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    • Film 28 [-]
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    • Criner, John L. 16 [-]
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    • 16mm (photographic film size) 22 [-]
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    • 1910s 10 [-]
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Your search found 86 result(s).
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  • 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, 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, walks to her candy kitchen where she is greeted by Julie and Julie’s paramour, Bert. 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, 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
    Collection title
    Nieman Film Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    sound films
    black-and-white films (visual works)
    feature films
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Business
    Families
    Race films
    Urban life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.15.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd51ab239c7-7392-4d2f-8ce6-9ec98c9c4c49
  • 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
    2015.167.16.1ab: 16mm black and white films.
    Prince Ellis, a noted trumpet player, signs a Hollywood contract, and reporter Biff Boyd is assigned to interview him at the Penguin Club. Biff's girl friend, Linda Carroll, a newspaper secretary, joins him. Linda's younger sister Mae is in love with Prince, and their father, John Carroll, writes music for him. Although John and Linda advise Mae that Prince is a lothario who is not worthy of her, she refuses to believe them. While Mae adores her autographed photo of Prince, Prince's wife Cleo smashes hers. At the Penguin, Biff and Linda notice that Prince is giving Maxine Ray the runaround. Maxine was hired as a lead singer at the club by Chet Wallace, whom she spurned in favor of Prince. Instead of getting the interview, Biff and Linda ask Prince and Maxine to join them as they get drunk, and Biff and Prince get into a fight. The next day, Prince is visited by Mae, for whom he promises to send as soon as his divorce comes through; Cleo, who demands her alimony; and John, who warns Prince that he will kill him if he continues to see Mae. When Maxine arrives, Prince puts his trumpet to his mouth to play, but suddenly collapses and dies. A knife then passes before Maxine's face with a note attached, which warns her not to reveal the killer. Biff and Linda arrive at the apartment in time to find the body and see Maxine leaving. She is picked up for questioning after Biff telephones Captain Hall. It is soon determined that Prince died from poison placed on the mouthpiece of his trumpet. Biff gathers all the suspects at the Penguin, where Maxine collapses at the end of a song from a knife wound and dies. Biff discovers a clue when he learns that the sister of Buck Bedford, Prince's servant, killed herself following a love affair with Prince. Biff finds Buck unconscious in his apartment, but Buck escapes when the foolish Sergeant Slim, who was supposed to guard him, falls asleep during a card game. When Biff, Linda and the police enter Prince's apartment, they are shot at, and the culprit escapes, leaving a song sheet signed that day by John. Hall is ready to charge John, but Biff, who does not believe that John is the murderer, is given forty-eight hours to prove his innocence. After learning that Prince left no will, Biff assembles the suspects once again and has Lawyer Jones read a fake will in which one possession is left to each of his friends. Chet, who inherits Prince's trumpet, gives himself away as the murderer when he refuses to play it because of the poison. Chet then admits that he killed Maxine too because she threatened to expose him. The mystery solved, Biff and Linda plan to marry."
    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Accessed on August 11, 2016 (http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=2264)
    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
    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
    Musicians
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.16.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd531f705c7-b77c-472f-b7d5-e3a792a39c12
  • 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
    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, the film’s protagonist, and her adoptive mother Mama Keyes. 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, to write a song. After finding success in this latest song, Bob falls under the sway of a club owner named Vivian.
    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
    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
    Business
    Musicians
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.17.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd52cf6bdf3-5d8a-4e60-9790-33e2c16fa81f
  • Son of Ingagi

    Directed by
    Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
    Produced by
    Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
    Written by
    Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
    Distributed by
    Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
    Subject of
    Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
    Williams, Zack, American, 1884 - 1958
    Bowman, Laura, American, 1881 - 1957
    Grant, Alfred, American, 1912 - 1984
    Bufford, Daisy, American, 1913 - 1987
    Graves, Jesse, American, 1879 - 1949
    Ray, Arthur, American, 1888 - 1942
    Morris, Earle, American, born 1897
    The Four Toppers, American
    Date
    1940
    Medium
    acetate film, metal and cardboard
    Dimensions
    Duration: 70 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 1000 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 900 Feet
    Description
    A 16mm release print of the feature film Son of Ingagi. It consists of two reels of positive, black-and-white, 16mm acetate film (a) and (b) with variable-area optical sound. Two (2) metal film reels (c) and (d), and a film shipping box (e) also accompany the 16mm films. A pink and white label is taped onto the shipping box, with ["SON OF INGAGI"/ +/ "LYING LIPS"/ (SAFETY)] handwritten onto it in black ink; [WALD TRANSFER & STORAGE CO.] is printed on the bottom of the label in pink uppercase letters. There are three (3) other labels on the shipping box, all of which are blue and white. Two (2) of the other labels also have information handwritten onto them.
