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

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

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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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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