Donald Bogle, who teaches at the University of Pennsylvania and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, is one of the pioneering film scholars on the subject of Black representation onscreen. For 50 years his work has explored how the images we see reflect and reinforce narratives in the culture at large, and he has given a spotlight to Black images onscreen since the time when few others in academia or film criticism were willing to do so.
IndieWire is honored to present this excerpt from his latest book for Running Press and in partnership with Turner Classic Movies, “Lena Horne: Goddess Reclaimed,” about a trailblazer whose fraught relationship with Hollywood typified the industry’s relationship to Blackness for decades. After Horne’s one star turn in 1943’s “Cabin in the Sky,” MGM relegated her to small walk-on parts in musicals, appearing in just one scene at a time,...
IndieWire is honored to present this excerpt from his latest book for Running Press and in partnership with Turner Classic Movies, “Lena Horne: Goddess Reclaimed,” about a trailblazer whose fraught relationship with Hollywood typified the industry’s relationship to Blackness for decades. After Horne’s one star turn in 1943’s “Cabin in the Sky,” MGM relegated her to small walk-on parts in musicals, appearing in just one scene at a time,...
- 10/27/2023
- by Donald Bogle
- Indiewire
In 2002, when Halle Berry won the Oscar for her performance in “Monster’s Ball,” becoming the first African American to take home the Academy Award for best actress, after 30 seconds of convulsive tears she said, “This moment is so much bigger than me. This moment is for Dorothy Dandridge, Lena Horne, Diahann Carroll…And it’s for every nameless, faceless woman of color that now has a chance, because this door tonight has been opened.” To achieve something by standing on the shoulders of others is a profound feeling. And what Halle Berry’s speech hit home is that where those earlier performers had allowed her to become a giant, they were giants too — more than contemporary audiences often know.
“How It Feels to Be Free” is a documentary, at once sobering and enchanting, that interweaves portraits of six legendary stars, all of them Black women, telling the story of the trails they blazed,...
“How It Feels to Be Free” is a documentary, at once sobering and enchanting, that interweaves portraits of six legendary stars, all of them Black women, telling the story of the trails they blazed,...
- 4/18/2021
- by Owen Gleiberman
- Variety Film + TV
“The Dark Knight,” “Grease,” “The Blues Brothers,” “Shrek” and “A Clockwork Orange” have been added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry.
Each year, the Library of Congress inducts 25 films, nominated by the public, into the National Film Registry. As of 2020, the registry has reached 800 movies that will be preserved by the national archive. This year’s list included a record number of films directed by women (nine) and by people of color (seven).
Other films inducted this year include the Best Picture winner “The Hurt Locker,” “The Joy Luck Club,” “The Man With the Golden Arm,” “Lilies of the Field” and “Buena Vista Social Club.”
To be inducted, a movie must be at least 10 years old and must be “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” While “The Dark Knight” is among the biggest blockbusters on the list of inducted films (“Titanic” also has a spot on the list), the...
Each year, the Library of Congress inducts 25 films, nominated by the public, into the National Film Registry. As of 2020, the registry has reached 800 movies that will be preserved by the national archive. This year’s list included a record number of films directed by women (nine) and by people of color (seven).
Other films inducted this year include the Best Picture winner “The Hurt Locker,” “The Joy Luck Club,” “The Man With the Golden Arm,” “Lilies of the Field” and “Buena Vista Social Club.”
To be inducted, a movie must be at least 10 years old and must be “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.” While “The Dark Knight” is among the biggest blockbusters on the list of inducted films (“Titanic” also has a spot on the list), the...
- 12/14/2020
- by Brian Welk
- The Wrap
The National Film Registry at the Library of Congress has selected 25 new films for preservation, including The Dark Knight, Shrek, and The Blues Brothers.
An announcement on the Library of Congress website explained that the Film Registry chooses movies based on their “cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to the nation’s film heritage.” The 2020 titles boast a mix of “blockbusters, musicals, silent films, documentaries, and diverse stories transferred from books to screen.” This year’s class also features a record number of films directed by women (nine) and filmmakers of...
An announcement on the Library of Congress website explained that the Film Registry chooses movies based on their “cultural, historic or aesthetic importance to the nation’s film heritage.” The 2020 titles boast a mix of “blockbusters, musicals, silent films, documentaries, and diverse stories transferred from books to screen.” This year’s class also features a record number of films directed by women (nine) and filmmakers of...
- 12/14/2020
- by Jon Blistein
- Rollingstone.com
Since 1989, the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress has been accomplishing the important task of preserving films that “represent important cultural, artistic and historic achievements in filmmaking.” From films way back in 1897 all the way up to 2020, they’ve now reached 800 films that celebrate our heritage and encapsulate our film history.
