Black Shadows on the Silver Screen

The history of 'race films' is presented from the earliest days of silents to the genre's gradual demise after World War II. These generally low budget films were designed to be seen by segregated black audiences. Although many of them were cheaply and crudely made, they are a record of the hopes and aspirations of the contemporary black community. The careers of such pioneering black filmmakers as Oscar Micheaux and George Johnson are highlighted.