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