Today they’ve unveiled their 2020 list, which includes Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker, Melvin Van Peebles’ Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, the Sidney Poitier-led Lillies of the Field, Ida Lupino’s Outrage, Kathleen Collins’ Losing Ground, Julie Dash’s Illusions, plus Grease, Blues Brothers, Wattstax, and more.
“The National Film Registry is an essential American enterprise that officially recognizes the rich depth and variety, the eloquence and the real greatness of American cinema and the filmmakers who have created it, film by film,...
Today they’ve unveiled their 2020 list, which includes Stanley Kubrick’s A Clockwork Orange, Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight, Kathryn Bigelow’s The Hurt Locker, Melvin Van Peebles’ Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song, the Sidney Poitier-led Lillies of the Field, Ida Lupino’s Outrage, Kathleen Collins’ Losing Ground, Julie Dash’s Illusions, plus Grease, Blues Brothers, Wattstax, and more.
“The National Film Registry is an essential American enterprise that officially recognizes the rich depth and variety, the eloquence and the real greatness of American cinema and the filmmakers who have created it, film by film,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Jordan Raup
- The Film Stage
“The Dark Knight,” “Shrek,” “Grease,” “The Blues Brothers,” “Lillies of the Field,” “The Hurt Locker,” “A Clockwork Orange,” “The Joy Luck Club” and “The Man With the Golden Arm” are among this year’s additions to the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress.
“This is not only a great honor for all of us who worked on ‘The Dark Knight,’ this is also a tribute to all of the amazing artists and writers who have worked on the great mythology of Batman over the decades,” said Christopher Nolan, director of “The Dark Knight.”
“Lillies of the Field” star Sidney Poitier, who became the first Black person to win the Oscar for best actor, said, “‘Lilies of the Field’ stirs up such great remembrances in our family, from the littlest Poitiers watching a young and agile ‘Papa’ to the oldest – Papa Sidney himself!”
Janet Yang, producer of “The Joy Luck Club,...
“This is not only a great honor for all of us who worked on ‘The Dark Knight,’ this is also a tribute to all of the amazing artists and writers who have worked on the great mythology of Batman over the decades,” said Christopher Nolan, director of “The Dark Knight.”
“Lillies of the Field” star Sidney Poitier, who became the first Black person to win the Oscar for best actor, said, “‘Lilies of the Field’ stirs up such great remembrances in our family, from the littlest Poitiers watching a young and agile ‘Papa’ to the oldest – Papa Sidney himself!”
Janet Yang, producer of “The Joy Luck Club,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV
The Library of Congress has unveiled its annual list of 25 movies to make the cut for the National Film Registry. The selection this year, considered among America’s most influential motion pictures, includes such titles as Christopher Nolan’s 2008 The Dark Knight; DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek, 1978 summer musical smash Grease and 1980 John Belushi/Dan Aykroyd comedy The Blues Brothers.
The list also notably shines a spotlight this year on diverse stories and filmmakers including Wayne Wang’s 1993 The Joy Luck Club; 1963’s Lilies Of The Field, for which Sidney Poitier became the first African American to win the Oscar for Best Actor; Melvin Van Peebles’ 1971 Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song; 2010 documentary Freedom Riders; and 1982’s Losing Ground from Kathleen Collins.
Out of the 25 movies selected, there is a record number of films directed by women including Losing Ground, as well as Kathryn Bigelow’s Oscar winner The Hurt Locker, 1913 silent film Suspense,...
The list also notably shines a spotlight this year on diverse stories and filmmakers including Wayne Wang’s 1993 The Joy Luck Club; 1963’s Lilies Of The Field, for which Sidney Poitier became the first African American to win the Oscar for Best Actor; Melvin Van Peebles’ 1971 Sweet Sweetback’s Baadasssss Song; 2010 documentary Freedom Riders; and 1982’s Losing Ground from Kathleen Collins.
Out of the 25 movies selected, there is a record number of films directed by women including Losing Ground, as well as Kathryn Bigelow’s Oscar winner The Hurt Locker, 1913 silent film Suspense,...
- 12/14/2020
- by Nancy Tartaglione
- Deadline Film + TV
How the 1940s standard “Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe” failed to be adapted into a Joe Biden campaign song until now is a mystery, but Cher recognized the obvious pairing of classic song and candidate and has recorded her rewrite of the tune, which was originally sung by Ethel Waters in the 1943 film “Cabin in the Sky.”
The song, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, was nominated for an Oscar after Waters sang it in the Black-themed Vincente Minnelli film. Many of the original lyrics would not do — Waters refers to “little Joe” in the film version, which sounds more like a nickname Donald Trump would apply to the candidate than something they’d want in a campaign anthem. So that reference gets changed to “president Joe” in Cher’s version, among other alterations.
