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In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema

200759m

★ 6.5

en

Documentary

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.

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Watch In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema full movie online for free in HD quality on Watch Online Stream. Stream from Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Prime Video, and more without any subscription or sign up. 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.

Cast

Lawrence Varnado

Lawrence Varnado

Narrator

Herb Jeffries

Herb Jeffries

Himself

Ruby Dee

Ruby Dee

Herself

Jeni Le Gon

Jeni Le Gon

Herself

👤

Leroy Collins

Himself

Pearl Bowser

Pearl Bowser

Herself

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