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Your search found 25 result(s).
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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
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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
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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
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Harlem Rides the Range
- Directed by
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Written by
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
- Produced by
- Alfred N. Sack, American, 1898 - 1969
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
- Brooks, Lucius, American, 1911 - 1999
- Christmas, Leonard, American, 1897 - 1982
- Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
- Young, Artie, American, 1915 - 1989
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Southern, Tom, American, 1906 - 1980
- Dumas, Wade, American, 1905 - 1983
- Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
- Thomas, John, American, 1914 - 1981
- The Four Tones, American
- The Four Blackbirds
- Murray's Dude Ranch, American, 1922 - 1960
- Date
- 1939
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 58 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1100 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1100 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Harlem Rides the Range. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film strips with variable-area optical sound.
- In the opening scene, Jim Dennison (Leonard Christmas), a homesteader, is approached by two men, Bradley (Clarence Brooks) and Jim Connors (Tom Southern), for outstanding mortgage. Dennison refuses to pay or acquiesce to giving the men a fifty-percent share of his mine. A fight ensues which leaves Dennison unresponsive. The rest of the film chronicles how a cowboy named Bob (Herb Jeffries) and his sidekick Dusty (Lucius Brooks) assist Mr. Dennison with his financial problems.
- Place depicted
- Arizona, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- Sindewinder Valley, Apple Valley, San Bernadino County, California, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.9.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
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Juke Joint
- Directed by
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Written by
- Thompson, True T., American, 1896 - 1973
- Produced by
- Alfred N. Sack, American, 1898 - 1969
- Newell, Inez
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Orr, Robert, American
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Newell, Inez
- Duncan, Leonard
- Moore, Dauphine
- Duncan, Melody
- Moore, Katherine
- Patterson, Tilford
- Smith, Albert
- Galloway, Howard
- Beamon, Clifford
- McHugh, Frances
- Gilbert, Don
- Date
- 1947
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 68 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1175 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1175 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Juke Joint. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- It opens as the protagonists Bad News Johnson (Spencer Williams) and July Jones (also known as “Cornbread Green” in the film) deboard an automobile in Dallas, Texas. Both men thank their driver and after the vehicle pulls away Johnson tells Jones, “Well, here we are. Mr. Jones, you are now in the great South West.” In response to one of Jones’ question about where they will be headed next, Johnson states “Mr. Jones, we are following the advice of Horace Greeley. Mr. Greely said, ‘go west young man, and do your best; then come east and spend your grease.’” Jones later reminds Johnson that they only have twenty-five cents with them.
- The rest of the film chronicles how the two men pass themselves off as beauty pageant coaches in exchange for free room and board in the home of Mrs. Louella "Mama Lou" Holiday (Inez Newell). The final scene takes place in a juke joint were Mama Lou discovers her daughters celebrating winning the pageant.
- Place filmed
- Dallas, Dallas County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
- San Antonio, Bexar County, Texas, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.10.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
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The Bronze Buckaroo
- Directed by
- Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
- Subject of
- Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
- Brooks, Lucius, American, 1911 - 1999
- Young, Artie, American, 1915 - 1989
- Murray's Dude Ranch, American, 1922 - 1960
- Morris, Earle, American, born 1897
- Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Calmes, Lee
- The Four Tones, American
- Date
- 1939
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1200 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 900 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of a feature film entitled The Bronze Buckaroo. It consists of two reels of positive 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), is in black-and-white and contains sound. A single row of perforations runs along one edge of each film strip, while a variable-area optical-sound (audio on film) track runs along the other.
- In the opening scene, four cowboys ride through a desert before stopping and having a drink. They then engage in a conversation about their missing friend Joe, before resuming their journey. In the next scene, a man sits on a wooden fence reading from a paper as the camera cuts to four animals that surround him: a barking dog, a cow, a donkey and a chicken. At one point the man reads, “To throw the voice for a greater distance, it is imperative that…” before the camera cuts back to the group of riding cowboys.
- The film continues by chronicling the experiences the four cowboys encounter as they search for Joe. Upon their arrival to Joe’s ranch, the men are informed by Joe’s sister that Joe has been missing for weeks. They eventually realize that Joe’s neighbors are holding him hostage over a land dispute.
