones, you are now in the great South West.” In response to one of Jones’ question about where they will be headed next, Johnson states “Mr. Jones, we are following the advice of Horace Greeley. Mr. Greely said, ‘go west young man, and do your best; then come east and spend your grease.’” Jones later reminds Johnson that they only have twenty-five cents with them.
- The rest of the film chronicles how the two men pass themselves off as beauty pageant coaches in exchange for free room and board in the home of Mrs. Louella "Mama Lou" Holiday (Inez Newell). The final scene takes place in a juke joint were Mama Lou discovers her daughters celebrating winning the pageant.
- Place filmed
- Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
- San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.10.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Broken Strings
- Directed by
- Ray, Bernard B, Russian, 1895 - 1964
- Written by
- Muse, Clarence Edouard, American, 1889 - 1979
- Created by
- Ray, Bernard B, Russian, 1895 - 1964
- Subject of
- Lewis, Sybil, American, 1919 - 1988
- Washington, William, American, 1924 - 1982
- Moore, Tommie, American, 1917 - 2004
- Beard, Mathew Jr., American, 1925 - 1981
- Webster, Pete, American, 1905 - 1988
- Thompson, Edward, American, 1898 - 1960
- Woods, Buck, American, 1905 - 1974
- Jones, Darby, American, 1910 - 1986
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- Morris, Earle, American, born 1897
- The Stevens Sisters, American
- Carpenter, Elliot, American, 1894 - 1982
- Date
- 1940
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1300 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 900 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Broken Strings. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- In the opening scene, a theatre sign with illuminated letters that read [Lyric / CONCERT / AUTHUR WILLIAMS / VIOLIN VIRTUOSO] appears on the screen. The next shot shows concert violinist Arthur Williams (Clarence Muse) performing onstage as his family watches from the wings. At the end of his performance, the audience applauds, Williams returns to the wings and hands his son John (William Washington) his violin before returning to the stage a third time and addressing the audience. The rest of the film chronicles how Williams’ career abruptly ends when he suffers a hand injury in a motor vehicle accident. His hopes of bequeathing his classical training and success to his son are challenged when he learns his son prefers performing swing music to performing classical music
- Place depicted
- United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Domestic life
- Drama (Theatre)
- Jazz (Music)
- Musicians
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.3.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
The Bronze Buckaroo
- Directed by
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Subject of
- Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
- Brooks, Lucius, American, 1911 - 1999
- Young, Artie, American, 1915 - 1989
- Murray's Dude Ranch, American, 1922 - 1960
- Morris, Earle, American, born 1897
- Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Calmes, Lee
- The Four Tones, American
- Date
- 1939
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1200 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 900 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of a feature film entitled The Bronze Buckaroo. It consists of two reels of positive 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), is in black-and-white and contains sound. A single row of perforations runs along one edge of each film strip, while a variable-area optical-sound (audio on film) track runs along the other.
- In the opening scene, four cowboys ride through a desert before stopping and having a drink. They then engage in a conversation about their missing friend Joe, before resuming their journey. In the next scene, a man sits on a wooden fence reading from a paper as the camera cuts to four animals that surround him: a barking dog, a cow, a donkey and a chicken. At one point the man reads, “To throw the voice for a greater distance, it is imperative that…” before the camera cuts back to the group of riding cowboys.
- The film continues by chronicling the experiences the four cowboys encounter as they search for Joe. Upon their arrival to Joe’s ranch, the men are informed by Joe’s sister that Joe has been missing for weeks. They eventually realize that Joe’s neighbors are holding him hostage over a land dispute.
