Skip to main content
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Smithsonian
  • Visit

    Visit

    Get the latest information about timed passes and tips for planning your visit
    • Plan Your Visit
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Accessibility Options
    • Sweet Home Café
    • Museum Store
    • Museum Maps
    • Download Our Mobile App
  • Explore

    Explore

    Search the collection and explore our exhibitions, centers, and digital initiatives
    • Search the Collection
    • Exhibitions
    • The Curator Chats Series
    • Collection Stories
    • NMAAHC Digital Resources Guide
    • Blog
    • Many Lenses
    • Building
    • Museum Centers
    • Initiatives
    • Open Access
    • Publications
  • Learn

    Learn

    Online resources for educators, students, and families
    • Educators
    • Students
    • Adults
    • Early Childhood
    • Library
    • Talking About Race
  • Connect

    Connect

    Engage with us and support the Museum from wherever you are
    • Strategic Partnerships
    • Ways to Give
    • Volunteer
    • Internships & Fellowships
    • Contact
  • Events

    Events

    View a calendar of our public programs
    • Today at the Museum
    • Host an Event at NMAAHC
    • Upcoming Events
    • Ongoing Tours and Activities
    • Recent Events
  • About

    About

    Learn more about the Museum and view recent news
    • About the Museum
    • Leadership
    • Meet Our Curators
    • Founding Donors
    • Corporate Leadership Council
    • News
    • Image Files for Media Use
    • NMAAHC Annual Reports
  • Donate
  • Search

