The Negro "Lon Chaney" -- February 26, 2025

Saint Louis Argus, 13-February-1925

Smiling Hate, with an "ALL-STAR COLORED CAST," is a movie I have never heard of. I have never heard of actor HOWARD AUGUSTA, "The Famous Colored Artist." I can't find an entry for the movie in the IMDB. 

Saint Louis Argus, 20-February-1925

I was interested to see Howard Augusta called '"The Negro 'Lon Chaney'."

Baltimore Afro-American, 14-February-1925

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. Body and Soul was the first Micheaux movie that I saw, and for a long time the only one. Paul Robeson made an impressive debut, playing two brothers. Micheaux called the film "the biggest picture he has ever produced."

Baltimore Afro-American, 07-February-1925

This item says African Americans were internalizing messages of inferiority from mainstream movies. It commends Micheaux "who has expended money and contributed his wonderful talents with no recompense" and asks people to support him.

Oscar Micheaux -- Newest File Like Rhinelander Case -- January 28, 2025

Baltimore Afro-American, 24-January-1925

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. This ad says that Baltimore's Regent Theater will show his The House Behind the Cedars, which was based on a novel by Charles W Chestnutt. The House Behind the Cedars deals with issues of passing and miscegenation. Micheaux remade it as a talkie under the title The Veiled Aristocrats.

The article mentions that the story shares some points with the contemporary case of Leonard Rhinelander v Alice Rhinelander. Leonard Rhinelander, who was a member of a wealthy family, and Alice Jones, who came from working-class roots, fell in love. Despite the opposition of both families, they married as soon as they were old enough. They tried to keep the marriage secret, but reporters, interested by the angle of class differences, dug into Alice's background. They found that her father was of mixed race. Leonard, faced with disinheritance, tried to have the marriage dissolved because he said he did not know that Alice was of mixed race. Alice eventually won a settlement which included a lifetime monthly stipend.

Baltimore Afro-American, 31-January-1925

Sadly, the show did not go on because Micheaux's people did not get advertising materials to the theater in time.

Oscar Micheaux -- The Greatest Negro Photoplay of All Times! -- August 30, 2024

Oklahoma City Black Dispatch, 06-August-1949

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. His last film, The Betrayal, premiered at a Broadway theater. This was a first for any race film. The movie is probably lost.

Note: "This is not a Chapter play, but due to its great length must be shown in three weekly installments!"

Saint Louis Argus, 24-August-1924

I couldn't find much about race films from 100 years ago this month, but I did see that Evelyn Preer, who appeared in many of Oscar Micheaux's movies, was touring in vaudeville with Edward Thompson (no relation), a fellow member of the Lafayette Players.

Oscar Micheaux Moves Fast -- July 30, 2024

Baltimore Afro-American, 07-July-1924

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. He not only produced films, but he roamed the country finding theaters willing to play them. 

Birmingham News, 15-July-1924

100 years ago this month, Micheaux's film Deceit was playing at Birmingham's Famous Theater. I do not know if the photo is Oscar Micheaux or an actor who appeared in the film. Evelyn Preer appeared in several race films. I know the photo is not her.

Atlanta Constitution, 29-July-1924

Meanwhile, Micheaux's Birthright, which also starred Evelyn Preer, was playing at Atlanta's Paramount, "The Home of Screen Classics." Note the section header "Amusement for Colored." 

Atlanta Constitution, 29-July-1924

"No advance in admission" means the theater was not charging extra for this show.

Atlanta Constitution, 25-July-1924

There were never enough race films produced to keep a theater like the Paramount ("For Colored Only") fully booked, so they also played mainstream films.

They Are Subtly Teaching Us That They Are Superior -- May 30, 2024

Baltimore Afro-American, 02-May-1924

The author of this article hopes that Oscar Micheaux will succeed so that "we may have more colored films." The author says that white-made films "are subtly teaching us that they are superior." "The influence of the devilishly conceived 'Birth of a Nation' will not soon be counteracted." 

I like the 3-D effect in this ad for Micheaux's Symbold of the Unconquered. 