    The film opens with a couple, Eleanor and Bob Lindsay, getting married inside a church. On their way out of the church, they are greeted by Mr. Bradshaw, a divorce attorney, who congratulates them on their nuptials. Shortly after, two other individuals, Dr. Helen Jackson and Detective Nelson join Mr. Bradshaw. The rest of the film follows Dr. Jackson’s attempt to conceal a creature she brought back from a recent trip to Africa.
    Place filmed
    United States, North and Central America
    Place depicted
    United States, North and Central America
    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
    Domestic life
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.18.1a-e
    Restrictions & Rights
    No known copyright restrictions
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd59ad69fd2-7f52-4695-bf38-acd6246289ac
  • 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
  • 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
    Caption
    Preparing for the premiere of his Broadway show, an aspiring producer experiences a number of setbacks due to his leading star.
    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, 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, 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. The final scene shows Lena Powell 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
    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 South
    Musicians
    Nightlife
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.20.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5bf60a0b4-44ad-4e91-aa3c-ad0f7f9cbe8a
  • 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
  • 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
    Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
    Stewart, Nicodemus, American, 1910 - 2000
    Herndon, Cleo, American, 1908 - 1994
    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 and cardboard
    Dimensions
    Duration: 77 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 1050 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 1300 Feet
    Description
    A 16mm release print of a feature film with the title Dark Manhattan. It consists of two reels of positive 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), which have black and white picture and contain 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. A cardboard film shipping box (c) accompanies the film strips.
    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, a large-scale mobster and “Curly” Thorpe. 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
    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
    Race films
    Urban life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.5.1abc
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public Domain
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd50924722d-5fd0-41a5-8b99-148512dd023a
  • 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 a feature film entitled Boy! What a Girl. 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, while a variable-area, optical-sound (audio on film) track runs along the other.
    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, 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 and Harry Diggs, who struggle with finding investors to finance their latest show. Mr. Cummings, the father of Jim’s love interest, agrees to invest in their enterprise on one condition: the two producers must convince a Parisian impresario, Madame Deborah, 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
    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
    Comedy
    Jazz (Music)
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.1.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5e2232e61-7321-4091-b2ef-ac171c6176b6
  • Juke Joint

    Directed by
    Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
    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
    2015.167.10.1ab: 16mm black and white films.
    Bad News Johnson and July Jones, also known as Whitney Vanderbilt and Cornbread Green, when they go to Dallas where they acquire lodgings with Mama Lou and her family. The plot revolves around Mama Lou's efforts to keep her family intact.