Search form

Collection Home

Collection Search Results

Search:
Filter:
Close Facet Modal
Basic Advanced
  • Topic
    • Musical films 9 [-]
    • Race films 9 [-]
    • Actors 7 [-]
    • Film 7 [-]
    • Jazz (Music) 6 [-]
    • Actors and actresses 5 [-]
    • American West 4 [-]
    • Comedy 4 [-]
    • Dance 4 [-]
    • Entertainers 4 [-]
    • Advertising 3 [-]
    • Singers (Musicians) 3 [-]
    • Western films 3 [-]
    • Conductors (Musicians) 2 [-]
    • Instrumentalists (Musicians) 2 [-]
    • Motion pictures 2 [-]
    • Musicians 2 [-]
    • Rhythm and blues (Music) 2 [-]
    • U.S. History, 1933-1945 2 [-]
    • Variety shows (Television) 2 [-]
    • Family 1 [-]
    • Hollywood (Film) 1 [-]
    • Rock and roll (Music) 1 [-]
    • Sports 1 [-]
    • Tap dancing 1 [-]
    • Urban life 1 [-]
    Search More Topics
    Show More Topics Show Fewer Topics
  • Name
    • Jeffries, Herb 7 [-]
    • Calloway, Cab 4 [-]
    • Miller, Flournoy 4 [-]
    • Basie, Count 3 [-]
    • Davis, Martha 3 [-]
    • Hampton, Lionel Leo 3 [-]
    • Harris, Consuela 3 [-]
    • Russell, Nipsey 3 [-]
    • Studio Films, Inc. 3 [-]
    • Toddy Pictures Company 3 [-]
    • Adams, Faye 2 [-]
    • Astor Pictures 2 [-]
    • Bowser, Pearl 2 [-]
    • Brooks, Clarence 2 [-]
    • Brooks, Jess Lee 2 [-]
    • Brown, Ruth 2 [-]
    • Bryant, Willie 2 [-]
    • Cole, Nat King 2 [-]
    • Coles & Atkins 2 [-]
    • Cooper, Ralph 2 [-]
    • Criner, John L. 2 [-]
    • Dandridge, Dorothy 2 [-]
    • Everett, Francine 2 [-]
    • Frye, Ben 2 [-]
    • Lee, Mable 2 [-]
    • Little Buck 2 [-]
    • Milburn, Amos 2 [-]
    • Reed, Leonard 2 [-]
    • Smythe, Vanita 2 [-]
    • Southern, Tom 2 [-]
    • The Cats and the Fiddle 2 [-]
    • The Clovers 2 [-]
    • The Delta Rhythm Boys 2 [-]
    • Turner, Joe 2 [-]
    • Turner, Mae 2 [-]
    • Vaughan, Sarah 2 [-]
    • Whitten, Marguerite 2 [-]
    • Apollo Theater 1 [-]
    • Bailey, Bill 1 [-]
    • Basin Street Boys 1 [-]
    • Beard, Mathew 1 [-]
    • Blackman, Paul 1 [-]
    • Buck and Bubbles 1 [-]
    • Buell, Jed 1 [-]
    • Continental Lithograph Corporation 1 [-]
    • Darnell, Larry 1 [-]
    • Day, Dawn, and Dusk 1 [-]
    • Desmond, Cleo 1 [-]
    • Ellington, Duke 1 [-]
    • Fenderson, Reginald 1 [-]
    • Flowers, Pat 1 [-]
    • Foster, Frank Benjamin 1 [-]
    • Fraser, Harry L. 1 [-]
    • Harris, Edna Mae 1 [-]
    • Hawley, Monte 1 [-]
    • Hill, Ruby 1 [-]
    • Hoerl, Arthur 1 [-]
    • Horne, Lena 1 [-]
    • Kahn, Richard C. 1 [-]
    • Kohn, Joseph 1 [-]
    • Lincoln, Rosalie 1 [-]
    • Louis, Joe 1 [-]
    • McKinney, Nina Mae 1 [-]
    • Muse, Clarence Edouard 1 [-]
    • Myton, Fred 1 [-]
    • Newfield, Sam 1 [-]
    • Popkin, Harry M. 1 [-]
    • Popkin, Leo C. 1 [-]
    • Sack Amusement Enterprises 1 [-]
    • Smith, Jewel 1 [-]
    • The Big Apple Dancers 1 [-]
    • The Creole Chorus 1 [-]
    • The Four Tones 1 [-]
    • The Jubalaires 1 [-]
    • The Mills Brothers 1 [-]
    • The Plantation Chior 1 [-]
    • Washington, Dinah 1 [-]
    • Williams, Paul 1 [-]
    • Williams, Spencer 1 [-]
    Search More Names
    Show More Names Show Fewer Names
  • Object Type
    • 16mm (photographic film size) 2 [-]
    • 35mm (photographic film size) 2 [-]
    • Films (performing arts) 2 [-]
    • Lobby cards 2 [-]
    • black-and-white films (visual works) 2 [-]
    • motion pictures (information artifacts) 2 [-]
    • posters 2 [-]
    • release prints (motion pictures) 2 [-]
    • sound films 2 [-]
    • Posters 1 [-]
    • lobby cards 1 [-]
    • one-sheet posters 1 [-]
    • window cards 1 [-]
    Search More Object Types
    Show More Object Types Show Fewer Object Types
  • Date
    • 1930s 6 [-]
    • 1940s 3 [-]
    • 1950s 3 [-]
    Search More Dates
    Show More Dates Show Fewer Dates
  • Place
    • North and Central America 12 [-]
    • United States 12 [-]
    • New York City 5 [-]
    • Harlem 3 [-]
    • California 2 [-]
    • Hollywood 2 [-]
    • Los Angeles 2 [-]
    • Alabama 1 [-]
    • Birmingham 1 [-]
    • Detroit 1 [-]
    • Harlem, Manhattan 1 [-]
    • Jefferson County 1 [-]
    • Mahoning County 1 [-]
    • Michigan 1 [-]
    • New York County 1 [-]
    • Ohio 1 [-]
    • Wayne County 1 [-]
    • Wyoming 1 [-]
    • Youngstown 1 [-]
    Search More Places
    Show More Places Show Fewer Places
  • On View
    • Yes 1 [-]
    Search More On Views
    Show More On Views Show Fewer On Views
  • Media Type
    • Images 8 [-]
    Search More Media Types
    Show More Media Types Show Fewer Media Types
  • Open Access (CC0)
    • Yes 6 [-]
    Search More Open Access (CC0)s
    Show More Open Access (CC0)s Show Fewer Open Access (CC0)s
Filter Results
Applied Filters: clear all filters
    Included:
  • name:"Moreland, Mantan"
Your search found 12 result(s).
Print
  • 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
    2015.167.19.1ab: 16mm black and white films.
    Jefferson Thomas, a black foundry worker, is seriously injured when a heavy castor falls on his legs. No longer able to support his family, Jefferson's young son, Joe, decides to leave school and take a job. Many years later, Joe, now grown, gives his family all his savings and leaves Birmingham to make something of himself. Joe hitchhikes to Detroit, where he gets a job as a dishwasher and meets Creighton "Crickie" Fitzgibbons. When Crickie and Joe lose their jobs, they find work at a storage and shipping company, but are soon fired from the job when a foreman hits Crickie and Joe knocks him out with one punch. Impressed with his fighting abilities, Crickie encourages Joe to enter the Golden Gloves boxing tournament, and he is soon billed in the newspapers as the 'Dark Destroyer'. After winning the finals, manager Frankie Walburn offers to handle him as a professional. Joe accepts after consulting with his mother Nora, who now lives in the city, and who tells him to be honest and fair. As Joe wins bouts, Flora Bailey, a nightclub singer at the Bluebird Cafe´, who is in cahoots with gambler Duke Emblin, takes an interest in him. Their involvement worries Frankie, whose concern that he is ignoring his training antagonizes Joe. When Mary and Joe's sister Eleanor, visit Flora, they implore her to help get Joe back on track, but because Duke is now betting against Joe, Flora encourages his nightlife and drinking. Joe is knocked out in a match, and as he prepares for the heavyweight championship bout against Jack Stanley, he confesses to Flora that he loves Mary. When Flora sees that he does not have his heart in the fight, she brings Mary, now a schoolteacher, to the ring, and her presence spurs Joe to defeat Stanley in a knockout. Afterwards, he and Mary are guests of honor at a banquet at which Flora sings"
    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Accessed on August 12, 2016 (http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=2226)
    Consists of: 16mm Flim (a).
    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
    Collection title
    Nieman Film Collection
    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
  • Two-Gun Man from Harlem