- Place depicted
- Arizona, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- San Bernardino County, California, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.4.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Dark Manhattan
- Directed by
- Fraser, Harry L., American, 1889 - 1974
- Written by
- Randol, George Elwood, American, 1895 - 1973
- Produced by
- Randol, George Elwood, American, 1895 - 1973
- Cooper, Ralph, American, 1908 - 1992
- Subject of
- Cooper, Ralph, American, 1908 - 1992
- Herndon, Cleo, American, 1908 - 1994
- Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- McDaniel, Samuel Rufus, American, 1886 - 1962
- Anderson, Corny, American, 1897 - 1966
- Glover, Rubeline, American, 1911 - 1996
- Adamson, James, American, 1896 - 1956
- Date
- 1937
- Medium
- acetate film, cardboard, metal and nylon
- Dimensions
- Duration: 77 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1050 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1300 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Two-Gun Man from Harlem. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), with variable-density optical sound. A cardboard film shipping box (c) accompanies the film strips. It has black metal corners as well as black straps made of nylon webbing.
- The film opens with a message that reads [WE DEDICATE THIS PICTURE TO THE MEMORIES OF / R.B. HARRISON / BERT WILLIAMS / FLORENCE MILLS / AND ALL OF THE PIONEER / NEGRO ACTORS WHO BY / THEIR MANY SACRIFICES MADE / THIS PRESENTATION POSSIBLE.]. Set in Harlem, NY, the film follows the development of two men involved in the illegal numbers game in that neighborhood, Larry B. Lee (Clarence Brooks), a large-scale mobster and “Curly” Thorpe (Ralph Cooper). Lee, who witnesses “Curly” settle a bar dispute, enlists “Curly” as his protégé.
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York state, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Race films
- Urban life
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.5.1abc
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public Domain
-
Mystery in Swing
- Directed by
- Dreifuss, Arthur, German American, 1908 - 1993
- Written by
- Hoerl, Arthur, American, 1891 - 1968
- Produced by
- Dreifuss, Arthur, German American, 1908 - 1993
- Subject of
- Hawley, Monte, American, 1901 - 1950
- Whitten, Marguerite, American, 1913 - 1990
- Moore, Tommie, American, 1917 - 2004
- Thompson, Edward, American, 1898 - 1960
- Woods, Buck, American, 1905 - 1974
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- Edwards, Josephine, American, born 1910
- Lewis, Sybil, American, 1919 - 1988
- Webb, Robert
- Grant, Alfred, American, 1912 - 1984
- Southern, Tom, American, 1906 - 1980
- Harding, Halley, American, 1904 - 1967
- Christmas, Leonard, American, 1897 - 1982
- Morris, Earle, American, born 1897
- Johnson, John Lester, American, 1893 - 1968
- Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
- The Four Toppers, American
- Recorded by
- Cee Pee Johnson And His Orchestra, American
- Date
- 1940
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 75 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 900 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1000 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Mystery in Swing. It consists of two reels of positive 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), is in black-and-white and contains sound.
- The film opens with newspapers printing. Shortly after, one of the newspapers comes into focus, which reads [NIGHT EDITION / THE WORLD / PRINCE ELLIS LEAVING / FOR HOLLYWOOD] before cutting to a scene inside a media house. A man sitting hands another man a piece of paper and tells him to go over to the Penguin Club and interview Prince Ellis (Robert Webb). The recipient of the paper asks if he has to go through with the assignment. His boss responds with “You get a story out of Prince Ellis and make it good before I fire you again.” The man exists the room and has a conversation with a woman about interviewing Prince Ellis. The rest of the film follows a local detective who investigates the murder of Ellis, a Harlem-based trumpeter. During his investigation, he develops an extensive list of suspects as he learns of Ellis' unpopularity.
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Musicians
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.16.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A.
- Directed by
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Written by
- Thompson, True T., American, 1896 - 1973
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Everett, Francine, American, 1915 - 1999
- Wilson, Don
- Moore, Katherine
- Hawkins, Alfred
- Boykin, David
- Lewis, L.E.
- Newell, Inez
- Frank, Piano
- King, John
- Ross, Shelly
- Watson, Hugh
- Gilbert, Don
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Orr, Robert, American
- Galloway, Howard
- Date
- 1946
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1150 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1100 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A. It consists of two reels of positive 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), is in black and white and contains sound. A single row of perforations runs along one edge of each film strip, while a variable-area, optical-sound (audio on film) track runs along the other.
