In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema
The true story of a lost era.
User Score
4 votes
About
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.
Movie Info
Top Cast
Lawrence Varnado
Narrator
Herb Jeffries
Himself
Ruby Dee
Herself
Jeni Le Gon
Herself
Leroy Collins
Himself
Pearl Bowser
Herself
Similar Movies
Yakutia — Between The Worlds
Chaplin Today: The Kid
The Weaving of a Dream: Johnnie To's Vision and Craft
Loose Change
A Very English Exploitation: Inseminoid and the Shock Cinema of Norman J. Warren