Cher introduced the song Sunday night in closing “I Will Vote,...
The song, with music by Harold Arlen and lyrics by E.Y. Harburg, was nominated for an Oscar after Waters sang it in the Black-themed Vincente Minnelli film. Many of the original lyrics would not do — Waters refers to “little Joe” in the film version, which sounds more like a nickname Donald Trump would apply to the candidate than something they’d want in a campaign anthem. So that reference gets changed to “president Joe” in Cher’s version, among other alterations.
Cher introduced the song Sunday night in closing “I Will Vote,...
- 10/26/2020
- by Chris Willman
- Variety Film + TV
Cher gave the finale performance on Sunday night’s I Will Vote livestream concert, reworking an old Hollywood showtune from the 1943 movie musical Cabin in the Sky to show her support for Joe Biden.
The song, aptly titled “Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe,” was originally written by Harold Arlen and Yip Hapburn and sung by Ethel Waters in one of the earliest Hollywood musicals to feature an all-black cast.
For her performance of “Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe,” Cher reworked the lyrics to fit the message of the presidential campaign.
The song, aptly titled “Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe,” was originally written by Harold Arlen and Yip Hapburn and sung by Ethel Waters in one of the earliest Hollywood musicals to feature an all-black cast.
For her performance of “Happiness Is a Thing Called Joe,” Cher reworked the lyrics to fit the message of the presidential campaign.
- 10/26/2020
- by Claire Shaffer
- Rollingstone.com
Don’t you know, happiness is a thing called Joe. Don’t believe us, just ask Cher.
The legendary entertainer is throwing her considerable clout behind Joe Biden’s run for the presidency with the release of a new single, “Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe”
The Academy Award and Grammy winner closed Sunday night’s I Will Vote concert with a performance of “Happiness” ahead of its official release on Monday, a rep tells Billboard.
The number was originally composed by Harold Arlen for the 1943 film musical Cabin in the Sky, earning an Oscar nomination for best original song.
Cher, an ...
The legendary entertainer is throwing her considerable clout behind Joe Biden’s run for the presidency with the release of a new single, “Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe”
The Academy Award and Grammy winner closed Sunday night’s I Will Vote concert with a performance of “Happiness” ahead of its official release on Monday, a rep tells Billboard.
The number was originally composed by Harold Arlen for the 1943 film musical Cabin in the Sky, earning an Oscar nomination for best original song.
Cher, an ...
- 10/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Don’t you know, happiness is a thing called Joe. Don’t believe us, just ask Cher.
The legendary entertainer is throwing her considerable clout behind Joe Biden’s run for the presidency with the release of a new single, “Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe”
The Academy Award and Grammy winner closed Sunday night’s I Will Vote concert with a performance of “Happiness” ahead of its official release on Monday, a rep tells Billboard.
The number was originally composed by Harold Arlen for the 1943 film musical Cabin in the Sky, earning an Oscar nomination for best original song.
Cher, an ...
The legendary entertainer is throwing her considerable clout behind Joe Biden’s run for the presidency with the release of a new single, “Happiness Is Just a Thing Called Joe”
The Academy Award and Grammy winner closed Sunday night’s I Will Vote concert with a performance of “Happiness” ahead of its official release on Monday, a rep tells Billboard.
The number was originally composed by Harold Arlen for the 1943 film musical Cabin in the Sky, earning an Oscar nomination for best original song.
Cher, an ...
- 10/26/2020
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Showtime is developing a limited series about entertainment icon and activist Lena Horne.
The series is currently titled “Blackbird: Lena Horne and America,” named for Horne’s favorite poem “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.” Jenny Lumet, Horne’s granddaughter, will co-write the first few episodes of the series with Alex Kurtzman, with both also executive producing.
The series will span 60 years of Horne’s life, from dancing at the Cotton Club when she was 16, through World War II and stardom in the MGM years, McCarthyism, the civil rights movement, and her triumphant return to Broadway. It will also delve into her relationships with luminaries like Paul Robeson, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Joe Louis, Billie Holiday, Hattie McDaniel, Ava Gardner, and Orson Welles
“Bringing my grandmother’s story to the screen required a multi-generational effort,” said Lumet. “Grandma passed her stories to my mother, who now passes them to me,...
The series is currently titled “Blackbird: Lena Horne and America,” named for Horne’s favorite poem “Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird.” Jenny Lumet, Horne’s granddaughter, will co-write the first few episodes of the series with Alex Kurtzman, with both also executive producing.
