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  • Topic
    • Race films 21 [-]
    • Actors and actresses 9 [-]
    • Urban life 6 [-]
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    • Nightlife 5 [-]
    • American South 3 [-]
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    • Black Nationalism 1 [-]
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    • Documentary films 1 [-]
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  • Name
    • Sack Amusement Enterprises 8 [-]
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    • 16mm (photographic film size) 24 [-]
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    • North and Central America 25 [-]
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    • Video recordings 10 [-]
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  • object-type: "sound films"
Your search found 25 result(s).
Print
  • Black and Tan Fantasy

    Directed by
    Murphy, Dudley, American, 1897 - 1968
    Written by
    Murphy, Dudley, American, 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • Tribute to Malcolm X (Black Journal segment)

    Produced by
    National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
    Edited by
    Anderson, Madeline, American
    Subject of
    X, Malcolm, American, 1925 - 1965
    Dr. Shabazz, Betty, American, 1934 - 1997
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Date
    1969
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 14 Minutes
    Length (Film): 500 Feet
    Title
    16mm motion picture film of Tribute to Malcolm X (Black Journal segment)
    Caption
    This 16mm film is a short documentary made by Madeline Anderson for National Education Television's Black Journal television program to commemorate the four year anniversary of the assassination of Malcolm X.
    Description
    This 16mm black and white film print is a short documentary made for the National Education Television's Black Journal television program. Editor Madeline Anderson compiled footage of Malcolm X to commemorate the four year anniversary of his assassination.
    This film opens with footage of the public attending the funeral/wake of Malcolm X, and a voice-over of a male narrator recounts the sentiments of some individuals describing what Malcolm X meant to the African American community during his life and after his assassination. Malcolm X's wife, Betty Shabazz, discusses Malcolm's early childhood roots, family, stints in foster care and boys' homes, and his struggle to stay on the straight and narrow in Boston, MA. The narrator then picks back up describing Malcolm X's biography and attitude towards race relations and integration in America. Excerpts from various television interviews with Malcolm X play. During the first interview clip, Malcolm explains why he believes integration has not been successful and cannot be successful (during that particular point in time) unless certain issues are addressed. In the second interview clip, Malcolm discusses why he was silenced by the Nation of Islam for a comment he made shortly after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. He elaborates on what he actually meant by saying that "chickens are coming home to roost" amid an unaddressed climate of hate in the United States. The third interview is with Malcolm after he returned from his pilgrimage to Mecca. American reporters ask him about his feelings on integration in America, now that he has returned from Mecca, where Muslims from all over were participating in the pilgrimage to Mecca together. Malcolm states that his feelings on integration have not changed as a result of the brotherhood he experienced during his trip Mecca. An interview with Betty Shabazz picks up again, and she further explains her late husband's beliefs concerning integration and his wish to redirect the goal of the black struggle from civil rights to human rights by internationalizing the struggle and aligning African Americans with other marginalized groups around the world. Another interview with Malcolm X plays, and he explains, in his own words, how human rights is an international issue that should be addressed by the United Nations. Footage of a civil rights demonstration plays. Malcolm X addresses students in Selma, Alabama and talks about charging the United States with human rights violations. Further, he tells a story in which he defines what he believes to be the difference in mentality between what he calls a "field negro" and a "house negro". He states that he is a "field negro" ready to fight for his freedom.
    Place filmed
    Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Movement
    Civil Rights Movement
    Black Nationalism
    Type
    sound films
    black-and-white films (visual works)
    short subjects
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Black power
    Civil rights
    Film
    Funeral customs and rites
    Mass media
    Resistance
    Social reform
    Television
    U.S. History, 1961-1969
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.37.1a
    Restrictions & Rights
    © National Educational Television
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57efc83f7-85eb-4584-b0b4-fc285ae6a92d
  • Statues Hardly Ever Smile