    Directed by
    Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
    Written by
    Myton, Fred, American, 1885 - 1955
    Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
    Distributed by
    Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
    Subject of
    Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
    Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
    Whitten, Marguerite, American, 1913 - 1990
    Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
    Southern, Tom, American, 1906 - 1980
    Turner, Mae, American, 1908 - 1999
    Beard, Mathew Jr., American, 1925 - 1981
    Lincoln, Rosalie, American, 1909 - 1992
    The Cats and the Fiddle, American, 1937 - 1951
    The Four Tones, American
    Blackman, Paul
    Date
    1938
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 66 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 600 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 1600 Feet
    Description
    A 16mm release print of the feature film Two-Gun Man from Harlem. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film with variable-density optical sound.
    The film opens with Bob Blake, a cowboy, leading The Four Tones, a quartet, in a musical performance under a tree. A fifth man decides to join them in chorus, but Bob accuses him of being a bad singer. The rest of the film follows Bob, who is framed for his boss’ murder. Bob flees to Harlem, New York, where he meets Deacon, a Harlem gangster with whom he bears a striking resemblance. Deacon is murdered by rival gangsters and Bob ceases the opportunity to assume the dead man’s identity. In the closing scene, Bob explains to the sheriff that he is innocent, and the real murderer is arrested.
    Place depicted
    Wyoming, United States, North and Central America
    Place filmed
    Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, United States, North and Central America
    Place depicted
    Harlem, Manhattan, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Nieman Film Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    sound films
    black-and-white films (visual works)
    release prints (motion pictures)
    feature films
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Actors
    American West
    Hollywood (Film)
    Race films
    Urban life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.21.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54617dbe0-c61d-4ef3-9f5c-8a440e1f9ffc
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Poster for Ebony Parade

    Distributed by
    Astor Pictures, American, 1930 - 1963
    Subject of
    Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
    Dandridge, Dorothy, American, 1922 - 1965
    Basie, Count, American, 1904 - 1984
    The Mills Brothers, American, 1928 - 1982
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Everett, Francine, American, 1915 - 1999
    Smythe, Vanita, American, 1925 - 1994
    Hill, Ruby, American, born 1922
    Flowers, Pat, American, 1917 - 2000
    Day, Dawn, and Dusk, American, 1940 - 1960
    The Jubalaires, American, c. 1940-1950
    Lee, Mable, American, 1921 - 2019
    Date
    1947
    Medium
    ink on paper (fiber product)
    Dimensions
    H x W (Image): 36 5/8 × 20 7/8 in. (93 × 53 cm)
    H x W (Sheet): 41 1/4 × 26 15/16 in. (104.7 × 68.5 cm)
    Caption
    Released in 1947, Ebony Parade was a series of short sketches and numbers originally distributed as musical shorts by the Soundies Distributing Corporation of America.
    Description
    A large poster for the film Ebony Parade with a blue background and an off-white border. Across the blue background are red musical notes and stars outlined in white. At the top center in red lettering is [20 Great Stars]. Printed in the center in small black type is [Astor Pictures presents] followed by [EBONY PARADE] in large yellow letters over a red background. Surrounding the title are color photographic portraits of the stars of the film. At the top left are the faces of Mantan Moreland, Dorothy Dandridge and Ruby Hill, followed by a full portrait of a seated Mabel Lee and in the bottom left corner is an image of the Mills Brothers gathered around two microphones. On the right side are the faces of Cab Calloway, Vanita Smythe, Francine Everett, and Count Basie. At the bottom right is a yellow box bordered in black with red text that reads [featuring / Cab Calloway * Count Basie / His Band His Band / Mills. Bros. * Vanita Smythe / Mantan Moreland * Mable Lee/ Ruby Hill * Francine Everett / Dorothy Dandridge * Pat Flowers / and / Day, Dawn, and Dusk * Jubilaries]. At the bottom left, in small white text on a red background is [RELEASED THRU ASTOR PICTURES CORP.]. On the back of the poster are two stamps in purple that say [Screen Classics, Inc. / 1632 Central Parkway, Cincinnati 10, Ohio].
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place used
    United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    posters
    Topic
    Actors
    Comedy
    Conductors (Musicians)
    Dance
    Entertainers
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Jazz (Music)
    Musical films
    Musicians
    Race films
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2013.118.31
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57b15d522-36ed-464f-9f9b-82dd6b9bcc91
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Lobby card for Harlem on the Prairie