The series will span 60 years of Horne’s life, from dancing at the Cotton Club when she was 16, through World War II and stardom in the MGM years, McCarthyism, the civil rights movement, and her triumphant return to Broadway. It will also delve into her relationships with luminaries like Paul Robeson, Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Joe Louis, Billie Holiday, Hattie McDaniel, Ava Gardner, and Orson Welles
“Bringing my grandmother’s story to the screen required a multi-generational effort,” said Lumet. “Grandma passed her stories to my mother, who now passes them to me,...
- 7/8/2020
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
This article contains Hollywood spoilers. You can find our easter egg guide for the previous episode here.
A lighter episode for inside baseball winks and nudges, the fourth hour of Hollywood still crucially introduces us to the concept of Avis being friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as the prospect of turning “Peg” into “Meg.” So like Ace’s blood pressure, let’s get cracking.
Hollywood Episode 4
-As far as I’m aware, there is no Gene Tierney movie in which she plays a fake nun who seduces William Holden, nor is there a movie where Humphrey Bogart plays Indian-slaughterer William Henry Harrison, but I totally buy they’d make those movies in 1947! Apparently they did at Ace Pictures. Also Ace just came up with the plot of Old Yeller (1957) when he pitched making a movie about a boy and his dog where the boy has to kill the dog at the end.
A lighter episode for inside baseball winks and nudges, the fourth hour of Hollywood still crucially introduces us to the concept of Avis being friends with Eleanor Roosevelt, as well as the prospect of turning “Peg” into “Meg.” So like Ace’s blood pressure, let’s get cracking.
Hollywood Episode 4
-As far as I’m aware, there is no Gene Tierney movie in which she plays a fake nun who seduces William Holden, nor is there a movie where Humphrey Bogart plays Indian-slaughterer William Henry Harrison, but I totally buy they’d make those movies in 1947! Apparently they did at Ace Pictures. Also Ace just came up with the plot of Old Yeller (1957) when he pitched making a movie about a boy and his dog where the boy has to kill the dog at the end.
- 5/2/2020
- by David Crow
- Den of Geek
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay is joining Ben Mankiewicz for the latest round of The Essentials on Saturday nights on Turner Classic Movies.
The director behind such films as Selma (2014), 13th (2016) and A Wrinkle in Time (2018) will sit down with the TCM primetime host to introduce a hand-picked movie and offer commentary on its cultural significance, its influence on other films, behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections.
The new season premieres May 4 at 5 p.m. Pt with a screening of best picture winner Marty (1955), starring Ernest Borgnine. Cabin in the Sky (1943), West Side Story (1961), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), La Pointe Courte (1955),...
The director behind such films as Selma (2014), 13th (2016) and A Wrinkle in Time (2018) will sit down with the TCM primetime host to introduce a hand-picked movie and offer commentary on its cultural significance, its influence on other films, behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections.
The new season premieres May 4 at 5 p.m. Pt with a screening of best picture winner Marty (1955), starring Ernest Borgnine. Cabin in the Sky (1943), West Side Story (1961), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), La Pointe Courte (1955),...
- 4/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Film + TV
Oscar-nominated filmmaker Ava DuVernay is joining Ben Mankiewicz for the latest round of The Essentials on Saturday nights on Turner Classic Movies.
The director behind such films as Selma (2014), 13th (2016) and A Wrinkle in Time (2018) will sit down with the TCM primetime host to introduce a hand-picked movie and offer commentary on its cultural significance, its influence on other films, behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections.
The new season premieres May 4 at 5 p.m. Pt with a screening of best picture winner Marty (1955), starring Ernest Borgnine. Cabin in the Sky (1943), West Side Story (1961), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), La Pointe Courte (1955),...
The director behind such films as Selma (2014), 13th (2016) and A Wrinkle in Time (2018) will sit down with the TCM primetime host to introduce a hand-picked movie and offer commentary on its cultural significance, its influence on other films, behind-the-scenes stories and personal reflections.
The new season premieres May 4 at 5 p.m. Pt with a screening of best picture winner Marty (1955), starring Ernest Borgnine. Cabin in the Sky (1943), West Side Story (1961), Dog Day Afternoon (1975), La Pointe Courte (1955),...
- 4/25/2019
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Turner Classic Movies and the African American Film Critics Association have partnered on The Black Experience on Film, a monthlong programming initiative showcasing portrayals of African-Americans throughout cinematic history.
Hosted by 13 different members of the Aafca from print, online and broadcast outlets, programming begins September 4 and continues every Tuesday and Thursday in primetime.