    Directed by
    Lathan, Stan, American, born 1945
    Produced by
    Chamba Productions, founded 1971
    Created by
    Collins, Kathleen, American, 1942 - 1988
    Produced by
    Garrett, Kent, American, born 1941
    Subject of
    Brooklyn Museum, American, founded 1895
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Date
    1971
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 19 Minutes
    Length (Film): 750 Feet
    Title
    16mm motion picture film of Statues Hardly Ever Smile
    Caption
    16mm color film directed by Stan Lathan and produced by Chamba Productions for the Brooklyn Museum about a program to bring children from the local community into the museum to create performance art. Includes footage of children interacting with objects in the museum and creating performances based upon their reaction.
    Description
    A 16mm color film directed by Stan Lathan and produced by Chamba Productions about a program to bring children from the local community into the Brooklyn Museum to create performance art.
    The film begins with the camera panning around a room with many cases in the Brooklyn Museum. Children are heard in the voiceover narration describing the statues. The footage also includes close-ups of some of the statues. The next scene shows children and young adults following spoken directions to pretend they are holding various objects in their hands. The narrator describes how the children spent time in the rotunda of the museum for six weeks, and there is footage of the children participating in dance exercises in the rotunda. The narrator describes the idea for the project to bring children together with an object and create a performance around that. The next scene shows an object and children touching the face of another object. Some other children are shown in front of a different museum object and holding the same pose as that object. Children in the voiceover narration describe thinking about the objects and questioning what the people depicted in the objects are doing. As the narrator describes, the children participated in improvisation based on the space and the objects around them. The footage includes a group of students discussing how to put on an improvisation based on an object. The next scene shows the students performing the improvisation in the rotunda that they created. One of the boys reflects on how he did the improvisation. In the next scene, the students perform a dance while a man plays a drum. The next scene shows a man playing the piano and singing and the children sing along with him. The music accompanies a montage of the students doing various activities shown in the film. The final scene shows the students leaving the museum, a bus traveling a city street, one of the students exiting the bus and greeting some friends as the credits appear. The film ends with children playing in a circle on a playground.
    Place filmed
    Brooklyn, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    sound films
    color films (visual works)
    short subjects
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Art
    Children
    Communities
    Dance
    Education
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Museums
    Singers (Musicians)
    Theatre
    Urban life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.63.1a
    Restrictions & Rights
    No Known Copyright Restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52c5ea12e-35e4-4b99-8497-29c7800bf706
  • Malcolm X Liberation University (Black Journal segment)

    Produced by
    Bourne, St. Clair, American, 1943 - 2007
    National Educational Television, American, 1954 - 1970
    Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Subject of
    Dr. Shabazz, Betty, American, 1934 - 1997
    X, Malcolm, American, 1925 - 1965
    Interview of
    Fuller, Howard, American, born 1941
    Subject of
    Harambee Singers, American, founded 1966
    Reagon, Bernice Johnson, American, born 1942
    Date
    1969
    On View
    Concourse, C X06
    Exhibition
    A Century in the Making
    Medium
    acetate film and metal
    Dimensions
    Duration: 10 Minutes
    Length (Film): 320 Feet
    Title
    16mm motion picture of Malcolm X Liberation University [Black Journal segment]
    Caption
    This 16mm film is a short documentary made for National Educational Television's Black Journal television program. Producer St. Clair Bourne chronicles the opening of Malcolm X Liberation University in Durham, North Carolina on October 25, 1969.
    Description
    This 16mm color film is a short documentary subject made for National Educational Television's Black Journal television program. Producer St. Clair Bourne chronicles the opening of Malcolm X Liberation University in North Carolina. It consists of: a 16mm film (a), original 400 foot film reel (b), and original 400 foot film canister (c).
    2012.79.1.68.1a: The film opens with a student meeting/rally at Duke University, in which one unidentified student speaker (male) states why they longer wish to participate in a system they don't believe speaks to the needs of African American college students. A male narrator begins to speak, explaining what the Black Student Movement at Duke University was and how it originated and morphed into a separate institution. An interview with Howard Fuller begins to play, and he expresses why he doesn't believe in institutionalized black studies programs. Footage of him announcing the opening of Malcolm X Liberation University begins to play, and is followed by clips of the opening celebratory parade and rally. The narrator describes the new university's proposed curriculum and study abroad program in Africa. Howard Fuller addressed the crowd by reading a statement from Stokely Carmichael, and introduced guest speaker Betty Shabazz. During her speech, white train workers in a nearby train yard rang a train car bell to interrupt her speech. A visiting professor who was in attendance climbed on top of the train car and silenced the bell so Betty Shabazz could finish her speech. A small group of women sing "The Black Magician" onstage. Courtland Cox, a representative from Malcolm X Liberation University's sister school in Washington, DC, closed the ceremony. The film ends with an interview with Howard Fuller speaking on the role of Malcolm X Liberation University can and hopes to play in the black liberation struggle.
    2012.79.1.68.1b: Original 400 foot film reel.
    2012.79.1.68.1c: Original 400 foot film canister. The metal can has a sticker label from a film distribution company with the name of film.
    Place filmed
    Raleigh, Wake County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America
    Durham, Durham County, North Carolina, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    sound films
    color films (visual works)
    short subjects
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Civil rights
    Education
    Film
    Race discrimination
    Race relations
    Television
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.68.1abc
    Restrictions & Rights
    © National Educational Television
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ff49a8a3-10f3-473a-8719-85e8e5f89db0
  • Count Us In