    Distributed by
    Toddy Pictures Company, American, 1941 - 1970s
    Subject of
    Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
    Harris, Consuela, American, 1910 - 2000
    Buell, Jed, American, 1897 - 1961
    Newfield, Sam, American, 1899 - 1964
    Created by
    Toddy Pictures Company, American, 1941 - 1970s
    Date
    1937
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 11 × 13 3/4 in. (27.9 × 34.9 cm)
    Description
    Lobby card for Harlem on the Prairie.
    The card features three black and white images from the film. At the top left is [TODDY PICTURES CO. / Presents / HARLEM ON THE PRAIRIE]. Beneath this are two images side by side. On the left, a man (Herbert Jeffries) in a checked shirt and cowboy hat looks at a wanted poster. On the right side, a man (Flournoy Miller) in a cowboy hat stands with a woman (Connie Harris), also in a cowboy hat. The man holds a pistol pointed up in his proper right hand while the woman grasps his wrist. Beneath this image the third, depicting two men (Manton Moreland and Miller) in cowboy hats, seated next to each other. To the left of this image is [HERBERT JEFFRIES / F.E. MILLER / MANTON MORELAND / CONNIE HARRIS / PRODUCED BY JED BUELL / DIRECTED BY SAM NEWFIELD / Distributed Nationally by TODDY PICTURES CO.].
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place used
    United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    A Cinema Apart: African American Film Memorabilia (Larry Richards Collection)
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    lobby cards
    Topic
    Actors
    Advertising
    American West
    Film
    Musical films
    Race films
    U.S. History, 1933-1945
    Western films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2013.118.111.1
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd572ffaceb-043b-4897-a312-4fca6e2382d3
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Lobby card for Harlem on the Prairie

    Distributed by
    Toddy Pictures Company, American, 1941 - 1970s
    Subject of
    Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
    Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Harris, Consuela, American, 1910 - 2000
    Date
    1937
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 11 × 14 in. (27.9 × 35.6 cm)
    Description
    Lobby card for Harlem on the Prairie.
    The card features a large black and white image of a woman (Connie Harris) pointing a pistol at three men, who all wear cowboy hats, bandanas, checked shirts, and hip holsters. To the left is a smaller image of a man (Herbert Jeffries) on the back of a bucking white horse. Beneath the images is [HARLEM ON THE PRAIRIE] in black. Along the bottom in white text against a black background is [HERBERT JEFFRIES -- F.E. MILLER -- MANTON MORELAND -- CONNIE HARRIS / Distributed nationally by TODDY PICTURES CO].
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place used
    United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    A Cinema Apart: African American Film Memorabilia (Larry Richards Collection)
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    lobby cards
    Topic
    Actors
    Advertising
    American West
    Film
    Musical films
    Race films
    U.S. History, 1933-1945
    Western films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2013.118.111.3
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ebd6fe92-e135-4ac2-9db5-f6f877a6cbbc
  • Rhythm and Blues Revue