- The film tells the story of Gertie LaRue, a Harlem nightclub dancer who leaves her boyfriend and relocates to the fictitious island of “Rinidad.” Her arrival is marked by a reception at the Paradise Hotel, hosted by the hotel’s proprietor Mr. Diamond Joe. Gertie is offered the hotel’s “best room,” the bridal room. The film ends with Gertie’s ex-boyfriend, Al, breaking into her room in the night.
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place purchased
- Bahamas, Caribbean, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Dance
- Nightlife
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.6.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Junction 88
- Directed by
- Quigley, George P., American
- Written by
- Smith, Augustus Julius, American, 1891 - 1964
- Produced by
- Alfred N. Sack, American, 1898 - 1969
- Subject of
- Howard, Bob, American, 1906 - 1986
- Markham, Dewey, American, 1904 - 1981
- Sissle, Noble, American, 1889 - 1975
- Clark, Wyatt
- Cooke, Marie, American, 1921 - 2011
- Mitchell, Abbie, American, 1884 - 1960
- McGinty, Artie Belle, American, 1892 - 1963
- Wiltshire, George, American, 1901 - 1976
- Junior, Herbert
- Bozan, Alonzo, American, 1886 - 1959
- Simmons, Maude, American, 1893 - 1977
- Young, Al
- Smith, Augustus Julius, American, 1891 - 1964
- Recorded by
- Nobel Sissle and His Orchestra, American
- Date
- 1948
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 50 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1000 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1000 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Junction 88. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- It opens with two individuals sitting on steps in front of a house. The man, Pop (Augustus Smith), says, “Music is just like sugar, Mom, too much of it makes you sick,” to which the woman, Mom (Abbey Mitchell), responds, “Not me, Pop, I love it.” As they speak, music from a piano can be heard in the background. In the next scene, Buster Jenkins (Wyatt Clark), a young pianist, plays a tune for his lover Lolly Simpson (Marie Cooke). At the end of his performance, Buster tells her, “Please, Lolly, don’t tell anyone I wrote it.” Lolly responds with “If you say not to, I won’t; but I want to.” The two stand and embrace each other with a kiss. The rest of the film chronicles Buster’s struggles for success and his attempt to win Pop’s approval.
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.11.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Midnight Shadow
- Directed by
- Randol, George Elwood, American, 1895 - 1973
- Hawkins, Charles, American
- Produced by
- Randol, George Elwood, American, 1895 - 1973
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Dandridge, Ruby, American, 1900 - 1987
- Redd, Frances, American, 1917 - 1993
- Woods, Buck, American, 1905 - 1974
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- Criner, John L., American, 1898 - 1965
- Robinson, Ollie Ann
- Rosemond, Clinton, American, 1882 - 1966
- Brandon, Edward, American, 1907 - 1980
- Bates, Richard
- Webster, Pete, American, 1905 - 1988
- Simposon, Napoleon, American, 1902 - 1967
- Date
- 1939
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 57 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 700 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1240 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Midnight Shadow. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical
- The film begins with a quote which reads, [In the southern / part of our country, lie / that great land of romance / and sunshine, known as the / Old South. Here amid / fertile fields, vast areas of timber, / oil lands and rippling rivers, / live millions of black men and / women in the most highly concentrated area of Negro population in America. / Here in certain communities, / the like of which is found no / where else in all the world, these people of darker hue / have demonstrated their / abilities in self-government / by the orderly processes of law for which they are capable / when unhampered by outside / influences. / It is in a community such as / one of these that the scene / of our story is laid, and the / events which follow / are depicted]. Subsequently a sign appears on the screen which reads, [THE GREAT / ALIHABAD / MIND READING – CRYSTAL GAZING]. Several signs and posters appear in a similar fashion, all advertising The Great Alihabad].