The Black Experience on Film provides a wide-ranging retrospective from the 1920s through the 1990s including:
Exploring Black Identity airing Sept. 4 – Aafca president Gil Robertson and cultural critic Ronda Racha Penrice explore films ranging from Oscar Micheaux’s look at racial violence in Within Our Gates (1920) to Julie Dash’s 1991 story following three generations of Gullah women in Daughters Of The Dust; Hollywood Confronts Racism airing Sept. 6 – Aafca co-founder and film critic Shawn Edwards and HipHollywood.com’s Jasmine Simpkins examine A Raisin in the Sun (1961), about a black Chicago family searching for a better life, and...
Hosted by 13 different members of the Aafca from print, online and broadcast outlets, programming begins September 4 and continues every Tuesday and Thursday in primetime.
The Black Experience on Film provides a wide-ranging retrospective from the 1920s through the 1990s including:
Exploring Black Identity airing Sept. 4 – Aafca president Gil Robertson and cultural critic Ronda Racha Penrice explore films ranging from Oscar Micheaux’s look at racial violence in Within Our Gates (1920) to Julie Dash’s 1991 story following three generations of Gullah women in Daughters Of The Dust; Hollywood Confronts Racism airing Sept. 6 – Aafca co-founder and film critic Shawn Edwards and HipHollywood.com’s Jasmine Simpkins examine A Raisin in the Sun (1961), about a black Chicago family searching for a better life, and...
- 8/23/2018
- by Bruce Haring
- Deadline Film + TV
by Nathaniel R
Thanks to all the wonderful readers who've commented on or shared or expressed enthusiasm for the Supporting Actress Smackdowns this summer. So far we've looked at 1970 and 1994. Our 'year of the month' for July will be 1943.
On Sunday July 29th "The Supporting Actress Smackdown of 1943"
Gladys Cooper, The Song of Bernadette [Amazon | iTunes] Paulette Goddard, So Proudly We Hail [Amazon] Katina Paxinou, For Whom the Bell Tolls [Amazon | iTunes] Anne Revere, The Song of Bernadette [Amazon | iTunes] Lucille Watson, Watch on the Rhine [Amazon | iTunes | Filmstruck]
Balloting opens July 1st and closes July 26th. Please do not vote before balloting is open as your ballot will likely be lost in the shuffle. How To Vote: E-mail with "1943" in the subject line and each performance that you've seen rated on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (stupendous) hearts. You don't have to include the reasons behind your votes but if you do we might quote you at the smackdown.
Thanks to all the wonderful readers who've commented on or shared or expressed enthusiasm for the Supporting Actress Smackdowns this summer. So far we've looked at 1970 and 1994. Our 'year of the month' for July will be 1943.
On Sunday July 29th "The Supporting Actress Smackdown of 1943"
Gladys Cooper, The Song of Bernadette [Amazon | iTunes] Paulette Goddard, So Proudly We Hail [Amazon] Katina Paxinou, For Whom the Bell Tolls [Amazon | iTunes] Anne Revere, The Song of Bernadette [Amazon | iTunes] Lucille Watson, Watch on the Rhine [Amazon | iTunes | Filmstruck]
Balloting opens July 1st and closes July 26th. Please do not vote before balloting is open as your ballot will likely be lost in the shuffle. How To Vote: E-mail with "1943" in the subject line and each performance that you've seen rated on a scale of 1 (bad) to 5 (stupendous) hearts. You don't have to include the reasons behind your votes but if you do we might quote you at the smackdown.
- 6/28/2018
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Sara Howard lives in the dark world of the seedier side of New York City in the late 19th century. Actress Dakota Fanning plays Sara on the TNT anthology thriller “The Alienist” and was excited to halt her film career for a short while to take on the role. In our recent interview (watch above), she reveals, “I was thrilled at the opportunity to show such a pioneer, ground-breaking character for 1896. We didn’t get to see women in those positions very often, so I loved that aspect of the story. I tend to be drawn to darker subject matter in general.”
SEEEmmy spotlight: Will ‘The Alienist’ repeat the success of Cary Joji Fukunaga’s last murder mystery ‘True Detective’?
Her character is the secretary to the police commissioner and assists new criminal psychologist Laszlo Kreizler (Daniel Bruhl) who is on the hunt for a serial killer targeting street children.
SEEEmmy spotlight: Will ‘The Alienist’ repeat the success of Cary Joji Fukunaga’s last murder mystery ‘True Detective’?
Her character is the secretary to the police commissioner and assists new criminal psychologist Laszlo Kreizler (Daniel Bruhl) who is on the hunt for a serial killer targeting street children.
- 3/26/2018
- by Chris Beachum
- Gold Derby
It's a big day for your Lord of the Rings fans, even if you don't know it. Read on.
On this day in history as it relates to the movies
1882 Bela Lugosi is born in what was then Hungary (and now Romania). He vants to suck your blood as the original big screen Dracula. A century later Martin Landau will win a justly deserved Oscar for playing him in Tim Burton's wonderful Ed Wood (1994).