    Created by
    Studio Films, Inc., American, 1951 - 1956
    Produced by
    Frye, Ben, American
    Subject of
    Lionel Hampton, American, 1908 - 2002
    Adams, Faye, American, born 1923
    Bailey, Bill, American, 1912 - 1978
    Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
    Milburn, Amos, American, 1927 - 1980
    Vaughan, Sarah, American, 1924 - 1990
    Basie, Count, American, 1904 - 1984
    Big Turner, Joe, American, 1911 - 1985
    The Delta Rhythm Boys, American, 1934 - 1987
    Davis, Martha, American, 1917 - 1960
    Little Buck, American
    Cole, Nat King, American, 1919 - 1965
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Russell, Nipsey, American, 1918 - 2005
    Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
    Brown, Ruth, American, 1928 - 2006
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Date
    1955
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 72 Minutes
    Length (Film): 1850 Feet
    Length (Film): 1560 Feet
    Length (Film): 1650 Feet
    Length (Film): 1450 Feet
    Title
    35mm motion picture film of Rhythm and Blues Revue
    Caption
    "Rhythm and Blues Revue", is a 1955 feature film compiled by Studio Films, Inc. from previously recorded Snader Telescriptions featuring renowned African American jazz singers and musicians from the 1950s. Performers include Faye Adams, Bill Bailey, Ruth Brown, Cab Calloway, Nat King Cole, Count Basie, Martha Davis, The Delta Rhythm Boys, Freddy and Flo, Lionel Hampton, Herb Jefferies, The Larks, Little Buck, Amos Milburn, Mantan Moreland, Nipsey Russell, Big Joe Turner, Sarah Vaughan and Willie Bryant.
    Description
    35mm black and white compilation film of a variety of short musical 'Soundie' films made for music-film jukeboxes, and television, by the Snader Telescription and Studio companies in the 1950s. It consists of four 35mm prints (a-d).
    The film begins with a title sequence that announces each performer as a firework explodes behind their name. A credit roll then displays the below the line contributors. Next, an announcer introduces the emcee, Willie Bryant, during a shot of a theater audience. Bryant emerges from behind a curtain as the audience applauds. Before he can begin speaking, Bryant is interrupted by the comedian Freddie Lucas (Part of the Freddie & Flo comedy duo), who begs to be on the show. Later in the skit, Florence Hill (Flo) appears as a mind reading librarian. At the conclusion of the skit, Bryant announces the first performer, Lionel Hampton and his orchestra who perform “Jam Session.” After the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant again appears to announce the next performer, Faye Adams who performs “Everyday” in front of the curtain. After the song ends there are multiple shots of the cheering audience and Bryant appears to announce the next performer, Bill Bailey. Bailey performs a tap dancing routine that includes dance moves from his teacher Bill “Bojangles” Robinson and concludes with a moonwalk. At the end of the performance, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant appears to announce the next performer, Herb Jeffries who sings “In My Heart.” When the song ends, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Freddie & Flo rush onto the stage to perform a comedy routine. After their routine there are multiple shots of the cheering audience and Bryant appears to announce the next performer, Amos Milburn, who sings “Bad Bad Whiskey” with backing from the Paul Williams Band. At the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and then reopens so that Milburn can bow. Bryant appears to announce the next performers, The Larks, who sing “The World Is Waiting For The Sunrise.” At the end of the performance, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Bryant brings Freddie & Flo back onto the stage for some comedic banter. Bryant then introduces Lionel Hampton who performs “Bongo Interlude.” Two unnamed women dance during the performance. The curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering. When curtain opens, the stage is set up as a tobacconist and Leonard Reed is behind the counter listening to a Brooklyn Dodgers baseball game on the radio. Willie Bryant appears and the two men engage in a brief skit. Bryant then presents the next performer, Sarah Vaughan, who sings “Perdido.” The curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Bryant returns to the stage. Nipsy Russell sneaks onto the stage behind Bryant and the two engage in comedic banter before Bryant presents the next performer, Count Basie who performs “Basie’s Conversation.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces Big Joe Turner who sings “Shake Rattle And Roll.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces the next performers, The Delta Rhythm Boys, who perform the spiritual “Dem Bones.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces the next performers Martha Davis and her husband, Calvin Ponder, who perform “Just Goodbye.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces the next performer, Little Buck, who performs a tap dance routine. The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant brings out Little Buck for more applause. Bryant then introduces the next performer, Nat King Cole, who sings “Calypso Blues.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Nipsy Russell and Mantan Moreland come out for a comedy routine. Moreland leaves the stage and Russell continues on his own. Following Russell’s routine, Bryant introduces Cab Calloway who performs “Minnie The Moocher.” The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant brings out Ruth Brown for some stage banter before she performs “Teardrops From My Eyes” with backing by the Paul Williams Band. The curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the audience cheering, and Bryant introduces Count Basie for the film’s final performance, “One O’Clock Jump.”
    Place depicted
    Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    35mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Actors
    Comedy
    Entertainers
    Film
    Jazz (Music)
    Musical films
    Musicians
    Rhythm and blues (Music)
    Tap dancing
    Variety shows (Television)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.105.1a-d
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd578a039a6-746a-4ea9-9c44-f64988a206d8
  • Basin Street Revue