- Place depicted
- Arizona, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- San Bernardino County, California, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.4.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
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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
-
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
- 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
-
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
- 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
-
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 ViewConcourse, 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
- 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
-
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
- 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
-
Boy! What A Girl
- Directed by
- Leonard, Arthur H., American, 1904 - 1956
- Written by
- Valentini, Vincent Andrew, American, 1895 - 1948
- Produced by
- Leonard, Arthur H., American, 1904 - 1956
- Goldberg, Jack, ca. 1889 - 1959
- Edited by
- Kemp, Jack
- Subject of
- Moore, Tim, American, 1887 - 1958
- Stewart, Slam, American, 1914 - 1987
- Catlett, Sidney, American, 1910 - 1951
- Smith, Elwood, American, 1913 - 1992
- Williams, Duke
- Jackson, Alan
- Guyse, Sheila, American, 1925 - 2013
- Betti Mays, American, 1923 - 2014
- Lewis, Sybil, American, 1919 - 1988
- Patterson, Warren
- Wood, Milton
- Composed by
- Williams, Mary Lou, American, 1910 - 1981
- Bishop McCollough, Walter, American, 1915 - 1991
- Date
- 1947
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 73 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1200 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1200 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Boy! What A Girl!. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- The first scene opens with a street view of New York City. At one point, a street sign which reads [W. 138 / ST. NICHOLAS AVE / 8th AVE SUBY STA] comes into focus on the screen. The footage then quickly jumps to a man playing a double base as four other individuals listen. At the end of his performance, Bumpsie (Tim Moore), who is one of the four and wears a long dress, falls to the floor and the other listeners laugh.
- The rest of the film follows two musical producers, Jim Walton (Elwood Smith) and Harry Diggs (Duke Williams), who struggle to find investors to finance their latest show. Mr. Cummings (Alan Jackson), the father of Jim Walton’s love interest, agrees to invest in their enterprise on one condition: the two producers must convince a Parisian impresario, Madame Deborah (Sybil Lewis), to finance the film as well. The producers convince Bumpsie to pose as Madame Deborah. Everything goes as planned, until the real Madame Deborah shows up.
- Place depicted
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Comedy
- Jazz (Music)
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.1.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Spirit of Youth
- Directed by
- Fraser, Harry L., American, 1889 - 1974
- Written by
- Hoerl, Arthur, American, 1891 - 1968
- Subject of
- Louis, Joe, American, 1914 - 1981
- Harris, Edna Mae, American, 1910 - 1997
- Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
- Southern, Tom, American, 1906 - 1980
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- Whitten, Marguerite, American, 1913 - 1990
- Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
- Turner, Mae, American, 1908 - 1999
- Muse, Clarence Edouard, American, 1889 - 1979
- Desmond, Cleo, American, 1880 - 1958
- Smith, Jewel
- The Plantation Chior
- The Creole Chorus
- The Big Apple Dancers
- Date
- 1938
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 65 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1300 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1100 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Spirit of Youth. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- In the opening scene, children can be seen playing outside. Young Joe Thomas’s mother calls him inside to clean himself before his father’s arrival from work. However, when his father returns to the family home it is revealed that he was injured by a falling castor and probably will never walk again. The rest of the film is loosely based on the life of American heavyweight boxer Joe Louis. The lead character, adult Joe Thomas, is played by Joe Louis himself. The film closes with a boxing match between Joe and a fellow boxer.
- Place filmed
- Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
- Detroit, Wayne County, Michigan, United States, North and Central America
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Boxing
- Families
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.19.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Sepia Cinderella
- Directed by
- Leonard, Arthur H., American, 1904 - 1956
- Written by
- Valentini, Vincent Andrew, American, 1895 - 1948
- Edited by
- Kemp, Jack
- Subject of
- Guyse, Sheila, American, 1925 - 2013
- Daniels, Billy, American, 1915 - 1988
- Tondaleyo, American, 1912 - 1998
- Offley, Hilda, American, 1894 - 1968
- Blakey, Ruble, American, 1911 - 1992
- Richardson, Emory, American, 1894 - 1965
- Carter, Jack, American, 1902 - 1967
- Verwayne, Percy, American, 1895 - 1968
- Freeman, Dusty
- Williams, George
- Gordon, Fred
- Young, Al
- Norton, Harold, American, 1912 - 1985
- Poitier, Sidney, Bahamian American, born 1927
- Date
- 1947
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 70 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1130 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1250 Feet
- Caption
- A struggling songwriter finds a muse in his girlfriend, who inspires him write his next hit. After finding success, he falls under the sway of a beautiful club owner.
