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    • Race films 20 [-]
    • Actors and actresses 9 [-]
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    • Sack Amusement Enterprises 8 [-]
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    • black-and-white films (visual works) 20 [-]
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  • object-type: "release prints (motion pictures)"
Your search found 20 result(s).
Print
  • 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)
    Topic
    American South
    Comedy
    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
    2015.167.10.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd53f7c9f60-e25f-4807-a048-9d693f03cf5f
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57e39ee1a-f15b-4b71-b718-7bdea9ddeb51
  • 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)
    Topic
    American West
    Race films
    Western films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.4.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5d96e3200-eb3f-4304-a07f-87fbbb4586ba
  • 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
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50924722d-5fd0-41a5-8b99-148512dd023a
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd531f705c7-b77c-472f-b7d5-e3a792a39c12
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58d1b9adf-42e2-4034-aff4-34a9d1116ca8
  • 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)
    Topic
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Race films
    Rural life
    Singers (Musicians)
    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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ee5a35a5-c4f1-4a71-b3f5-4da7d4f3451c
  • 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
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54f6bfb02-482a-4e19-9a6d-6b44cb25ec7e
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5cac134e4-037d-42ef-ba8e-e9551301b8ac
  • 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)
    Topic
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Race films
    Rural life
    Singers (Musicians)
    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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f44c06e7-409c-45bf-b5f7-3c42cf3712ed
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54617dbe0-c61d-4ef3-9f5c-8a440e1f9ffc
  • 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
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd59ad69fd2-7f52-4695-bf38-acd6246289ac
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e2232e61-7321-4091-b2ef-ac171c6176b6
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5bf4e5135-24a5-455c-9f43-3a89238779e2
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52cf6bdf3-5d8a-4e60-9790-33e2c16fa81f
  • 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)
    Topic
    American West
    Business
    Race films
    Western films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.9.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b2496819-ec6d-4008-b360-0dff267bf4b0
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5bf60a0b4-44ad-4e91-aa3c-ad0f7f9cbe8a
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ea1a6156-d507-475c-b5ee-3450d8b6f123
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b93e704c-b658-4c4c-bfb9-831054cc9ee2
  • 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
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b89ef076-c509-46ed-b8a8-1cb5abc32ebf
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Museum Address

1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

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