    Created by
    Studio Films, Inc., American, 1951 - 1956
    Directed by
    Kohn, Joseph
    Produced by
    Frye, Ben
    Subject of
    Apollo Theater, founded 1934
    Reed, Leonard, American, 1907 - 2004
    Bryant, Willie, American, 1908 - 1964
    Vaughan, Sarah, American, 1924 - 1990
    Lionel Hampton, American, 1908 - 2002
    Adams, Faye, American, born 1923
    Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
    Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
    The Clovers, American, founded 1946
    Davis, Martha, American, 1917 - 1960
    Frank Foster, American, 1928 - 2011
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Russell, Nipsey, American, 1918 - 2005
    Milburn, Amos, American, 1927 - 1980
    Coles & Atkins, American, 1940 - 1959
    Williams, Paul, American, 1915 - 2002
    Owned by
    Bowser, Pearl, American, born 1931
    Date
    1956
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 61 minutes
    Length (Film) - Reel 1: 1520 Feet
    Length (Film) - Reel 2: 1320 Feet
    Length (Film) - Reel 3: 1290 Feet
    Length (Film) - Reel 4: 1370 Feet
    Title
    35mm motion picture film of Basin Street Revue
    Caption
    "Basin Street Revue is a 1956 feature film compiled by Studio Films, Inc. from previously recorded Snader Telescriptions featuring renowned African American jazz singers and musicians from the 1950s. Performers include Willie Bryant, Sarah Vaughan, Lionel Hampton, Paul Williams, Jimmy Brown, Amos Milbur, Faye Adams, Coles and Atkins, Herb Jefferies, Cab Calloway, Count Basie, The Clovers, Nat King Cole, Martha Davis, Frank Foster, Mantan Moreland, Nipsey Russell, and Marie Bryant.
    Description
    35mm black and white compilation film of a variety of short musical 'Soundie' films made for music-film jukeboxes, and television, by the Snader Telescription and Studio companies in the 1950s. It consists of four 35mm prints (a-d).
    The film begins with a title sequence that announces each performer as a firework explodes behind their name. This is followed by a shot of a theater marquee with the title Basin Street Revue. A credit roll then displays the below the line contributors. Next, an announcer introduces the emcee, Willie Bryant, during a shot of a theater audience. Bryant emerges from behind a curtain as the audience applauds. As Bryant begins to speak, Nipsy Russell walks across the stage and interrupts Bryant with a joke about his mother in law. Bryant then begins his introduction of the show’s proceedings; he refers to the show as the “Harlem Variety Revue.” Bryant then introduces the first performer, Lionel Hampton and his orchestra. The curtain parts and Hampton and his orchestra perform “Ding Dong Baby.” An unknown woman joins Hampton on the stage as he sings, but does not sing herself; he gives her a kiss on the cheek before she exits. After the conclusion of the song, the curtain closes and there are multiple shots of the audience cheering as Willie Bryant again appears to announce the next performer, Sarah Vaughan, who performs “You’re Not The Kind.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Bryant emerges to introduce the next performers, Jimmy Brown, the saxophonist from the Apollo Theater’s house band, the Paul Williams Band. Bryant and Brown engage in some stage banter before the performance of “My Love Is True.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Bryant emerges to introduce the next performer, Martha Davis, who performs “We Just Couldn’t Say Goodbye.” Bryant mentions that Davis is performing with her spouse, bassist, Calvin Ponder. There are multiple insert shots of the audience during the performance. The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Nipsy Russell and Mantan Moreland enter the stage. They perform a short comedy routine together before Bryant introduces the next performer, Amos Milburn. He performs “Bewildered.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and Bryant has the curtain reopened so Milburn can take a bow. The curtain again closes and Bryant invites Faye Adams onto the stage. The engage in some brief stage banter before she performs “Somebody, Somewhere” in front of the curtain. Jimmy Brown emerges from behind the curtain to perform a solo. The song concludes, there are multiple shots of the cheering audience, and Bryant introduces the next performers, The Clovers, who perform “Lovey Dovey.” The song concludes, the curtain closes, and there are multiple shots of the cheering audience as Bryant emerges to introduce Sarah Vaughan for a performance of “These Things I Offer You (For A Lifetime).” The song concludes, the curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the cheering audience, and Bryant introduces Coles & Atkins. The duo sing and them perform a tap dance routine. Their performance concludes, they bow and Bryant introduces Herb Jeffries by way of a brief skit. Jeffries performs “A Woman Is A Worrisome Thing” from the balcony of a fire escape. The song concludes, the curtain closes, there are multiple shots of the cheering audience, and Bryant introduces Cab Calloway, who performs “Calloway Boogie.” Calloway dances with an unknown female dancer. A “The End” title card appears as the song and the film conclude.
    Place depicted
    Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Pearl Bowser Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    35mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Actors
    Comedy
    Dance
    Entertainers
    Film
    Jazz (Music)
    Musical films
    Variety shows (Television)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Pearl Bowser
    Object number
    2012.79.1.85.1a-d
    Restrictions & Rights
    © Studio Films, Inc. Permission required for use.
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd508a4bd22-4c0f-431a-af26-b4abb821ba11
  • Lobby card for the film Ebony Parade