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Sepia Cinderella. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- The first scene opens with a band performing for Barbara (Sheila Guyse), the film’s protagonist, and her adoptive mother Mama Keyes (Hilda Offley). At the end of the performance, the band exits the room while Mama Keyes and Barbara remain behind, engaging in a conversation about their relationship and the death of Barbara’s parents. Later in the film, Barbara inspires her love interest, Bob (Billy Daniels), to write a song. After finding success in this latest song, Bob falls under the sway of a club owner named Vivian (Tondaleyo).
- Place filmed
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place depicted
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Business
- Musicians
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.17.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Swing!
- Directed by
- Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
- Written by
- Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
- Produced by
- Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
- Subject of
- Green, Cora, American, born 1895
- Seymour, Larry, American, 1917 - 1989
- Diaz, Hazel, American, 1908 - 1997
- Alex Lovejoy, American, 1893 - 1946
- Randolph, Amanda, American, 1896 - 1967
- Smith, Trixie, American, 1900 - 1943
- Newsome, Carman, 1912 - 1974
- Reed, Nat
- Gardiner, Sammy
- Van Engle, Dorothy, American, 1910 - 2004
- Armena, Doli, American, 1902 - 1975
- Jackson, Columbus
- Taylor, George
- Date
- 1938
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 65 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1100 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1400 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Swing!. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-area optical sound.
- In the opening scene, the protagonist, Mandy Jenkins (Cora Green), is awakened by an alarm clock which reads 6 o’clock. Mandy snoozes the alarm and exclaims, “Oh, Lordy, why do they invent alarm clocks anyway,” before going back to sleep. She’s awakened a second time and as she dresses herself, her husband, Cornell (Larry Seymour), enters the bedroom. The rest of the film follows a love triangle between Mandy, who is a cook for a wealthy white family, her husband Cornell and his mistress Eloise (Hazel Diaz). The final scene shows Lena Powell (Dorothy Van Engle) threatening Cornell with physical harm if he breaks Mandy’s heart.
- Place depicted
- Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama, United States, North and Central America
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- American South
- Musicians
- Nightlife
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.20.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Gang War
- Directed by
- Popkin, Leo C., Canadian, 1914 - 2011
- Produced by
- Popkin, Harry M., American, 1906 - 1991
- Million Dollar Productions, American, 1937 - 1940
- Subject of
- Cooper, Ralph, American, 1908 - 1992
- Hawley, Monte, American, 1901 - 1950
- Snyder, Gladys, American, 1920 - 1998
- Criner, John L., American, 1898 - 1965
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- Sheffield, Maceo Bruce, American, 1897 - 1959
- Hawkins, Charles, American
- Fenderson, Reginald, American, 1911 - 1986
- Thomas, Johnny
- Johnson, Bobby, American, 1910 - 1982
- Roberts, Henry
- Garrison, Harold, American, 1901 - 1974
- Date
- 1940
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1100 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1250 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Gang War. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film strips with variable-area optical sound.
- The film is about two Harlem gangs fighting for control of a jukebox “racket.” It opens with a newspaper headline from the [DAILY TIMES] which reads [GANG WAR / Local Police Seem / Unable To Stem / New Crime Wave]. This is followed by a scene in a diner in which a gang member, Bob “Killer” Meade (Ralph Cooper), accuses members of a rival gang of conducting business in the wrong territory and a fight erupts between the two gangs. Some of the men flee the diner as another man shoots at them through a window. A chase between the men in the car and police officers ensues. The film ends with Bob “Killer” Meade resisting arrest by assaulting a police officer and a shootout between Killer and other law enforcement officers ensues.