- In the film’s opening scene, Prince Alihabad (Laurence Criner) addresses Mr. Dan Wilson (Clinton Rosemond) and Mrs. Emma Wilson (Ollie Ann Robinson), his love interest’s parents. Prince Alihabad, who is next to the dining table and wears a turban says to the couple, “When possible, I live in private homes, that is the only way I can get the quiet and rest I must have in my work.” The men then engage in a conversation about religion. The rest of the film chronicles Prince Alihabad’s attempts to court Margaret Wilson (Frances Redd), Mr. and Mrs. Wilson’s daughter. After a man burglarizes The Wilson’s home and murders Don Wilson, detectives try to solve the crime.
- Place depicted
- Oklahoma, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- American South
- Business
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.14.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Public Domain
-
Double Deal
- Directed by
- Dreifuss, Arthur, German American, 1908 - 1993
- Produced by
- Randol, George Elwood, American, 1895 - 1973
- Ray, Arthur, American, 1888 - 1942
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Hawley, Monte, American, 1901 - 1950
- LeGon, Jeni, American, 1916 - 2012
- Thompson, Edward, American, 1898 - 1960
- Jackson, Freddie, American, 1919 - 1995
- Woods, Buck, American, 1905 - 1974
- Southern, Tom, American, 1906 - 1980
- O'Brien, Florence, American, 1912 - 2006
- Sheffield, Maceo Bruce, American, 1897 - 1959
- McCalla, Vernon, Jamaican, 1905 - 1968
- Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
- Brooks, Shelton, Canadian, 1886 - 1975
- Hawkins, Charles, American
- Gordon, Charles, American, 1914 - 1939
- Ray, Arthur, American, 1888 - 1942
- Composed by
- Tinturin, Peter, American, 1910 - 2007
- Date
- 1939
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1050 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1100 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Double Deal. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film strips with variable-area optical sound.
- The film opens with Nita Walker (Jeni Le Gon), a nightclub performer, tap dancing as a man plays the piano and others watch. During her performance, Dude Markey (Edward Thompson) walks into the room and says to his companion, “Hey, Sharpie, that new girl is for me.” Shortly afterwards, Tommy McCoy (Freddie Jackson) enters the room as well and greets Dude Markey. The three men approach Mr. Murray Howard (Maceo Bruce Sheffield), the owner of the night club and the group of men continue to watch Nina dance. At the end of the performance, one of the men introduces Nita to Mr. Howard. Mr. Howard then introduces Nita to the other men. After the men disperse, Dude Markey grabs Nita by the arm and asks her “What are you doing after the show tonight, Nita?,” to which she responds that she will be going home. The rest of the film follows two men, Tommy McCoy and Dude Markey, both of whom vie for Nita’s affection. Markey frames Tommy McCoy for a crime, however, Nita sets out to learn the truth.
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Entertainers
- Nightlife
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.7.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Junction 88
- Directed by
- Quigley, George P., American
- Subject of
- Howard, Bob, American, 1906 - 1986
- Markham, Dewey, American, 1904 - 1981
- Mitchell, Abbie, American, 1884 - 1960
- Sissle, Noble, American, 1889 - 1975
- Clark, Wyatt
- Cooke, Marie, American, 1921 - 2011
- Smith, Augustus Julius, American, 1891 - 1964
- Mitchell, Abbie, American, 1884 - 1960
- McGinty, Artie Belle, American, 1892 - 1963
- Wiltshire, George, American, 1901 - 1976
- Junior, Herbert
- Bozan, Alonzo, American, 1886 - 1959
- Simmons, Maude, American, 1893 - 1977
- Young, Al
- Date
- 1948
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 50 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1000 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1000 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Junction 88. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- It opens with two individuals sitting on steps in front of a house. The man, Pop (Augustus Smith), says, “Music is just like sugar, Mom, too much of it makes you sick,” to which the woman, Mom (Abbey Mitchell), responds, “Not me, Pop, I love it.” As they speak, music from a piano can be heard in the background. In the next scene, Buster Jenkins (Wyatt Clark), a young pianist, plays a tune for his lover Lolly Simpson (Marie Cooke). At the end of his performance, Buster tells her, “Please, Lolly, don’t tell anyone I wrote it.” Lolly responds with “If you say not to, I won’t; but I want to.” The two stand and embrace each other with a kiss. The rest of the film chronicles Buster’s struggles for success and his attempt to win Pop’s approval.