    Published by
    Astor Pictures, American, 1930 - 1963
    Subject of
    Calloway, Cab, American, 1907 - 1994
    Basie, Count, American, 1904 - 1984
    Smythe, Vanita, American, 1925 - 1994
    Lee, Mable, American, 1921 - 2019
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Dandridge, Dorothy, American, 1922 - 1965
    Everett, Francine, American, 1915 - 1999
    Date
    1947
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 11 × 14 in. (28 × 35.5 cm)
    Description
    Lobby card for the 1947 film Ebony Parade. The card features a yellow background with red and white text. The rectangular lobby card has a large, tinted color image from the film on the upper left side. In the image Mabel Lee is sitting on a blue table wearing a two piece black costume. Seated at the table next to her is Mantan Moreland dressed as a female fortune teller, his hands on a crystal ball on top of the table. Mabel Lee is also resting her right hand on the crystal ball. A yellow curtain is behind them. To the right of the image are colored head shots of performers appearing in the film, including Moreland, Dorothy Dandridge, Count Basie, Mabel Lee, Vanita Smythe, Cab Calloway, and Francine Everett. Musical clefs and notes are behind the head shots. Printed text on the bottom of the card reads "ASTOR PICTURES / Presents / EBONY PARADE" and "with Cab Calloway / HIS BAND / Count Basie / HIS BAND / Vanita Smythe / Mabel Lee / and many others." The card has a yellowish white border. Printed in black ink in the bottom right corner is [Country of Origin U. S. A.]. The back of the lobby card is blank.
    Place used
    United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    lobby cards
    Topic
    Actors
    Advertising
    Comedy
    Conductors (Musicians)
    Dance
    Entertainers
    Film
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Jazz (Music)
    Musical films
    Musicians
    Race films
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2019.22.13
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f0402ffd-d88e-46ab-b4ed-0b358a3b9018
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Poster for Harlem on the Prairie

    Created by
    Toddy Pictures Company, American, 1941 - 1970s
    Subject of
    Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
    Harris, Consuela, American, 1910 - 2000
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
    Date
    1937
    On View
    Second Floor, 2 050
    Exhibition
    Now Showing: Posters from African American Movies
    Medium
    lithographic ink on paper (fiber product)
    Dimensions
    H x W: 41 x 27 1/2 in. (104.1 x 69.9 cm)
    Description
    One-sheet poster from the movie Harlem on the Prairie. Poster has a red background and in the center is an illustration of a man (Herbert Jefferies) and a woman (Connie Harris) wearing white cowboy hats. Below them is blue text that reads [HERBERT JEFFRIES / IN / HARLEM ON THE PRAIRIE]. In the lower proper right is another illustration of a man riding a white horse that has lifted its legs into the air. Next to this illustration is blue text that reads [WITH / MANTAN / MORELAND / F.E. MILLER / CONNIE HARRIS / THE FOUR TONES / & / THE FOUR BLACKBIRDS / ALL COLORED / STAR CAST]. In the lower proper left there are also references to songs in the movies. Across the top of the poster is additional blue text on a white banner that reads [KING OF THE JUKEBOX AND RADIO].
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place used
    United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    one-sheet posters
    Topic
    Actors
    American West
    Film
    Musical films
    Race films
    Western films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2011.41.10
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e96b06b2-a864-43c9-b2ff-2df72e7dcb42
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Window card for The Bronze Venus

    Created by
    Unidentified
    Subject of
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
    Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
    Buck and Bubbles, American, founded 1919
    Horne, Lena, American, 1917 - 2010
    Cooper, Ralph, American, 1908 - 1992
    Criner, John L., American, 1898 - 1965
    Basin Street Boys, American, 1945 - 1951
    The Cats and the Fiddle, American, 1937 - 1951
    Date
    1943
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 22 1/8 × 14 in. (56.2 × 35.6 cm)
    Description
    A window card for the film The Bronze Venus. On the left side, the card features a black and white image of Lena Horne wearing an evening gown. On the right, in large red letters is [LENA / HORNE] followed by [THE SWING SIREN OF / "CABIN IN THE SKY" / AND "STORMY WEATHER" / IN / "THE / BRONZE / VENUS"] in black text. Beneath this is [WITH / Ralph Cooper Lawrence Griner / Basin St. Boys / The Cats and the Fiddle / and All Star Colored Cast]. Along the top of the card, in a red rectangular box, is showtime information for the Regent Theatre in Youngstown, Ohio.
    Place used
    Youngstown, Mahoning County, Ohio, United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    A Cinema Apart: African American Film Memorabilia (Larry Richards Collection)
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    window cards
    Topic
    Actors
    Dance
    Film
    Jazz (Music)
    Musical films
    Musicians
    Race films
    Rhythm and blues (Music)
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2013.118.147
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public domain
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54368505d-f5c2-4ead-b276-5f837a9823a8
  • CC0 Creative Commons - No Rights Reserved icon

