The Greatest Negro Photoplay of All Times -- June 21, 2023

New York Daily News, 24-June-1948

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. 75 years ago this month, his last film, The Betrayal, premiered at a Broadway theater, the Mansfield. This was a first for any race film. The movie is probably lost.

New York Age, 26-June-1923

The Betrayal, based on Micheaux's novel The Wind From Nowhere, was his first film in eight years.

Oklahoma City Black Dispatch, 19-June-1948

This item, with a photo of Micheaux, appeared in several African-American owned newspapers.

Saint Louis Argus, 15-June-1923

Meanwhile, back in 1923, The Crimson Skull, a western/mystery race film, produced by the Norman Film Company was promoted by an ad with a photo of leading lady Anita Bush. Lawrence Chennault was the leading man and the film also featured real-life cowboy Bill Pickett. The film is probably lost. I hate to keep writing that. 

Retina is an interesting name for a theater. A skydome, also referred to as an airdome, was an outdoor movie theater. These were popular during hot seasons.

>Saint Louis Argus, 15-June-1923

"The picture contains the Thrills! Action! Punch! of a 32 reel serial boiled down to 6 smashing reels of Big Fights, Fast Action, Thrilling Love Scenes and an intriguing, baffling mystery which is not solved until the last reel."

Colorado Statesman, 09-June-1923

The Southern Film Company of Chicago said that it had signed Noble Sissle, who, with his partner Eubie Blake, composed the music and wrote the lyrics for Shuffle Along, a wildly popular review. I can't find any trace of this movie, so I suspect it may not have happened.

Charlotte Observer, 15-June-1923

I wonder if this article about the Southland Film Company was actually about the Southern Film Company. 

Raleigh News and Observer, 15-June-1923

Winston-Salem Journal, 16-June-1923

The R.J. Reynolds Realty Company was going to build a "New Colored Theater" in Raleigh.

With a Cast of Colored Artists -- February 26, 2022

Wichita Eagle, 26-February-1922

The Burden of Race was a race film made by Reol Productions in 1921.

Arkansas Democrat, 12-February-1921

The Black Thunderbolt starred ex-heavyweight champion Jack Johnson. I assume that the name of the theater was supposed to be "The Plaza."

Bridgeport Times and Evening Farmer, 20-February-1922

Meanwhile, Jack Johnson was also touring the country with "His Vaudeville Jubilee."

Dallas Express, 28-February-1922

We have seen that John Harris, owner and manager of the Grand Central Theater in Dallas, had a policy of showing race films, but there was a paucity of product. On this bill, all the movies were mainstream productions.

California Eagle, 25-February-1922

Clarence Brooks, who appeared in many race films, was an officer in the Lincoln Motion Picture Company. He went east to do company business, and was happy to get home.

Dallas Express, 04-February-1922

A group of white people formed the Constellation Film Company to make race films. I can't find anything in the IMDB, but I will keep looking.

Perth Amboy Evening News, 17-February-1922

Shuffle Along was not a movie, but a 1921 musical revue that influenced Broadway shows for many years. Eubie Blake and Noble Sissle composed the music and wrote the lyrics. Flournoy Miller and Aubrey Lyles wrote the comic scenes.