Kentucky Post, 24-May-1924

This may be the first reference I have seen to The Flaming Circle, a western directed by William H Grimes and Leo C Popkin. I don't know anything about William H Grimes but Leo C Popkin directed other race films like The Duke is Tops and later directed the original version of D.O.A. 

The lines are out of order, but the item states that "This is said to be the first film drama ever produced with an all-colored cast." We know that is not true. 

I will keep digging for information about Monarch Productions.

Oscar Micheaux -- A Story of the Negro and the South -- April 28, 2024

Baltimore Afro-American, 18-April-1924

Baltimore's Roosevelt Theater, "Home of Great Pictures," ran this ad in the Baltimore Afro-American. Among the movies, we see that Oscar Micheaux's film Birthright, starring Evelyn Preen, will play on Thursday and Friday. Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. 

Springfield News-Sun, 11-April-1924

Micheaux's The Dungeon, which also starred Evelyn Preer, was playing at the Booker T Washington Theater in Springfield, Ohio, along with an early Our Gang Comedy which featured Sunshine Sammy Morrison, an African-American child actor. 

Richmond Planet, 26-April-1924

In Richmond, Virginia, the Rayo Theater "Where Everybody Goes" was running another Micheaux production, A Son of Satan. Lawrence Chenault was the star. Arthur L Boykin and His Reo-Tan Speedsters was "A Happy-Snappy-Jazzy Feast of Musical Comedy direct from 'Philly'."

From the Pen of the Mighty Micheaux -- February 28, 2024

Omaha New Era, 08-February-1924

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. 100 years ago this month, his film Within Our Gates was going to play at the New Diamond Theater in Omaha. 

Omaha New Era, 08-February-1924

"Race's Greatest Screen Star/Evelyn Preer."

Saint Louis Argus, 29-February-1924

The "Versatile Miss Evelyn Preer" would soon appear in person at the Booker Washington Theater in Saint Louis with "Those Wonderful Lafayette Players."

Film Daily, 25-February-1924

The Lafayette Theater in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, "catering to a colored clientele," was destroyed by fire. 

Stole Tickets; Gets Two Years -- January 27, 2024

New York Age, 19-January-1924

Oscar Micheaux's film Birthright was based on the novel by Thomas Sigismund Stribling. It played at Harlem's Lafayette Theater. The film is probably lost. 

Roanoke Times, 31-January-1924

This guy got two years for "housebreaking and stealing tickets from the colored theater..." Another article said he was caught when he tried to use one of the tickets.

Film Daily, 02-January-1924

Reol Productions made several features and documentaries. 

Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, 30-November-1922

A Reol production.

A Knockout Drama in Five Reels -- Something Different -- December 28, 2023

Pittsburgh Courier, 22-December-1923

The Lincoln Theater in Pittsburgh offered His Great Chance, a race film directed by Ben Strasser. I have not been able to learn much about Strasser, or about His Great Chance. Among the "All-Star Colored Cast" was Tim Moore, a comedian who played the Kingfish in the Amos and Andy television show. 

The Pittsburgh Courier was a widely read African American-owned newspaper. 

Pittsburgh Courier, 22-December-1923

"A thrilly riot of fun..." This item implies that this was the first race film to show in Pittsburgh since Oscar Micheaux's The Homesteader, which was made in 1919. 

Saint Louis Argus, 14-December-1923

The Criterion Theater in St Louis played Oscar Micheaux's The Virgin of the Seminole, which was sometimes billed as The Virgin of Seminole. This was star Shingzie Howard's first movie.

Oscar Micheaux Presents His Latest Masterplay -- October 25 2023

Saint Louis Argus, 12-October-1923

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. 100 years ago this month, his film The Virgin of the Seminole was going to play showing for two nights at the at the Comet Theater in Saint Louis. This was star Shingzie Howard's first movie. I like the name of the Retina Theater. 

Saint Louis Argus, 19-October-1923

Unfortunately, because of "a Misshipment of the Micheaux Film Company of Chicago," The Virgin of the Seminole had to be rescheduled to November.

