Movies of Color: Black Southern Cinema

The subject of independent African-American filmmaking in the decades leading up to World War II is given a thorough and informative treatment in producer/director Tom Thurman's hour-shy documentary. Clips by such artists as Oscar Micheaux, Spencer Williams, and Eloyce Gist are presented, while various scholars and historians discuss the recurrent themes in early black cinema--including the church and Christian morals (damnation and the devil are often literally depicted), life and prejudice in the deep South, or even simple entertainment--and the ways that these films influenced the black community. As a bonus, the DVD includes two complete films, The Blood of Jesus and Go Down, Death (each about an hour long), which may often tend toward the crude and stereotypical, but as filmed morality plays are fascinating to watch. A good complementary title to the similarly themed American Experience-aired Midnight Ramble (VL-5/95), this is recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Graham)