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Mon, 1 Nov 1993 10:11:10 GMT |
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EARLY BLACK FILMS |
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Regarding Pam Wilson's query on the early tradition of black
filmmaking, here are several observations. First, probably the
largest collection of such films is here at the Library of
Congress. As well, because many of the independently made black
films are apparently in the public domain, and are of such
outstanding interest, most are available from various video
dealers, many of them very small private businesses
(consequently, the duping quality is often poor). Second, on the
specific matter of the various black filmmaking companies, the
closest to a primary source is Henry Sampson's Blacks in Black
and White, set to appear in its second edition from Scarecrow
Press. Sampson has drawn his information largely from the
contemporary black press. I have also written an analysis of the
evolution of the black corporations toward a star and genre
system in my chapter on 1930's B filmmaking in Tino Balio's
volume, Grand Design. Richard Grupenhoff's The Black Valentino
provides an invaluable case study of the actor Lorenzo Tucker. In
addition, Phyllis Klotman's book is a very useful catalog.
Brian Taves
Motion Picture Division, Library of Congress
202-707-0023
Tavesmail.loc.gov
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