Storyline

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.

Key Information

Director Brad Osborne
Writers Brad Osborne
Rating 6.5/10
Language EN

Cast & Crew

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

Frequently Asked Questions

In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema was released on September 15, 2007.

The runtime of In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema is 59m.

In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema is a Documentary movie.

In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema has a rating of 6.5 out of 10 on TMDB.

In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema is available to watch. Check streaming platforms and theaters near you.

In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema was directed by Brad Osborne.

The main cast of In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema includes Lawrence Varnado, Herb Jeffries, Ruby Dee.

In the Shadow of Hollywood: Race Movies and the Birth of Black Cinema is originally in English.