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Business
- Nightlife
- Race films
- Urban life
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.8.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
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
-
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
-
Mystery in Swing
- Directed by
- Dreifuss, Arthur, German American, 1908 - 1993
- Written by
- Hoerl, Arthur, American, 1891 - 1968
- Produced by
- Dreifuss, Arthur, German American, 1908 - 1993
- Subject of
- Hawley, Monte, American, 1901 - 1950
- Whitten, Marguerite, American, 1913 - 1990
- Moore, Tommie, American, 1917 - 2004
- Thompson, Edward, American, 1898 - 1960
- Woods, Buck, American, 1905 - 1974
- Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
- Edwards, Josephine, American, born 1910
- Lewis, Sybil, American, 1919 - 1988
- Webb, Robert
- Grant, Alfred, American, 1912 - 1984
- Southern, Tom, American, 1906 - 1980
- Harding, Halley, American, 1904 - 1967
- Christmas, Leonard, American, 1897 - 1982
- Morris, Earle, American, born 1897
- Johnson, John Lester, American, 1893 - 1968
- Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
- The Four Toppers, American
- Recorded by
- Cee Pee Johnson And His Orchestra, American
- Date
- 1940
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 75 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 900 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1000 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Mystery in Swing. It consists of two reels of positive 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), is in black-and-white and contains sound.
- The film opens with newspapers printing. Shortly after, one of the newspapers comes into focus, which reads [NIGHT EDITION / THE WORLD / PRINCE ELLIS LEAVING / FOR HOLLYWOOD] before cutting to a scene inside a media house. A man sitting hands another man a piece of paper and tells him to go over to the Penguin Club and interview Prince Ellis (Robert Webb). The recipient of the paper asks if he has to go through with the assignment. His boss responds with “You get a story out of Prince Ellis and make it good before I fire you again.” The man exists the room and has a conversation with a woman about interviewing Prince Ellis. The rest of the film follows a local detective who investigates the murder of Ellis, a Harlem-based trumpeter. During his investigation, he develops an extensive list of suspects as he learns of Ellis' unpopularity.
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Actors
- Musicians
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.16.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible
-
Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A.
- Directed by
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Written by
- Thompson, True T., American, 1896 - 1973
- Distributed by
- Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
- Subject of
- Everett, Francine, American, 1915 - 1999
- Wilson, Don
- Moore, Katherine
- Hawkins, Alfred
- Boykin, David
- Lewis, L.E.
- Newell, Inez
- Frank, Piano
- King, John
- Ross, Shelly
- Watson, Hugh
- Gilbert, Don
- Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
- Orr, Robert, American
- Galloway, Howard
- Date
- 1946
- Medium
- acetate film
- Dimensions
- Duration: 60 Minutes
- Length (Film Reel 1): 1150 Feet
- Length (Film Reel 2): 1100 Feet
- Description
- A 16mm release print of the feature film Dirty Gertie from Harlem U.S.A. It consists of two reels of positive 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), is in black and white and contains sound. A single row of perforations runs along one edge of each film strip, while a variable-area, optical-sound (audio on film) track runs along the other.
- The film tells the story of Gertie LaRue, a Harlem nightclub dancer who leaves her boyfriend and relocates to the fictitious island of “Rinidad.” Her arrival is marked by a reception at the Paradise Hotel, hosted by the hotel’s proprietor Mr. Diamond Joe. Gertie is offered the hotel’s “best room,” the bridal room. The film ends with Gertie’s ex-boyfriend, Al, breaking into her room in the night.
- Place depicted
- Harlem, New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
- Place purchased
- Bahamas, Caribbean, North and Central America
- Place filmed
- United States, North and Central America
- Classification
- Media Arts-Film and Video
- Type
- sound films
- black-and-white films (visual works)
- release prints (motion pictures)
- feature films
- 16mm (photographic film size)
- Topic
- Dance
- Nightlife
- Race films
- Credit Line
- Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
- Object number
- 2015.167.6.1ab
- Restrictions & Rights
- Unknown - Restrictions Possible