Written, Acted and Produced by Colored People -- July 20, 2023

Saint Louis Argus, 27-July-1923

Deceit was Evelyn Preer's first starring role. "The Most Beautiful Colored Actress on the screen." This was director Oscar Micheaux's tenth film. Notice that the theater advertised it was the "Coolest Place on Market Street/Ice Cold Water Running Always." Saint Louis gets hot during the summer. 

 

Pittsburgh Courier, 10-July-1948

25 years later, Micheaux's last movie, The Betrayal, was receiving bad reviews. JA Rogers used his column in the Pittsburgh Courier, and African American-owned newspaper, to defend the picture. Roger said it was better and truer-to-life than Gentleman's Agreement, a successful Hollywood movie. 

Film Daily, 05-July-1923

Back in 1923, a rumor that Kansas censors might life the ban on DW Griffith's famously racist Birth of a Nation led to protests from exhibitors. "Fear of racial differences is the reason for the ban."

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.

Micheaux Shooting Thrilling 8-Reeler -- April 26, 2023

Pittsburgh Courier, 07-April-1922

Oscar Micheaux was a pioneer in producing what were known as race films. 100 years ago this month, he was working on The Ghost of Tolston's Manor, one of Oscar Micheaux's many silent films that are presumed to be lost.

Pittsburgh Courier, 07-April-1922

Robert Levy, organizer of the Lafayette Players and Reol Productions, worked to try to find enough "Race Attractions" to keep the segregated theaters busy. Levy was born in Britain of Jewish parentage, but he was strongly and positively involved in African-American show business. 

Motion Picture News, 28-April-1923

Al Christie, producer of mainstream short comedies, decided to put his performers in black face. "...a comedy of this type has never been attempted seriously by a high-class producing organization."

Birmingham News, 17-April-1923

Facing a shortage of race film items from April 1923, I jumped ahead to April 1948. The Birmingham theater billed itself as the "Biggest and Best Colored Theater," but it was showing a Gary Cooper movie. 

Memphis Press-Scimitar, 01-April-1923

You could purchase the Tennessee Theater in Memphis for $9500. Unless this was an April Fool's gag. 

Charlotte News, 03-October-1923

Some newspapers printed lists of "Negro Theaters." Notice that most of the movies are mainstream productions. The Return of Mandy's Husband was a race film starring frequent partners Mantan Moreland and Flournoy Miller. If Deadline was a race film, I can't find anything about it. 

Detroit Tribune, 10-April-1948

Mantan Moreland also starred in a 30-minute short subject, "The Dreamer." William Forest Crouch directed. "O'Voutie O'Rooney," starring the inimitable Slim Gaillard, was also a featurette. Jack Rieger directed.

Arizona Daily Star, 29-April-1948

The New Royal Theater in Phoenix was showing That Man of Mine, made in 1946, which was Ruby Dee's first movie. I cannot find a war propaganda film named "Call to Duty." Phoenix's Plaza Theater was showing movies from Mexico. Do those count as race films?

Seattle Northwest Enterprise, 04-April-1948

Reet, Petite, and Gone was a 1947 movie that starred bandleader Louis Jordan, "The Amazing Man of Music!" I didn't know about Louis Jordan until someone played "Saturday Night Fish Fry" on KJAZ. I went looking for him at Tower Records. I still love his music. William Forest Crouch directed.

The bill at Seattle's Metropolitan Theater also included Laurel and Hard in The Flying Deuces and "One World or None," a short film from the National Committee on Atomic Information. I might have visited the concessions when that one was playing.

Arizona Daily Star, 06-April-1948

Beware! was a 1946 movie that starred Louis Jordan with an "All Negro Cast." Bud Pollard directed.

Oklahoma City Black Dispatch, 29-April-1948

Killer Diller was a comedy starring Dusty Fletcher and featuring a skad of musical acts including the King Cole Trio. Josh Binney directed. 

Detroit Tribune, 17-April-1948

The first race I saw may have been Spirit of Youth, a 1937 film starring heavyweight champ Joe Louis. It turned up on a local UHF program called The Worst of Hollywood. 

Joe Louis starred in a 1948 race film called The Fight Never Ends. The Mills Brothers provided some music and Ruby Dee played an early role. Bud Pollard directed.

Detroit Tribune, 17-April-1948