    Film poster for Gang Smashers

    Printed by
    Continental Lithograph Corporation, American, founded 1925
    Subject of
    Cooper, Ralph, American, 1908 - 1992
    Popkin, Harry M., American, 1906 - 1991
    McKinney, Nina Mae, American, 1912 - 1967
    Criner, John L., American, 1898 - 1965
    Hawley, Monte, American, 1901 - 1950
    Fenderson, Reginald, American, 1911 - 1986
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Popkin, Leo C., Canadian, 1914 - 2011
    Date
    1938
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 41 1/4 × 27 in. (104.8 × 68.6 cm)
    Description
    This poster for the film "Gang Smashers" depicts a young woman holding a gun. Shown from the waist up, she wears a dark dress with a fur collar. Her hair is pulled back on her head and she gazes directly at the viewer. From her waist up, the background is orange. Superimposed over her image are the words [Gang Smashers] in large orange letters. Below the title, within a white circle, are the words [with Nina Mae McKinney / All colored cast / Lawrence Criner --Monte Hawley / Reginald Fenderson --Mantan Moreland / Directed by Leo C. Popkin, Original story by Ralph Cooper / A Million Dollar Picture]. Below this white circle are two images; on the left is a woman in an evening dress leading a band. On the right side is a scene of three individuals, two men and a woman.
    Transcription Center Status
    Transcribed by digital volunteers
    Place depicted
    Harlem, New York City, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    posters
    Topic
    Actors
    Film
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2013.118.35
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public Domain
    Usage
    CC0
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd51cbd2dbb-da9f-41f9-b891-3f61894c2780
  • Poster for Rock 'N Roll Revue

    Distributed by
    Studio Films, Inc., American, 1951 - 1956
    Subject of
    Washington, Dinah, American, 1924 - 1963
    Lionel Hampton, American, 1908 - 2002
    Cole, Nat King, American, 1919 - 1965
    Ellington, Duke, American, 1899 - 1974
    Brown, Ruth, American, 1928 - 2006
    The Delta Rhythm Boys, American, 1934 - 1987
    Moreland, Mantan, American, 1902 - 1973
    Bryant, Willie, American, 1908 - 1964
    Big Turner, Joe, American, 1911 - 1985
    Darnell, Larry, American, 1921 - 1983
    The Clovers, American, founded 1946
    Coles & Atkins, American, 1940 - 1959
    Davis, Martha, American, 1917 - 1960
    Reed, Leonard, American, 1907 - 2004
    Russell, Nipsey, American, 1918 - 2005
    Little Buck, American
    Date
    1955
    Medium
    ink on paper
    Dimensions
    H x W: 41 15/16 × 28 1/4 in. (106.5 × 71.8 cm)
    Description
    Large pink poster featuring cut out photographs of faces of musicians. Faces include Joe Turner, Dinah Washington, Lionel Hampton, Nat "King" Cole, Duke Ellington, Larry Darnell, The Clovers, and Ruth Brown. Near each face is a caption indicating who each person is. Along the top is black scripted text [Rhythm-Packed and Star-Studded]. On the right side, about half way down is a white square with musical lines and notes bordering each edge. When the square is pink text [ROCK 'N / ROLL / REVUE]. In the center of the poster, on the left border of the square is a logo for [KALEIDOSCOPIC / WONDERCOLOR]. In the lower right corner, additional artists are listed [Plus / COLES & ATKINS / MARTHA DAVIS / LITTLE BUCK / DELTA RHYTHM BOYS / MANTAN MORELAND / LEONARD REED / "NIPSY"RUSSELL / M.C. WILLIE BRYANT]. Along the very bottom of the poster in the lower right corner is a graphic of a film strip with the letters [S/F], each with a film frame. On either side of the graphic is the production company [A STUDIO FILMS / PRODUCTION].
    Place made
    United States, North and Central America
    Classification
    Memorabilia and Ephemera-Advertisements
    Type
    posters
    Topic
    Actors
    Film
    Jazz (Music)
    Musical films
    Rock and roll (Music)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
    Object number
    2013.46.15
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5303d37dc-829f-4084-832a-729e29bda262
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Museum Address

1400 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20560

  • Become a Member
  • Make a Donation

Get Updates

 
    Please leave this field empty
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Snapchat
  • YouTube

Privacy | Terms of Use

Back to Top