1895 Rex Ingram, one of the earliest successful black actors in Hollywood was born. Credits include: The Thief of Baghdad (as the genie), Huckleberry Finn (as Jim), and Cabin in the Sky (as Lucifer Jr)...
1901 Frank Churchill is born in Maine. He wrote songs people still listen to today including "Baby Mine" from Dumbo and "Someday My Prince Will Come" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Tragically he committed suicide at age 40 mere months after...
On this day in history as it relates to the movies
1882 Bela Lugosi is born in what was then Hungary (and now Romania). He vants to suck your blood as the original big screen Dracula. A century later Martin Landau will win a justly deserved Oscar for playing him in Tim Burton's wonderful Ed Wood (1994).
1895 Rex Ingram, one of the earliest successful black actors in Hollywood was born. Credits include: The Thief of Baghdad (as the genie), Huckleberry Finn (as Jim), and Cabin in the Sky (as Lucifer Jr)...
1901 Frank Churchill is born in Maine. He wrote songs people still listen to today including "Baby Mine" from Dumbo and "Someday My Prince Will Come" from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Tragically he committed suicide at age 40 mere months after...
- 10/20/2016
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Slate magazine has drawn up an interesting list of great black films, the twist being that they have to have been directed by a black person rather than about the black experience so out go Old Hollywood musicals like Carmen Jones or Cabin in the Sky or Oscar favorites like Sounder. In the wake of recent conversations about Hollywood's power structures and overwhelming whiteness, Slate assembled a field of critics and filmmakers and scholars to produce the list.
Eve's Bayou
I need to get cracking on my gaps in knowledge from this list, especially because of the titles I've seen from this list several were great and the ones I didn't personally connect to were still interesting (Night Catches Us) or memorable (Eve's Bayou - I've been meaning to give that another shot now that I'm older). Unsurprisingly Spike Lee has the most titles with six. Curiously, though I've seen...
Eve's Bayou
I need to get cracking on my gaps in knowledge from this list, especially because of the titles I've seen from this list several were great and the ones I didn't personally connect to were still interesting (Night Catches Us) or memorable (Eve's Bayou - I've been meaning to give that another shot now that I'm older). Unsurprisingly Spike Lee has the most titles with six. Curiously, though I've seen...
- 6/1/2016
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Let’s be naughty and treat this recap of Sleepy Hollow‘s midseason premiere like one of those frozen novelty cones sold by ice cream trucks: We’ll bite off and savor the delicious end first. Sound yummy?
Yes, most of us were fairly certain that Abbie hadn’t shuffled off to that great Corbin’s Cabin in the sky. Still, going nearly the full hour without a glimpse of Ichabod’s petite partner was no fun — and Team Wtf was much the worse for wear. Jenny cried. Joe got pistol-whipped. Sophie breached the archives (?!).
RelatedSleepy Hollow EPs: Intel...
Yes, most of us were fairly certain that Abbie hadn’t shuffled off to that great Corbin’s Cabin in the sky. Still, going nearly the full hour without a glimpse of Ichabod’s petite partner was no fun — and Team Wtf was much the worse for wear. Jenny cried. Joe got pistol-whipped. Sophie breached the archives (?!).
RelatedSleepy Hollow EPs: Intel...
- 2/6/2016
- TVLine.com
The 2016 season of New York City Center's Tony-honored Encores will open with Cabin in the Sky on February 10-14, 2016, with an all-star cast, including Harvy Blanks, Chuck Cooper,Marva Hicks, Carly Hughes, Jonathan Kirkland, Lachanze, Norm Lewis, Forrest McClendon,Michael Potts and J.D. Webster. The company just gave us a special sneak peek and BroadwayWorld was there for the big day. Check out interviews with the company and a performance preview below...
- 2/2/2016
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
The 2016 season of New York City Center's Tony-honored Encoreswill open with Cabin in the Sky on February 10-14, 2016, with an all-star cast, includingHarvy Blanks, Chuck Cooper, Marva Hicks, Carly Hughes, Jonathan Kirkland, Lachanze,Norm Lewis, Forrest McClendon,Michael PottsandJ.D. Webster. The company just gave us a special sneak peek and you can check out performances from Lachanze, Potts and Hughes below...
- 2/2/2016
- by BroadwayWorld TV
- BroadwayWorld.com
Encores Artistic Director Jack Viertel today announced the creative teams for New York City Center's 2016 Encores season. J. Bernard Calloway, Chuck Cooper, Marva Hicks, Carly Hughes, Lachanze, Norm Lewis, Forrest McClendon, and J.D. Webster will star in Vernon Duke and John Latouche's jazzfilled fable Cabin in the Sky, running for seven performances at City Center from February 10-14. The 1940 musical will be directed by Tony Award winner Ruben SantiagoHudson with choreography by Camille A. Brown.