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- motion pictures (information artifacts)
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.11.2ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Two-Gun Man from Harlem
- Directed by
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Written by
- Myton, Fred, American, 1885 - 1955
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
- Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
- Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Whitten, Marguerite, American, 1913 - 1990
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- Southern, Tom, American, 1906 - 1980
- Turner, Mae, American, 1908 - 1999
- Beard, Mathew Jr., American, 1925 - 1981
- Lincoln, Rosalie, American, 1909 - 1992
- The Cats and the Fiddle, American, 1937 - 1951
- The Four Tones, American
- Blackman, Paul
- Date
- 1938
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 66 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 600 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1600 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Two-Gun Man from Harlem. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-density optical sound.
- The film opens with Bob Blake (Herb Jeffries), a cowboy, leading The Four Tones, a quartet, in a musical performance under a tree. A fifth man decides to join them in chorus, but Bob accuses him of being a bad singer. The rest of the film follows Bob, who is framed for his boss’ murder. Bob flees to Harlem, New York, where he meets Deacon, a Harlem gangster with whom he bears a striking resemblance. Deacon is murdered by rival gangsters and Bob ceases the opportunity to assume the dead man’s identity. In the closing scene, Bob explains to the sheriff that he is innocent, and the real murderer is arrested.
- Place depicted
- Wyoming, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- American West
- Hollywood (Film)
- Race films
- Urban life
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.21.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Son of Ingagi
- Directed by
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Written by
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Produced by
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Williams, Zack, American, 1884 - 1958
- Bowman, Laura, American, 1881 - 1957
- Grant, Alfred, American, 1912 - 1984
- Bufford, Daisy, American, 1913 - 1987
- Graves, Jesse, American, 1879 - 1949
- Ray, Arthur, American, 1888 - 1942
- Morris, Earle, American, born 1897
- The Four Toppers, American
- Date
- 1940
- Medium
- acetate film, metal and cardboard
- Dimensions
- Duration: 70 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1000 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 900 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Son of Ingagi. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film (a) and (b) with variable-area optical sound. Two (2) metal film reels (c) and (d), and a film shipping box (e) also accompany the 16mm films. A pink and white label is taped onto the shipping box, with ["SON OF INGAGI"/ +/ "LYING LIPS"/ (SAFETY)] handwritten onto it in black ink; [WALD TRANSFER & STORAGE CO.] is printed on the bottom of the label in pink uppercase letters. There are three (3) other labels on the shipping box, all of which are blue and white. Two (2) of the other labels also have information handwritten onto them.
- The film opens with a couple, Eleanor (Daisy Bufford) and Bob Lindsay (Alfred Grant), getting married inside a church. On their way out of the church, they are greeted by Mr. Bradshaw (Earle Morris), a divorce attorney, who congratulates them on their nuptials. Shortly after, two other individuals, Dr. Helen Jackson (Laura Bowman) and Detective Nelson (Spencer Williams), join Mr. Bradshaw. The rest of the film follows Dr. Jackson’s attempt to conceal a creature she brought back from a recent trip to Africa.
