In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema (2007)
The true story of a lost era.
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.
Director: Brad Osborne
Genre: Documentary
Runtime: 59 min
Release Date: September 15, 2007
Cast
- Lawrence Varnado - Narrator
- Herb Jeffries - Himself
- Ruby Dee - Herself
- Jeni Le Gon - Herself
- Leroy Collins - Himself
- Pearl Bowser - Herself
Screenplay
Original Language: en
Keywords
hollywood, filmmaking, black history
More Films by Director: Brad Osborne
More Films in Genre: Documentary
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema 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.
- Who directed In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema?
- In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema was directed by Brad Osborne.
- Who stars in In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema?
- In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema stars Lawrence Varnado, Herb Jeffries, Ruby Dee, Jeni Le Gon, Leroy Collins, Pearl Bowser.
- How long is In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema?
- In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema has a runtime of 59m (59 minutes).
- What genre is In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema?
- In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema is a Documentary film.