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