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Domestic life
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.18.1a-e
- Restrictions & Rights
- No known copyright restrictions
-
Boy! What A Girl
- Directed by
- Leonard, Arthur H., American, 1904 - 1956
- Written by
- Valentini, Vincent Andrew, American, 1895 - 1948
- Produced by
- Leonard, Arthur H., American, 1904 - 1956
- Goldberg, Jack, ca. 1889 - 1959
- Edited by
- Kemp, Jack
- Subject of
- Moore, Tim, American, 1887 - 1958
- Stewart, Slam, American, 1914 - 1987
- Catlett, Sidney, American, 1910 - 1951
- Smith, Elwood, American, 1913 - 1992
- Williams, Duke
- Jackson, Alan
- Guyse, Sheila, American, 1925 - 2013
- Betti Mays, American, 1923 - 2014
- Lewis, Sybil, American, 1919 - 1988
- Patterson, Warren
- Wood, Milton
- Composed by
- Williams, Mary Lou, American, 1910 - 1981
- Bishop McCollough, Walter, American, 1915 - 1991
- Date
- 1947
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 73 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1200 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1200 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Boy! What A Girl!. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- The first scene opens with a street view of New York City. At one point, a street sign which reads [W. 138 / ST. NICHOLAS AVE / 8th AVE SUBY STA] comes into focus on the screen. The footage then quickly jumps to a man playing a double base as four other individuals listen. At the end of his performance, Bumpsie (Tim Moore), who is one of the four and wears a long dress, falls to the floor and the other listeners laugh.
- The rest of the film follows two musical producers, Jim Walton (Elwood Smith) and Harry Diggs (Duke Williams), who struggle to find investors to finance their latest show. Mr. Cummings (Alan Jackson), the father of Jim Walton’s love interest, agrees to invest in their enterprise on one condition: the two producers must convince a Parisian impresario, Madame Deborah (Sybil Lewis), to finance the film as well. The producers convince Bumpsie to pose as Madame Deborah. Everything goes as planned, until the real Madame Deborah shows up.
- Place depicted
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Comedy
- Jazz (Music)
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.1.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Spirit of Youth
- Directed by
- Fraser, Harry L., American, 1889 - 1974
- Written by
- Hoerl, Arthur, American, 1891 - 1968
- Subject of
- Louis, Joe, American, 1914 - 1981
- Harris, Edna Mae, American, 1910 - 1997
- Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
- Southern, Tom, American, 1906 - 1980
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- Whitten, Marguerite, American, 1913 - 1990
- Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
- Turner, Mae, American, 1908 - 1999
- Muse, Clarence Edouard, American, 1889 - 1979
- Desmond, Cleo, American, 1880 - 1958
- Smith, Jewel
- The Plantation Chior
- The Creole Chorus
- The Big Apple Dancers
- Date
- 1938
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 65 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1300 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1100 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Spirit of Youth. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- In the opening scene, children can be seen playing outside. Young Joe Thomas’s mother calls him inside to clean himself before his father’s arrival from work. However, when his father returns to the family home it is revealed that he was injured by a falling castor and probably will never walk again. The rest of the film is loosely based on the life of American heavyweight boxer Joe Louis. The lead character, adult Joe Thomas, is played by Joe Louis himself. The film closes with a boxing match between Joe and a fellow boxer.
- Place filmed
- Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
- Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States, North and Central America
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Boxing
- Families
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.19.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Sepia Cinderella
- Directed by
- Leonard, Arthur H., American, 1904 - 1956
- Written by
- Valentini, Vincent Andrew, American, 1895 - 1948
- Edited by
- Kemp, Jack
- Subject of
- Guyse, Sheila, American, 1925 - 2013
- Daniels, Billy, American, 1915 - 1988
- Tondaleyo, American, 1912 - 1998
- Offley, Hilda, American, 1894 - 1968
- Blakey, Ruble, American, 1911 - 1992
- Richardson, Emory, American, 1894 - 1965
- Carter, Jack, American, 1902 - 1967
- Verwayne, Percy, American, 1895 - 1968
- Freeman, Dusty
- Williams, George
- Gordon, Fred
- Young, Al
- Norton, Harold, American, 1912 - 1985
- Poitier, Sidney, Bahamian American, born 1927
- Date
- 1947
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 70 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1130 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1250 Feet
- Caption
- A struggling songwriter finds a muse in his girlfriend, who inspires him write his next hit. After finding success, he falls under the sway of a beautiful club owner.