    Having fled Memphis, Tennessee, to start a new life, smalltime fugitive Bad News Johnson and his slow-witted companion, July Jones, arrive in Dallas with no place to stay and only twenty-five cents to their name. Johnson explains to July that they are taking the advice of the great thinker Horace Greeley, who said, "Go west young man, and do your best; then come east and spend your grease." When Johnson realizes that July does not understand the quote, he tells July that he is so dumb that he probably thinks that "Veronica Lake is some kinda' summer resort." Using his charm and graciousness, mixed in with a touch of pure deception, Johnson procures a room for himself and July at the home of the Holiday family. Mrs. Louella "Mama Lou" Holiday is at first reluctant take in two strangers as boarders, but when Johnson, who has introduced himself as Mr. Whitney Vanderbilt, impresses her as a great "thespian," she, in the hope that he will tutor her daughter Honey Dew in poise, decides to give them a room. Johnson and July, who is now known as Mr. Green, gladly accept the offer. Meanwhile, Mama Lou's lazy husband, Papa Sam, who was sent by his wife on an errand to the market, is instead at Johnny's Juke Joint playing poker with his pals. Papa Sam's daughter Florida, also at the juke joint, is being pursued by Johnny, the owner of the establishment, who wants to take her to Chicago. When Papa Sam returns home without the food he was sent to get, Mama Lou scolds him until Honey Dew breaks up the fight. Back at the juke joint, while Florida considers Johnny's offer, he calls his wife and tells her that he will be home late. After Johnson and July enjoy their first dinner at the Holidays, Johnson gives Honey Dew lessons on how to carry herself at the beauty contest she has entered, while Florida is told to do the dishes. Johnson's lessons are proven valuable when Honey Dew wins first prize in the contest. Backstage at the contest, Papa Sam's buddy, "High Life" Harris, suggests that Honey Dew be taken to the juke joint to celebrate her success, and Papa Sam agrees. When Mama Lou returns home to find that her husband and Florida, who was given the responsibility of preparing the house for a party, are missing, she marches over to Johnny's with an umbrella in hand and takes swings at Harris, Johnny and Florida. Mama Lou then discovers Papa Sam kissing a waitress outside the juke joint and pounces on him. At home, Mama Lou gives Florida one last beating to punish her for her actions as Johnson and July watch through a keyhole.
    Sources:
    AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Accessed on August 10, 2016 (http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=27660)
    WorldCat. Accessed on August 10, 2016 (https://www.worldcat.org/title/juke-joint/oclc/16517545&referer=brief_results)
    Place filmed
    Dallas, Texas, 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
    American South
    Comedy
    Domestic life
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.10.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd53f7c9f60-e25f-4807-a048-9d693f03cf5f
  • Junction 88

    Directed by
    Quigley, George P., American
    Subject of
    Howard, Bob, American, 1906 - 1986
    Markham, Dewey, American, 1904 - 1981
    Mitchell, Abbie, American, 1884 - 1960
    Sissle, Noble, American, 1889 - 1975
    Young, Al
    Clark, Wyatt
    Cooke, Marie, American, 1921 - 2011
    McGinty, Artie Belle, American, 1892 - 1963
    Smith, Augustus Julius, American, 1891 - 1964
    Wiltshire, George, American, 1901 - 1976
    Bozan, Alonzo, American, 1886 - 1959
    Junior, Herbert
    Simmons, Maude, American, 1893 - 1977
    Date
    1948
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 1000 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 1000 Feet
    Description
    2015.167.11.1ab: 16mm black and white films.
    In the small town of Junction 88, young black musician Buster Jenkins plays a love song on the piano for his sweetheart, Lolly Simpson. Meanwhile, out on the Simpsons' porch, Lolly's father, "Pop" Simpson, tells "Mom" Simpson and Buster's mother that he will not give his consent for his daughter to marry Buster because he believes that the struggling musician will not be able to make a decent living. Although the mothers defend Buster as a good, God-fearing, churchgoing boy, Pop continues to favor the hard-working, hard-drinking Onnie as his future son-in-law. Miles away from Junction 88, music agent Bob Howard and his colleague Piggy discover in their mail what they believe will be a hit song. Determined to sign the song's composer, "Hewlett Green," Bob and Piggy set out for Junction 88, the town from which the song was sent. When they arrive, Bob and Piggy are amazed to discover that no one in Junction 88 has ever heard of Hewlett Green. Bob and Piggy continue their fruitless search for Hewlett Green and enlist the help of a young boy named Chinka Pin, who spends much of his time singing at the town barber shop. Later, Bob and Piggy meet Lolly, who introduces them to her friend Caroline. Bob falls instantly in love with Caroline, and the four attend a benefit concert that Buster has organized at the church. Before the concert begins, Lolly introduces Bob and Piggy to Buster, and they are granted permission from Buster to perform in the concert. Noble Sissle and his orchestra play after Chinka Pin sings the National Anthem. Bob and Piggy close the concert with three songs. Lolly notices that Buster is upset about something, but he keeps his troubles to himself and tells her that he is not ready to reveal what is upsetting him. Bob and Piggy put the word out that they want to sign Hewlett Green to a long-term contract. The search quickly comes to an end, however, when Buster steps forward in church and reveals that he has been writing songs under the assumed name of Hewlett Green. After signing a contract with Bob and Piggy, Buster takes Lolly's hand in marriage.
    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Accessed on August 10, 2016 (http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=27661)
    Place filmed
    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
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Race films
    Rural life
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.11.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ee5a35a5-c4f1-4a71-b3f5-4da7d4f3451c
  • Junction 88

    Directed by
    Quigley, George P., American
    Subject of
    Howard, Bob, American, 1906 - 1986
    Markham, Dewey, American, 1904 - 1981
    Mitchell, Abbie, American, 1884 - 1960
    Sissle, Noble, American, 1889 - 1975
    Clark, Wyatt
    Cooke, Marie, American, 1921 - 2011
    Smith, Augustus Julius, American, 1891 - 1964
    Mitchell, Abbie, American, 1884 - 1960
    McGinty, Artie Belle, American, 1892 - 1963
    Wiltshire, George, American, 1901 - 1976
    Junior, Herbert
    Bozan, Alonzo, American, 1886 - 1959
    Simmons, Maude, American, 1893 - 1977
    Young, Al
    Date
    1948
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 50 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 1000 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 1000 Feet
    Description
    2015.167.11.2ab: 16mm black and white films.
    2015.167.11.2cd: Original metal film reels.
    2015.167.11.2e: Original cardboard film shipping box. A label on the side of the film shippping box reads [FOR TRANSFER/ JUNCTION 88].
    In the small town of Junction 88, young black musician Buster Jenkins plays a love song on the piano for his sweetheart, Lolly Simpson. Meanwhile, out on the Simpsons' porch, Lolly's father, "Pop" Simpson, tells "Mom" Simpson and Buster's mother that he will not give his consent for his daughter to marry Buster because he believes that the struggling musician will not be able to make a decent living. Although the mothers defend Buster as a good, God-fearing, churchgoing boy, Pop continues to favor the hard-working, hard-drinking Onnie as his future son-in-law. Miles away from Junction 88, music agent Bob Howard and his colleague Piggy discover in their mail what they believe will be a hit song. Determined to sign the song's composer, "Hewlett Green," Bob and Piggy set out for Junction 88, the town from which the song was sent. When they arrive, Bob and Piggy are amazed to discover that no one in Junction 88 has ever heard of Hewlett Green. Bob and Piggy continue their fruitless search for Hewlett Green and enlist the help of a young boy named Chinka Pin, who spends much of his time singing at the town barber shop. Later, Bob and Piggy meet Lolly, who introduces them to her friend Caroline. Bob falls instantly in love with Caroline, and the four attend a benefit concert that Buster has organized at the church. Before the concert begins, Lolly introduces Bob and Piggy to Buster, and they are granted permission from Buster to perform in the concert. Noble Sissle and his orchestra play after Chinka Pin sings the National Anthem. Bob and Piggy close the concert with three songs. Lolly notices that Buster is upset about something, but he keeps his troubles to himself and tells her that he is not ready to reveal what is upsetting him. Bob and Piggy put the word out that they want to sign Hewlett Green to a long-term contract. The search quickly comes to an end, however, when Buster steps forward in church and reveals that he has been writing songs under the assumed name of Hewlett Green. After signing a contract with Bob and Piggy, Buster takes Lolly's hand in marriage.
    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Accessed on August 10, 2016 (http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=27661)
    Place filmed
    United States, North and Central America
    Collection title
    Nieman Film Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    motion pictures (information artifacts)
    sound films
    black-and-white films (visual works)
    release prints (motion pictures)
    feature films
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Instrumentalists (Musicians)
    Race films
    Rural life
    Singers (Musicians)
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.11.2ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5f44c06e7-409c-45bf-b5f7-3c42cf3712ed
  • Lying Lips

    Directed by
    Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
    Produced by
    Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
    Written by
    Oscar Micheaux, American, 1884 - 1951
    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
    2015.167.13.1ab: 16mm black and white films.
    2015.167.13.1cd: Original metal, 16mm film reels.
    2015.167.13.1e: 35mm Film Canister.
    Nightclub singer, Elsie Bellwood, refuses to go out with two Italian customers who want to sponsor a party with some of the showgirls, despite the urgings of her white boss, Farina. Farina decides to call on her black manager, Benjamin Hadnott, to try to convince her, but Ben refuses and quits his job. That evening, Elsie has dinner with Ben, who tells her that he has been studying to become a detective. Believing he is trying to conceal his unemployment, Elsie decides to take care of Ben until he gets a new job. One evening, Elsie is summoned to her Aunt Josie's, only to find that Josie has been killed. When the police arrive, the white police lieutenant decides to arrest Elsie, even though black detective Wanzer believes she is innocent. Desperate, Elsie gives Ben's address to Wanzer, and he and Ben agree to do what they can to help her. Elizabeth Green, Elsie's cousin, suggests a possible motive for the murder when she tells the police that Elsie had taken out a large insurance policy on her aunt. Meanwhile, Elsie's cousins, "John" and "Clyde," who have been hired by Farina to replace Ben, claim they saw Elsie leave the club for a half hour around the time of the murder. Although she denies their statement, Elsie is convicted of the murder. When Ben and Wanzer learn that "Ned" Green, Elizabeth's husband, was in love with Josie, they question Reverend Bryson, a longtime friend of the family, who tells them the story of Ned: Elizabeth forced Ned to marry her by tricking him into believing that she was pregnant. When Ned found out that she had lied, he left her without waiting for an annulment. Elizabeth and her unscrupulous brothers then followed Ned to the north, where he went to be near his true love, Josie. John and Clyde eventually found Ned and forced him to return to Elizabeth. Now, years later, Ned has disappeared again, and to help find him, Ben suggests that he and Wanzer abduct John and tell him they are taking him for a ride to haunted Tolston Manor. When they accuse John of killing Josie, he admits that he lied to shift the blame to Elsie. Ned, it is learned, decided he would kill Josie if she did not run away with him. When the police realize that the frame-up was planned in order to get the insurance money from Elsie, Elsie is released from prison. Once reunited with Ben, Elsie gives him the money, which he puts into a trust fund for their 'children'.
    Source: AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Accessed August 11, 2016 (http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=2284)
    Place filmed
    New York City, New York County, New York, United States, North and Central America
    Place depicted
    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
    35mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Musicians
    Nightlife
    Race films
    Urban life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.13.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b93e704c-b658-4c4c-bfb9-831054cc9ee2
  • Midnight Shadow

    Directed by
    Randol, George Elwood, American, 1895 - 1973
    Hawkins, Charles, American
    Produced by
    Randol, George Elwood, American, 1895 - 1973
    Subject of
    Dandridge, Ruby, American, 1900 - 1987
    Redd, Frances, American, 1917 - 1993
    Woods, Buck, American, 1905 - 1974
    Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
    Criner, John L., American, 1898 - 1965
    Robinson, Ollie Ann
    Rosemond, Clinton, American, 1882 - 1966
    Brandon, Edward, American, 1907 - 1980
    Bates, Richard
    Webster, Pete, American, 1905 - 1988
    Simposon, Napoleon, American, 1902 - 1967
    Distributed by
    Sack Amusement Enterprises, American, 1920 - 1979
    Date
    1939
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 57 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 700 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 1240 Feet
    Description
    2015.167.14.1ab: 16mm black and white films.
    Mr. Wilson, a Texas landowner rich with oil, is murdered. Two young family friends set out to uncover the murderer. They journey to Shreveport where the crime is solved.
    Over her mother Emma's objections, Margaret Wilson, an impressionable small-town beauty, encourages the romantic interests of the refined Prince Alihabad and rejects her longtime admirer, the sincere but poor Buster Barnett. Unknown to Margaret, Alihabad is a charlatan from the vaudeville circuit, whose interest in the East Texas oil field that her father Dan has set aside for her wedding present appears to be more than passing. After Dan shows him where the oil land deed is kept, Alihabad asks Margaret to leave with him on an extended overseas trip. While Margaret debates and finally rejects Alihabad's dubious invitation, a man watches her house. Later the man breaks into the Wilsons' home and, after drugging Emma and Dan, steals the deed. Margaret discovers her father dead the next morning and telephones Ernest Lingley, whose bumbling son Jr. is an aspiring private detective. While Jr. and his equally ineffectual partner, Lightfoot, rush to the crime scene, homicide detective Sergeant Ramsey questions Buster, who casts suspicion on Alihabad. Ramsey, who has learned that Dan had contacted an oil developer in Shreveport, Louisiana, about his land, orders his men to locate Alihabad, Jr. and Lightfoot take off for Shreveport. There they inform John Mason, the oil company agent, to expect a man to approach him with the Wilson deed. Mason notifies the local police, while Jr. and Lightfoot cover the train depot. Later that night, the killer shows up at Mason's office, presents the stolen deed, then demands cash for it at knifepoint. At the same time, Jr. and Lightfoot, having spent the day in fruitless pursuit, return to Mason's office just in time to alert the police and apprehend the killer. The mystery of Dan's death solved, Ramsey then corners Alihabad, who reveals his fakery and loses Margaret to the deserving, faithful Buster.
    Sources:
    AFI Catalog of Feature Films. Accessed August 11, 2016 (http://www.afi.com/members/catalog/DetailView.aspx?s=&Movie=2243)
    WorldCat. Accessed August 11, 2016 (https://www.worldcat.org/title/midnight-shadow/oclc/15160578&referer=brief_results)
    Place depicted
    Oklahoma, United States, North and Central America
    Place filmed
    Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, 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
    American South
    Business
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.14.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Public Domain
    Usage
    Not determined
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd54f6bfb02-482a-4e19-9a6d-6b44cb25ec7e
  • Black and Tan Fantasy

    Directed by
    Murphy, Dudley, United States, 1897 - 1968
    Subject of
    Ellington, Duke, American, 1899 - 1974
    Washington, Fredi, United States, 1903 - 1994
    Cotton Club, American, 1923 - 1940
    Alex Lovejoy, American, 1893 - 1946
    Date
    1929
    Medium
    acetate film, metal and cardboard
    Dimensions
    Duration: 20 Minutes
    Length (Film): 700 Feet
    Description
    A 16mm release print of a feature film entitled Black and Tan Fantasy. It consists of a single reel of positive 16mm acetate film (a), is in black-and-white and contains sound. A single row of perforations runs along one edge, while a variable-area, optical-sound (audio on film) track runs along the other.
    A metal film reel (b), a film cannister (c) and a cardboard shipping box (d) also accompany the 16mm acetate 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 fabric.
    In the opening scene, two men wearing suits 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 continues to tell the story of Duke’s struggles and his girlfriend’s 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
    Collection title
    Nieman Film Collection
    Classification
    Media Arts-Film and Video
    Type
    sound films
    black-and-white films (visual works)
    release prints (motion pictures)
    short subjects
    16mm (photographic film size)
    Topic
    Jazz (Music)
    Musicians
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.2.1a-d
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5b89ef076-c509-46ed-b8a8-1cb5abc32ebf
  • Broken Strings

    Directed by
    Ray, Bernard B, Russian, 1895 - 1964
    Written by
    Muse, Clarence Edouard, American, 1889 - 1979
    Created by
    Ray, Bernard B, Russian, 1895 - 1964
    Subject of
    Lewis, Sybil, American, 1919 - 1988
    Washington, William, American, 1924 - 1982
    Moore, Tommie, American, 1917 - 2004
    Beard, Mathew Jr., American, 1925 - 1981
    Webster, Pete, American, 1905 - 1988
    Thompson, Edward, American, 1898 - 1960
    Woods, Buck, American, 1905 - 1974
    Jones, Darby, American, 1910 - 1986
    Brooks, Jess Lee, American, 1894 - 1944
    Morris, Earle, American, born 1897
    The Stevens Sisters, American
    Carpenter, Elliot, American, 1894 - 1982
    Date
    1940
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 60 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 1300 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 900 Feet
    Description
    A 16mm release print of a feature film entitled Broken Strings. It consists of a single reel of positive 16mm acetate film (a), is in black-and-white and contains sound. A single row of perforations runs along one edge, while a variable-area, optical-sound (audio on film) track runs along the other.