    Produced by
    Marzani, Carl, 1912 - 1994
    Union Films, 1946 - 1953
    Subject of
    Henry Wallace, American, 1888 - 1965
    Seeger, Pete, American, 1919 - 2014
    Robeson, Paul, American, 1898 - 1976
    Composed by
    Claiborne, Bob, American, 1919 - 1990
    Subject of
    Progressive Party, American, 1948 - 1955
    Claiborne, Bob, American, 1919 - 1990
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Beveridge, Tee, American, 1923 - 1993
    Subject of
    Dr. Jackson, George, American, 1929 - 1995
    Date
    July 1948
    Medium
    acetate film and metal
    Dimensions
    Duration: 9 Minutes
    Length (Film): 350 Feet
    Title
    16mm motion picture film of Count Us In
    Caption
    Presidential campaign film for 1948 Progressive Party candidate Henry Wallace featuring Paul Robeson and Pete Seeger. The soundtrack is by Bob Claiborne (a Seeger-associated folk musician), who narrates, plays guitar, and sings over footage. The footage includes both outdoor and indoor activities during the July 1948 Progressive Party convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and many scenes of young people speaking, playing music, singing, and dancing. Henry Wallace appears onstage at the convention towards the end of the film. Other delegates and party officals identified in the film are George Jackson from Seton Hall, Alvin Jones from Louisiana, Seymour Linfield, Louis Burnham from Alabama, and Walter Wallace.
    Description
    Youth-oriented documentary short film about the 1948 Progressive Party convention in Philadelphia. Produced by Union Films. This 16mm black and white presidential campaign film (a) with original film reel (b), and original film can (c) for 1948 Progressive Party candidate Henry Wallace features Paul Robeson and Pete Seeger. The soundtrack is by Bob Claiborne (a Seeger-associated folk musician), who narrates, plays guitar, and sings over footage. The footage includes both outdoor and indoor activities during the July 1948 Progressive Party convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and many scenes of young people speaking, playing music, singing, and dancing. Henry Wallace appears onstage at the convention towards the end of the film. Other delegates and party officals identified in the film are George Jackson from Seton Hall, Alvin Jones from Louisiana, Seymour Linfield, Louis Burnham from Alabama, and Walter Wallace.
    2012.79.1.7.1a: Original 16mm acetate film.
    2012.79.1.7.1b: Original 400 foot metal reel.
    2012.79.1.7.1c: Original 400 foot metal can.
    Place depicted
    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    sound films
    black-and-white films (visual works)
    short subjects
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Documentary films
    Folk (Music)
    Mass media
    Political organizations
    Politics
    U.S. History, 1945-1953
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.7.1abc
    Restrictions & Rights
    No known copyright restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd59ee4a272-63b7-4f54-afe9-ed9d6a2bb40a
  • 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
  • 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
  • Miracle in Harlem

    Directed by
    Kemp, Jack
    Written by
    Valentini, Vincent Andrew, American, 1895 - 1948
    Subject of
    Guyse, Sheila, American, 1925 - 2013
    Offley, Hilda, American, 1894 - 1968
    Greaves, William, American, 1926 - 2014
    Lewis, Sybil, American, 1919 - 1988
    Freeman, Kenneth, American, 1917 - 1991
    Criner, John L., American, 1898 - 1965
    Hawley, Monte, American, 1901 - 1950
    Juano Hernández, 1896 - 1970
    Gines, Henry
    Leo, Don De, Italian, 1904 - 1979
    Thompson, Creighton, American, 1889 - 1969
    Blakey, Ruble, American, 1911 - 1992
    Chester, Alfred George, American, 1900 - 1978
    Fetchit, Stepin, American, 1902 - 1985
    Carter, Jack, American, 1902 - 1967
    Williams, Milton, American, 1907 - 1995
    Date
    1948
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 69 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 1350 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 1200 Feet
    Caption
    When a real estate tycoon is found dead, his latest real estate casualty is suspected of the crime.
    Description
    A 16mm release print of the feature film Miracle in Harlem. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
    The film is about a woman, Julie Weston (Sheila Guyse), who is suspected of killing a real estate tycoon. It opens with a church service in which a choir sings “Swing Low Sweet Chariot.” After the service, Julie’s aunt, Aunt Hattie (Hilda Offley), walks to her candy kitchen where she is greeted by Julie and Julie’s paramour, Bert (William Greaves). Bert and Julie attempt to convince Aunt Hattie to expand and modernize her candy kitchen. However, Aunt Hattie expresses her hesitation toward their proposal. At one point in the film, a man informs Julie that she no longer owns the candy shop or the recipes to which Julie responds that, Mr. Marshall “will never get away with this. The film ends with detectives solving the murder.
    Place depicted
    Harlem, 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)
    feature films
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Business
    Families
    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
    2015.167.15.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd51ab239c7-7392-4d2f-8ce6-9ec98c9c4c49
  • 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
  • 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

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