- 12/7/2015
- by BWW News Desk
- BroadwayWorld.com
Film was a particularly difficult industry for black actresses to break into. Hattie McDaniel was the first black actress to ever win an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1939, for playing Mammy in Gone With The Wind, opening the door for more black women to appear in prominent roles in film. Specifically for screenings in the 1940s South, where a black actress couldn’t play anything but a servant on screen, beautiful women like Lena Horne were given roles that were expendable, able to easily be cut out of films without affecting the plot. Eventually, movies would reflect the real-life improvements in race relations, leading to Halle Berry becoming the first black woman to win a Best Actress Oscar in 2001. The St. Louis Classic Black Film Festival is proud to present a new film festival celebrating the roles and careers of eight pioneering black actresses in a variety of films spanning four decades.
- 9/25/2015
- by Tom Stockman
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Rex Ingram in 'The Thief of Bagdad' 1940 with tiny Sabu. Actor Rex Ingram movies on TCM: Early black film performer in 'Cabin in the Sky,' 'Anna Lucasta' It's somewhat unusual for two well-known film celebrities, whether past or present, to share the same name.* One such rarity is – or rather, are – the two movie people known as Rex Ingram;† one an Irish-born white director, the other an Illinois-born black actor. Turner Classic Movies' “Summer Under the Stars” continues today, Aug. 11, '15, with a day dedicated to the latter. Right now, TCM is showing Cabin in the Sky (1943), an all-black musical adaptation of the Faust tale that is notable as the first full-fledged feature film directed by another Illinois-born movie person, Vincente Minnelli. Also worth mentioning, the movie marked Lena Horne's first important appearance in a mainstream motion picture.§ A financial disappointment on the...
- 8/12/2015
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
There were practically no black films made by Hollywood studios until the late 1950’s; so when 20th Century Fox decided to make "Stormy Weather" back in 1943, it was a true novelty. Though there has been debate on whether the film (along with MGM's "Cabin in the Sky," directed by Vicente Minnelli) could be considered one of many “race” films of the period, considering that it has an all black cast, they were the only black films made during the 1940’s. But they both had the high gloss studio sheen and production values that race films from that time sorely lacked, because of their independent low budget origins. The storyline for "Weather" is...
- 10/9/2014
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Bill Hader has come a long way since his stint on Saturday Night Live, creating many popular characters and impersonations such as Stefon, Vincent Price and CNN’s Jack Cafferty. He is one of the highlights in such films as Adventureland, Knocked Up, Superbad and Pineapple Express, and so it is easy to see why author Mike Sacks interviewed him for his new book Poking A Dead Frog. In it, Hader talks about his career and he also lists 200 essential movies every comedy writer should see. Xo Jane recently published the list for those of us who haven’t had a chance to read the book yet. There are a ton of great recommendations and plenty I haven’t yet seen, but sadly my favourite comedy of all time isn’t mentioned. That would be Some Like It Hot. Still, it really is a great list with a mix of old and new.
- 8/28/2014
- by Ricky
- SoundOnSight
Turner Classic Movies (TCM) has added an exciting roster of screen legends and beloved titles to the 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival, including appearances by Maureen O’Hara, Mel Brooks and Margaret O’Brien, plus a two-film tribute to Academy Award®-winner Richard Dreyfuss. Marking its fifth year, the TCM Classic Film Festival will take place April 10-13, 2014, in Hollywood. The gathering will coincide with TCM’s 20th anniversary as a leading authority in classic film.
O’Hara will present the world premiere restoration of John Ford’s Oscar®-winning Best Picture How Green Was My Valley (1941), while Brooks will appear at a screening of his western comedy Blazing Saddles (1974). O’Brien will be on-hand for Vincente Minnelli’s perennial musical favorite Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), starring Judy Garland. The tribute to Dreyfuss will consist of a double feature of two of his most popular roles: his Oscar®-winning performance...
O’Hara will present the world premiere restoration of John Ford’s Oscar®-winning Best Picture How Green Was My Valley (1941), while Brooks will appear at a screening of his western comedy Blazing Saddles (1974). O’Brien will be on-hand for Vincente Minnelli’s perennial musical favorite Meet Me in St. Louis (1944), starring Judy Garland. The tribute to Dreyfuss will consist of a double feature of two of his most popular roles: his Oscar®-winning performance...