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Sepia Cinderella. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- The first scene opens with a band performing for Barbara (Sheila Guyse), the film’s protagonist, and her adoptive mother Mama Keyes (Hilda Offley). At the end of the performance, the band exits the room while Mama Keyes and Barbara remain behind, engaging in a conversation about their relationship and the death of Barbara’s parents. Later in the film, Barbara inspires her love interest, Bob (Billy Daniels), to write a song. After finding success in this latest song, Bob falls under the sway of a club owner named Vivian (Tondaleyo).
- Place filmed
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Business
- Musicians
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.17.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Harlem Rides the Range
- Directed by
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Written by
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
- Produced by
- Alfred N. Sack, American, 1898 - 1969
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
- Brooks, Lucius, American, 1911 - 1999
- Christmas, Leonard, American, 1897 - 1982
- Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
- Young, Artie, American, 1915 - 1989
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Southern, Tom, American, 1906 - 1980
- Dumas, Wade, American, 1905 - 1983
- Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
- Thomas, John, American, 1914 - 1981
- The Four Tones, American
- The Four Blackbirds
- Murray's Dude Ranch, American, 1922 - 1960
- Date
- 1939
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 58 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1100 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1100 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Harlem Rides the Range. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film strips with variable-area optical sound.
- In the opening scene, Jim Dennison (Leonard Christmas), a homesteader, is approached by two men, Bradley (Clarence Brooks) and Jim Connors (Tom Southern), for outstanding mortgage. Dennison refuses to pay or acquiesce to giving the men a fifty-percent share of his mine. A fight ensues which leaves Dennison unresponsive. The rest of the film chronicles how a cowboy named Bob (Herb Jeffries) and his sidekick Dusty (Lucius Brooks) assist Mr. Dennison with his financial problems.
- Place depicted
- Arizona, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- Sindewinder Valley, Apple Valley, San Bernadino County, California, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.9.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Swing!
- Directed by
- Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
- Written by
- Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
- Produced by
- Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
- Subject of
- Green, Cora, American, born 1895
- Seymour, Larry, American, 1917 - 1989
- Diaz, Hazel, American, 1908 - 1997
- Alex Lovejoy, American, 1893 - 1946
- Randolph, Amanda, American, 1896 - 1967
- Smith, Trixie, American, 1900 - 1943
- Newsome, Carman, 1912 - 1974
- Reed, Nat
- Gardiner, Sammy
- Van Engle, Dorothy, American, 1910 - 2004
- Armena, Doli, American, 1902 - 1975
- Jackson, Columbus
- Taylor, George
- Date
- 1938
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 65 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1100 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1400 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Swing!. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- In the opening scene, the protagonist, Mandy Jenkins (Cora Green), is awakened by an alarm clock which reads 6 o’clock. Mandy snoozes the alarm and exclaims, “Oh, Lordy, why do they invent alarm clocks anyway,” before going back to sleep. She’s awakened a second time and as she dresses herself, her husband, Cornell (Larry Seymour), enters the bedroom. The rest of the film follows a love triangle between Mandy, who is a cook for a wealthy white family, her husband Cornell and his mistress Eloise (Hazel Diaz). The final scene shows Lena Powell (Dorothy Van Engle) threatening Cornell with physical harm if he breaks Mandy’s heart.
- Place depicted
- Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- American South
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.20.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Gang War
- Directed by
- Popkin, Leo C., Canadian, 1914 - 2011
- Produced by
- Popkin, Harry M., American, 1906 - 1991
- Million Dollar Productions, American, 1937 - 1940
- Subject of
- Cooper, Ralph, American, 1908 - 1992
- Hawley, Monte, American, 1901 - 1950
- Snyder, Gladys, American, 1920 - 1998
- Criner, John L., American, 1898 - 1965
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- Sheffield, Maceo Bruce, American, 1897 - 1959
- Hawkins, Charles, American
- Fenderson, Reginald, American, 1911 - 1986
- Thomas, Johnny
- Johnson, Bobby, American, 1910 - 1982
- Roberts, Henry
- Garrison, Harold, American, 1901 - 1974
- Date
- 1940
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1100 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1250 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Gang War. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film strips with variable-area optical sound.
