Pioneers of African American Cinema (1915-1946)

[vanlutz]

As a person who loves all cinema, I have to say I was amazed that there was silent AA films. I have dozens of books on silents and not one includes anything about these pictures. I personally can't think of one of these films airing on TCM. Do they at least show them during black history month?

I was immediately struck by Micheaux's Within Our Gates and it's relevance to modern society.

These films for how they were made, and the problems they must have encountered are outstanding. They remind me very much of urban guerilla filmmaking of this century. Is anything perfect in them? No. But, given tiny budgets, time, lost reels, and some strange editing, they rock.

The lead actresses in so many of these are stunningly gorgeous and yet most only made one or two films.

If you love cinema, this set should be in your library, it's beyond worth it.

I also collect autographs on old film stars, and it's a shame I can't find anything on anyone. The only two that are readily available are Micheaux (just bought an autographed book. Can't wait for it to arrive) and Williams (outrageously priced). The rest have sadly disappeared.