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

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

6.5
59 min
2007
Brad Osborne

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.

Top 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

Leroy Collins

Himself

Similar Movies

You might also like

30 Years of James Bond
5.3
HD

30 Years of James Bond

1992N/A
Documentary

30 Years of James Bond

1992
In Search of James Bond with Jonathan Ross
3
HD

In Search of James Bond with Jonathan Ross

1995N/A
Documentary

In Search of James Bond with Jonathan Ross

1995
Adam Sandler: Funny Guy
4
HD

Adam Sandler: Funny Guy

2020N/A
Documentary
Comedy

Adam Sandler: Funny Guy

2020
Kirk Douglas: Before I Forget
7.3
HD

Kirk Douglas: Before I Forget

2009N/A
Documentary

Kirk Douglas: Before I Forget

2009
The Making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
6.4
HD

The Making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

2023N/A
Documentary

The Making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny

2023
Dearly Departed
7.7
HD

Dearly Departed

2006N/A
Documentary

Dearly Departed

2006
Prayers to the Gods of Guerrilla Filmmaking
0
HD

Prayers to the Gods of Guerrilla Filmmaking

2019N/A
Documentary

Prayers to the Gods of Guerrilla Filmmaking

2019
Montgomery Clift
4.4
HD

Montgomery Clift

1983N/A
Documentary

Montgomery Clift

1983
The Five Obstructions
6.9
HD

The Five Obstructions

2003N/A
Documentary

The Five Obstructions

2003
Chaplin Today: 'City Lights'
6.7
HD

Chaplin Today: 'City Lights'

2003N/A
Documentary

Chaplin Today: 'City Lights'

2003
Artist Unknown
0
HD

Artist Unknown

2017N/A
Documentary

Artist Unknown

2017
Begins (โผบิน)
0
HD

Begins (โผบิน)

2024N/A
Documentary

Begins (โผบิน)

2024
The Latino List
7
HD

The Latino List

2011N/A
Documentary

The Latino List

2011
If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast
7.1
HD

If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast

2017N/A
Documentary

If You're Not in the Obit, Eat Breakfast

2017
Quentin Tarantino: From a Movie Buff to a Hollywood Legend
8
HD

Quentin Tarantino: From a Movie Buff to a Hollywood Legend

2021N/A
Documentary

Quentin Tarantino: From a Movie Buff to a Hollywood Legend

2021
Islands of Forgotten Cinemas
0
HD

Islands of Forgotten Cinemas

2016N/A
Documentary

Islands of Forgotten Cinemas

2016
kid 90
7
HD

kid 90

2021N/A
Documentary

kid 90

2021
Auge in Auge - Eine deutsche Filmgeschichte
6.3
HD

Auge in Auge - Eine deutsche Filmgeschichte

2008N/A
Documentary

Auge in Auge - Eine deutsche Filmgeschichte

2008
Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America
0
HD

Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America

2018N/A
Documentary
History

Hebrews to Negroes: Wake Up Black America

2018
Where are the African Gods?
0
HD

Where are the African Gods?

2018N/A
Documentary

Where are the African Gods?

2018