Monthly Themes (POC in Classic Film Archive)

People of Color in Classic Film had "Monthly Themes" from September 2012-April 2013. 

Here are the themes and their correlating posts:

September 2012: 

"Asian Characters...No Asian Actors Please!

Theme Introduction

The Good Earth Review

Madame Butterfly (1915) Exclusive Video Review

Charlie Chan movies

Mr. Yunioshi Review (Breakfast at Tiffany's)

October 2012

"The Stereotypes of Latino Men"

Theme Introduction

Speedy Gonzalez

"I don't have to show you any stinkin' badges!"

Ramon Novarro: Post-Valentino Lover

Modern Stereotypes of Latino Men

Actor Natividad Vacio

The Portrayal of Mexican Men in Touch of Evil

November 2012

"What to Do With a Glamorous Black Woman?"

Happy 90th Birthday, Dorothy Dandridge!

Theresa Harris, The Beautiful Maid

The Starlet, Nina Mae McKinney

Evelyn Preer, Leading Lady

Lena Horne, MGM's Glamorous "Star"

December 2012

December Movies:

Part One, Part Two, Part Three, Part Four, Part Five, Part Six

January 2013

"Men Behind the Camera"

Oscar Micheaux--Pioneering Filmmaker

The Symbol of the Unconquered (Review)

James Wong Howe, Oscar-Winning Cinematographer

The Influential Gabriel Figueroa 

Spencer Williams, Jr.--Before Amos 'n Andy

February 2013

"Celebrating Black History Month & Valentine's Day"

Signers of Contracts: Bert, Madame, Ernie, and Nina

47 Years of Sessue & Tsuru

"Cindy Lou Belongs to Joe"

Ossie and Ruby

Clarence Muse, Man of Principles

March 2013

Celebrating Women's History Month

Katy Jurado

Juanita Moore

"Maylia"

Nancy Kwan

Meena Kumari

Sheila Guyse

Chelo Alonso

Edna Mae Harris

Biopics That We Need! (Women)


April 2013
Honoring the Men

"...and the Emilio goes to..."
Keye Luke Appreciation
"Black Valentino"
Great Teams!
Paul Robeson Online
Akira Kurosawa.
"Philip Ahn, you speak English too well."
Eddie Anderson--Beyond Rochester (posted May 1, 2013)

December Movies (Part Six)

Click Here to see Part Five and Click Here to learn more about these "December Movies".

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Kurutta ippêji (1926)

(A Page of Madness)

Not exactly a "holiday" movie, but Kurutta ippêji (or A Page of Madness) is a film about a man who takes a job at an asylum with hopes of freeing his imprisoned wife.

A Page of Madness stars Masuo Inoue, Yoshie Nakagawa, and Ayako Iijima. 

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

(No English subtitles available; also, check out the description box for some important information on this movie)

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Black and Tan (1929)

This is actually a dramatic, musical short starring Duke Ellington as a down-on-his-luck musician who must keep his band afloat while minding a friend's health.

Black and Tan stars Duke Ellington, Fredi Washington, Duke Ellington's Cotton Club Orchestra, and more.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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Angel on My Shoulder (1946)

Quite a religious theme:

 "The Devil arranges for a deceased gangster to return to Earth as a well-respected judge to make up for his previous life." (IMDb)

Angel on My Shoulder stars Paul Muni, Anne Baxter, and Claude Rains. 

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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Santa Claus Conquers the Martians (1964)

Judging by the IMDb rating and the title alone, this seems to be one of those movies that the average person would steer clear of, but I'm thinking of giving it a chance. It seems like one of those movies that are so bad that you have to watch it just to witness how bad it is. One reviewer called it "fabulously awful". 

"The Martians kidnap Santa because there is nobody on Mars to give their children presents." (IMDb)

Santa Claus Conquers the Martians stars John Call, Leonard Hicks, and Vincent Beck. 

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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I hope everyone has a wonderful week of relaxation and merriment. For those who celebrate Christmas, Merry Christmas to you and to those who celebrate Kwanzaa, Happy Kwanzaa!

To those who celebrated Hanukkah, I hope your holiday was fabulous!

Once again, have a great week everyone!

--Adrienne <3

December Movies (Part Five)

Click Here to see Part Four and Click Here to learn more about these "December Movies".

I have three movies picked out for you all today! I apologize for how much the content of this theme has started to dwindle down, but here goes:

This particular set of movies are all popular "race films"--two of them with religious themes.

Go Down, Death! (1944)

"The owner of a juke joint arranges to frame an innocent preacher with a scandalous photograph, but his scheme backfires when his own adoptive mother interferes."

Go Down, Death! stars Myra D. Hemmings, Samuel H. James, and Eddye L. Houston. 

Director Spencer Williams also stars.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube!

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Harlem Rides the Range (1939)

"A cowboy and his sidekick try to help a homesteader from being cheated out of his property."

Harlem Rides the Range stars Herb Jeffries, Lucius Brooks, and F.E. Miller.

Writer Spencer Williams also stars in this film and F.E. Miller co-wrote. 

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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The Green Pastures (1936)

This film depicts several stories from the Bible's Old Testament as visualized by black-American characters.

The Green Pastures stars Rex Ingram, Oscar Polk, and Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. 

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube. 

(This movie is in parts; link leads to Part One)

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Most movie summaries obtained from their IMDb pages.

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Everyone enjoy the rest of your weekend and your holiday!!!

--Adrienne <3

December Movies (Part Four)

Click Here to see Part III and Click Here to learn more about these "December Movies".

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How far will a man go to keep his mother's approval?

Ek Dil Sau Afsane (1963)

"Shekhar's maternal grandmother Nani is a very loving person, and loves Shekhar dearly as a mother. She is also very religious and firm in her beliefs. She believes that every man must have a male heir to carry on the family's name. Therefore, she will only permit Shekhar to marry a woman who will bear him a son. Shekhar presents his Nani with Sunita, the girl he plans to marry. Nani finds out that Sunita cannot bear any children and disapproves of her. Shekar and Sunita marry anyway, and to pacify Nani, pretend that a friend's son is their's. But for how long will the shrewd Nani allow the wool to be pulled over her eyes?"

Ek Dil Sau Afsane stars Raj Kapoor, Waheeda Rehman, and Lalita Pawar.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube. 

(No English subtitles)

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In the mood for an all-star Harlem musical with an intense plot?

Reet, Petite, and Gone (1947)

"Old-time musical star Schyler Jarvis, now wealthy, is dying; his last act is a visionary plan for the future happiness of his son, swing bandleader Louis Jarvis, and Honey Carter, daughter of his long-lost love. But crooked lawyer Talbot has a nefarious scheme to get his hands on the Jarvis money...and it doesn't include any happiness for Louis and Honey. Plenty of swing from Louis Jordan's Tympany Five."

Reet, Petite, and Gone stars Louis Jordan, June Richmond, Bea Griffith, and  Milton Woods. 

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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Check out Lena Horne in her film debut:

The Duke is Tops (1938)

"A theatrical producer puts aside his own success to boost the career of a talented singer."

The Duke is Tops stars Ralph Cooper, Lena Horne, and Laurence Criner.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube!

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Movie summaries obtained from their IMDb pages.

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I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week!

Part Five will be up on Friday!

December Movies (Part III)

Click Here to read Part II and Click Here to learn more about these "December Movies". 

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Check out Oscar Micheaux's answer to D.W. Griffith's Birth of a Nation:

Within Our Gates (1920)

"Abandoned by her fiancé, an educated negro woman with a shocking past dedicates herself to helping a near bankrupt school for impoverished negro youths."

Within Our Gates stars Evelyn Preer, Flo Clements, and James D. Ruffin.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube. 

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Check out an Oscar-nominated, documentary-style film:

The Quiet One (1948)

"A documentary account of the rehabilitation at the Wiltwyck School of an emotionally disturbed Black boy who is unwanted, misunderstood, and inwardly tortured."

The Quiet One stars Donald Thompson. 

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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Check out this popular 1940's "race film":

Sepia Cinderella  (1947)

"The film follows the struggle of a young songwriter who finds sudden success with an unexpected hit song, but is unable to cope with his new fame."

Sepia Cinderella stars Billy Daniels and Sheila Guyse. 

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube. 

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A second Micheaux film to check out, a musical:

Swing! (1938)

"Ted Gregory is trying to be the first black producer to mount a show on Broadway, but he has trouble with his star singer."

Swing! stars Cora Green, Larry Seymour, and Hazel Diaz.

CLICK HERE on to watch it on Youtube. 

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Finally, another Micheaux film, one of his earliest:

The Symbol of the Unconquered (1920)

"Racists learn that the land a negro owns lies over a vast oil field, and threaten his life when he refuses to sell."

The Symbol of the Unconquered stars Iris Hall, Walker Thompson, and Lawrence Chenault. 

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube. 

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Most movie summaries obtained from their IMDb pages.

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Today has been a rough day.

I hope you see a movie to your liking and I hope you are able to enjoy your weekend.

Tell your loved ones that you love them. Do something good for a stranger--you never know what positive effects your kind words and actions may have on them.

--Adrienne <3

December Movies (Part II)

Click Here to read Part I and Click Here to learn more about these "December Movies". 

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Watch the rise of an ambitious leader with:

The Emperor Jones (1933)

"Unscrupulously ambitious Brutus Jones escapes from jail after killing a guard and through bluff and bravado finds himself the emperor of a Caribbean island."

The Emperor Jones stars Paul Robeson, Dudley Digges, Frank H. Wilson, and Fredi Washington.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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In the mood for a Harlem Whodunit? 

Miracle in Harlem (1948)

"Julie Weston and her aunt, Hattie, own and operate a candy-store in Harlem. A wealthy business man, Albert Marshall, and his wayward son, Jim Marshall, swindle the women out of the store. Later, Albert Marshall is found murdered, and there are several suspects, including Marshall's secretary and a blackmailer."

Miracle in Harlem stars Sheila Guyse, Stepin Fetchit, and Hilda Offley.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube. 

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In the mood for a musical drama?

Broken Strings (1940)

"After noted violinist Arthur Williams suffers a hand injury which ends his playing career, his hopes are transferred to his son, who prefers swing music to classical."

Broken Strings stars Clarence Muse, Sybil Lewis, William Washington, and "Stymie" Beard.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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In the mood for a film on religion?

Kan Kan Me Bhagwan (1963)

This is a film about a people's love of, belief in, and faith in God and others' disbelief.

Kan Kan Me Bhagwan stars Anita Guha and Ram Singh.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

*No English subtitles*

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In the mood for a heartwarming, dramatic romance?

Penny Serenade (1941)

"As Julie prepares to leave her husband Roger, she begins to play through a stack of recordings, each of which reminds her of events in their lives together. One of them is the song that was playing when she and Roger first met in a music store. Other songs remind her of their courtship, their marriage, their desire for a child, and the joys and sorrows that they have shared. A flood of memories comes back to her as she ponders their present problems and how they arose."

Penny Serenade stars Irene Dunne and Cary Grant.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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Summaries obtained from each movie's IMDb page.

*With the exception of Kan Kan Me Bhagwan, whose summary came from its Youtube video description*

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I hope one of these movies has sparked your interest!

Five more movies will be up next Friday (December 14th).

Have a great week everyone!

--Adrienne <3

December Movies (Part I)

***Read Current Theme for more information.***

Get a glimpse into the life of one of the world's most prominent spiritual figures with:

Sant Tukaram (1936) 

"This film chronicles the life of Maharashtra's most popular saint poets, Tukaram. The plot pits Tukaram against the Brahmin Salomalo, who pretends to be the true author of Tukaram's songs while calling for his exile." 

Sant Tukaram stars Vishnupant Pagnis and Sri Bhagwat.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube. 

*There are no English subtitles*

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Would you like to watch a movie about a man pushing through drug addiction?

The Man with the Golden Arm (1955)

"Frankie Machine is a skilled card dealer and one-time heroine addict. When he returns home from jail, he struggles to find a new livelihood and to avoid slipping back into addiction."

This film stars Frank Sinatra and Kim Novak.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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In the mood for a movie about religious folk and heathen folk?

Body and Soul (1925)

"A minister is malevolent and sinister behind his righteous facade. He consorts with, and later extorts from, the owner of a gambling house, and betrays an honest girl, eventually driving them both to ruin."

This film stars Paul Robeson.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube. 

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What do you say about a lighthearted romantic comedy?

Holiday Affair (1949)

"Just before Christmas, department store clerk Steve Mason meets big spending customer Connie Ennis, really a commercial spy. He unmasks her but lets her go, which gets him fired. They end up on a date, which doesn't sit well with Connie's steady suitor, Carl, but delights her son Timmy, who doesn't want Carl for a step-dad. Romantic complications follow."

This film stars Robert Mitchum and Janet Leigh.

CLICK HERE to watch it on Youtube.

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Would you to see some 1940's talent put on a show to save their home?

Boarding House Blues (1948)

"Despite the slapstick atmosphere there, the inhabitants of Moms' theatrical boarding house in Harlem are broke and in danger of losing their home. For some ready cash, they trick a producer into helping them put on a show."

This film stars Jackie "Moms" Mabley and Dusty Fletcher.

CLICK HERE to watch in on Youtube.

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Summaries obtained from each movie's IMDb "Storyline" section. 

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I hope one of these movies has sparked your interest!

Five more movies will be up Sunday (December 9th).

Have a great weekend everyone!

--Adrienne <3