- The film is about two Harlem gangs fighting for control of a jukebox “racket.” It opens with a newspaper headline from the [DAILY TIMES] which reads [GANG WAR / Local Police Seem / Unable To Stem / New Crime Wave]. This is followed by a scene in a diner in which a gang member, Bob “Killer” Meade (Ralph Cooper), accuses members of a rival gang of conducting business in the wrong territory and a fight erupts between the two gangs. Some of the men flee the diner as another man shoots at them through a window. A chase between the men in the car and police officers ensues. The film ends with Bob “Killer” Meade resisting arrest by assaulting a police officer and a shootout between Killer and other law enforcement officers ensues.
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Business
- Nightlife
- Race films
- Urban life
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.8.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Lying Lips
- Directed by
- Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
- Written by
- Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
- Produced by
- Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
- Alfred N. Sack, American, 1898 - 1969
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Harris, Edna Mae, American, 1910 - 1997
- Newsome, Carman, 1912 - 1974
- Jones, Robert Earl, American, 1910 - 2006
- Williams, Frances, American, 1908 - 1995
- Thornton, Cherokee, Bahamian, 1880 - 1968
- LaTorre, Charles, American, 1894 - 1990
- Paquin, Robert, American, 1915 - 1982
- Reynolds, George
- Randolph, Amanda, American, 1896 - 1967
- Hale, Teddy, American, 1926 - 1959
- Thompson, Slim
- Williams, Gladys, American
- Juano Hernández, 1896 - 1970
- Gines, Henry
- Leo, Don De, Italian, 1904 - 1979
- Date
- 1939
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 56 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1100 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1000 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Lying Lips. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- The film opens with the protagonist Elsie Bellwood (Edna Mae Harris) leading a group of people through a music parlor. She approaches a bandmember and asks him, “Will you play ‘Beautiful Baby’ for me?” Elsie then takes center screen and sings while the audience dances behind her. In the next scene, a woman called Elizabeth (Frances Williams) enters a room and hands Farina (Don De Leo) an object. Elizabeth and Farina, the owner of the club, engage in a conversation about Elsie’s responsibilities at the club. The rest of the film chronicles how Elsie is wrongfully convicted of murder. Benjamin (Carman Newsome), a detective with romantic motivations, sets out to prove her innocence.
- Place filmed
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 35mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Race films
- Urban life
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.13.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Black and Tan Fantasy
- Directed by
- Murphy, Dudley, United States, 1897 - 1968
- Written by
- Murphy, Dudley, United States, 1897 - 1968
- Subject of
- Ellington, Duke, American, 1899 - 1974
- Washington, Fredi, United States, 1903 - 1994
- Cotton Club, American, 1923 - 1940
- Alex Lovejoy, American, 1893 - 1946
- Ellington, Duke Orchestra, American
- Date
- 1929
- Medium
- acetate film, cardboard, metal and nylon
- Dimensions
- Duration: 20 Minutes
- Length (Film): 700 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the short film Black and Tan Fantasy. It consists of a single reel of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film (a) with variable-area optical sound. A metal film reel (b), a film cannister (c) and a cardboard shipping box (d) also accompany the 16mm film strip. The film reel and cannister are both brown. The shipping box, which is also brown, has black metal corners as well as black straps made of nylon webbing.
- In the opening scene, two men sit and play musical instruments. Duke Ellington, who is one of the musicians, plays the piano with his back turned to the camera while the other man plays a trumpet. The film goes on to tell the story of Ellington’s struggle to get bookings for his band. Ellington’s girlfriend (played by Fredi Washington), attempts to assist him by dancing in his show in order to cement its success, even though she knows her heart condition will ultimately not allow her to survive the performance.
- Place filmed
- Astoria, New York City, Queens County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Movement
- Harlem Renaissance (New Negro Movement)
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- short subjects
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Jazz (Music)
- Musicians
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.2.1a-d
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible