In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema

Sep 15, 2007

0h 59m

★ 6.5

The true story of a lost era.

Overview

This documentary captures the sounds and images of a nearly forgotten era in film history when African American filmmakers and studios created “race movies” exclusively for black audiences. The best of these films attempted to counter the demeaning stereotypes of black Americans prevalent in the popular culture of the day. About 500 films were produced, yet only about 100 still exist. Filmmaking pioneers like Oscar Micheaux, the Noble brothers, and Spencer Williams, Jr. left a lasting influence on black filmmakers, and inspired generations of audiences who finally saw their own lives reflected on the silver screen.

Genres

Documentary

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Cast

Narrator

Lawrence Varnado

Himself

Herb Jeffries

Herself

Ruby Dee

Herself

Jeni Le Gon

Himself

Leroy Collins

Herself

Pearl Bowser

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7.7

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7.1

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0.0

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6.5

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This documentary is featured on the DVD for Captain Blood (1935), released in 2005.

4.4

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8.0

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0.0

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Making-of documentary about Lino Brocka's 1975 film "Manila in the Claws of Light," featuring interviews and behind-the-scenes footage.

0.0

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Video diary from behind the scenes of 2002's "Cruise of the Gods."

5.7

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Actress Sally Field looks at the dramatic life and successful career of the superb actress Barbara Stanwyck (1907-90), a Hollywood legend.

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6.3

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6.6

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0.0

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6.0

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8.7

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No overview available.

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0.0

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6.7

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Mar 22, 1895

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In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema

Overview

Genres

In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema Trailers