Author Archive: Retro

Controversial story about a light-skinned black woman whose resentment of her heritage leads to tragedy. Dir. Anthony Mann.

Troubled theatrical boardinghouse serves as the backdrop for this musical revue.

Thriller about a murder that takes place in a nightclub which may have connections to a singer’s boyfriend, an escaped con.

Comedy drama concerning a conman leading a bogus back-to-Africa movement who takes advantage of other blacks who think of him as their savior. Based on the life of Marcus Garvey.

Young nightclub singer Harris is framed for murder, and inexperienced detective Newsome must clear her name. Dir. Harry Fraser.

After an accident limits the use of his left hand, a concert violinist becomes a music teacher and constantly clashes with his swing-loving son.

Hitch-hiking conmen Bad News Johnson and July Jones arrive in a Midwestern small town with a capital of 25 cents. Taking a room with Mama Lou, whose daughter is entered in a local beauty contest, they pose as Hollywood actors who can train Honey Dew in stagecraft. Meanwhile, Mama’s other daughter Florida prepares to elope to Chicago with Johnny, owner of the Juke Joint…where, after a jitterbug contest, Mama herself takes a hand.

A redneck officer is put in charge of a squad of black troops charged with taking an important bridge from the Nazis.

Black actor tries to make his own movie with an all-black cast, but to make it he’s forced to borrow money from the Mafia. Complications ensue.