    In the opening scene, a man plays the violin at a concert as his family watches his performance from the wings and audience members smile. At the end of his performance, the audience applauds, and he returns to the wings, hands his son his violin before returning to the stage a third time and addressing the audience.
    The rest of the film follows the violinist, whose career abruptly ends when he suffers a hand injury in a motor vehicle accident. His hopes of passing his classical training and success to his son are challenged when he learns his son prefers swing music to refined classical.
    Place depicted
    United States, North and Central America
    Place filmed
    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
    Domestic life
    Drama (Theatre)
    Jazz (Music)
    Musicians
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.3.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd57e39ee1a-f15b-4b71-b718-7bdea9ddeb51
  • The Bronze Buckaroo

    Directed by
    Kahn, Richard C., American, 1897 - 1960
    Subject of
    Jeffries, Herb, American, 1913 - 2014
    Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
    Brooks, Clarence, American, 1896 - 1969
    Brooks, Lucius, American, 1911 - 1999
    Young, Artie, American, 1915 - 1989
    Murray's Dude Ranch, American, 1922 - 1960
    Morris, Earle, American, born 1897
    Miller, Flournoy, American, 1885 - 1971
    Williams, Spencer, American, 1893-1969
    Calmes, Lee
    The Four Tones, American
    Date
    1939
    Medium
    acetate film
    Dimensions
    Duration: 60 Minutes
    Length (Film Reel 1): 1200 Feet
    Length (Film Reel 2): 900 Feet
    Description
    A 16mm release print of a feature film entitled The Bronze Buckaroo. It consists of two reels of positive 16mm acetate film (a) and (b), is in black-and-white and contains sound. A single row of perforations runs along one edge of each film strip, while a variable-area optical-sound (audio on film) track runs along the other.
    In the opening scene, four cowboys ride through a desert before stopping and having a drink. They then engage in a conversation about their missing friend Joe, before resuming their journey. In the next scene, a man sits on a wooden fence reading from a paper as the camera cuts to four animals that surround him: a barking dog, a cow, a donkey and a chicken. At one point the man reads, “To throw the voice for a greater distance, it is imperative that…” before the camera cuts back to the group of riding cowboys.
    The film continues by chronicling the experiences the four cowboys encounter as they search for Joe. Upon their arrival to Joe’s ranch, the men are informed by Joe’s sister that Joe has been missing for weeks. They eventually realize that Joe’s neighbors are holding him hostage over a land dispute.
    Place depicted
    Arizona, United States, North and Central America
    Place filmed
    San Bernardino County, California, United States, North and Central America
    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
    American West
    Race films
    Western films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.4.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5d96e3200-eb3f-4304-a07f-87fbbb4586ba
  • 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
    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
    Dance
    Nightlife
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.6.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd58d1b9adf-42e2-4034-aff4-34a9d1116ca8
  • Double Deal

    Directed by
    Dreifuss, Arthur, German American, 1908 - 1993
    Produced by
    Randol, George Elwood, American, 1895 - 1973
    Created by
    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 a crime drama with the title Double Deal. 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 opens with Nita, a nightclub performer, tap dancing as a man plays the piano and others watch her dance. At the end of the performance, one of the men introduces Nita to Mr. Howard, the owner of the nightclub in which she performs. The rest of the film follows two men, Tommy McCoy and Dude Markey, both of whom vie for Nita’s affection. One of the men frames the other for a crime, however, Nita sets out to learn the truth. One of her love interests breaks into a jewelry store. The film ends with a woman performing at a dinner party.
    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
    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
    Entertainers
    Nightlife
    Race films
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.7.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5cac134e4-037d-42ef-ba8e-e9551301b8ac
  • 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 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 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, 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
    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
    Business
    Nightlife
    Race films
    Urban life
    Credit Line
    Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, Gift of Randall and Sam Nieman
    Object number
    2015.167.8.1ab
    Restrictions & Rights
    Unknown - Restrictions Possible
    Usage
    Usage conditions apply
    GUID
    http://n2t.net/ark:/65665/fd5ea1a6156-d507-475c-b5ee-3450d8b6f123

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