- 2/5/2014
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Oscar-nominated actor who brought sensitivity and warmth to her most famous role in Imitation of Life
From its earliest days, Hollywood, which has always lagged behind wider social advances, limited the roles of black actors to stock, wide-eyed cowards, simpletons or servants, often referred to as "uncles" and "mammies". Juanita Moore, who has died aged 99, suffered from this limitation by having to play maids throughout most of her long career. However, Moore could have echoed what Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American actor to win an Academy Award, once said: "Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn't, I'd be making $7 a week being one."
Where McDaniel as Mammy, Scarlett O'Hara's lovable, sassy servant in Gone With the Wind (1939) was the apotheosis of the black maid, Moore's Oscar-nominated portrayal of Annie Johnson, housekeeper to the glamorous Broadway star Lora Meredith (Lana Turner) in Douglas Sirk...
From its earliest days, Hollywood, which has always lagged behind wider social advances, limited the roles of black actors to stock, wide-eyed cowards, simpletons or servants, often referred to as "uncles" and "mammies". Juanita Moore, who has died aged 99, suffered from this limitation by having to play maids throughout most of her long career. However, Moore could have echoed what Hattie McDaniel, the first African-American actor to win an Academy Award, once said: "Why should I complain about making $700 a week playing a maid? If I didn't, I'd be making $7 a week being one."
Where McDaniel as Mammy, Scarlett O'Hara's lovable, sassy servant in Gone With the Wind (1939) was the apotheosis of the black maid, Moore's Oscar-nominated portrayal of Annie Johnson, housekeeper to the glamorous Broadway star Lora Meredith (Lana Turner) in Douglas Sirk...
- 1/3/2014
- by Ronald Bergan
- The Guardian - Film News
Oscar-nominated ‘Imitation of Life’ actress Juanita Moore has died Juanita Moore, Best Supporting Actress Academy Award nominee for the 1959 blockbuster Imitation of Life, died on New Year’s Day 2014 at her home in Los Angeles. According to various online sources, Juanita Moore (born on October 19, 1922) was 91; her step-grandson, actor Kirk Kahn, said she was 99. (Photo: Juanita Moore in the late ’50s. See also: Juanita Moore and Susan Kohner photos at the 50th anniversary screening of Imitation of Life at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.) Juanita Moore movies The Los Angeles-born Juanita Moore began her show business career as a chorus girl at New York City’s Cotton Club. According to the IMDb, Moore was an extra/bit player in a trio of films of the ’40s, including Vincente Minnelli’s all-black musical Cabin in the Sky (1942) and Elia Kazan’s socially conscious melodrama Pinky (1949), in which Jeanne Crain plays a (very,...
- 1/2/2014
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
The latest issue of Black Camera black cinema journal is now available, and, as always, you're strongly encourage to pick up a copy/subscribe online. In it, you'll find an extensive close-up on Haile Gerima’s examination of the displacement of African intellectuals - Teza - from Guest Editor Greg Thomas. Other scintillating essays include The “Black Man's Vision of the World”: Rediscovering Black Arts Filmmaking and the Struggle for a Black Cinematic Aesthetic; Black Glamour and the Hip-Hop Renaissance: Idlewild's Debt to Cabin in the Sky; and more. This issue is now available online via Jstor. Looking ahead to the next...
- 6/18/2013
- by Tambay A. Obenson
- ShadowAndAct
This week at Trailers from Hell, director John Landis takes a look at Vincente Minnelli's musical, "Cabin in the Sky," released in 1943. The hit 1940 Broadway musical version of the Faust legend made it to the screen three years later, with original stars Ethel Waters and Rex Ingram heading an all-star African-American cast and first-time director Vincente Minnelli behind the camera. Jack Benny foil Eddie Anderson replaced Casablanca pianist Dooley Wilson in the lead because "Rochester" was popular enough to allay objections from exhibitors in some of the race-averse Southern states. Released in "glorious Sepiatone."...
- 5/8/2013
- by Trailers From Hell
- Thompson on Hollywood
There are few stories more remarkable than that of Vernon Duke. He wrote the landmark show Cabin in the Sky, the beloved jazz standard Autumn in New York, and hit songs like I Can't Get Started and Taking a Chance on Love. Yet he also led a double life as the classical composer and pianist Vladimir Dukelsky. Only in America...
- 3/28/2013
- by Contests
- BroadwayWorld.com
Above: The Penn Station set for The Clock.
"Loving evaluation of texture, the screen being filled as a window is dressed in a swank department store." —Orson Welles
If we accept Raymond Durgnat's theory that in cinema, landscape is the equation of the state of the soul and architecture constitutes an X-ray photograph of the heroes'1, then Minnelli's films, especially musicals and melodramas, can be described as full-color X-ray photography of the inner universe of his characters, with a particular interest in artists, daydreamers, painters and dancers.
Minnelli's films generally happen in strange places. In his musicals the absence of modern urban life (unlike Stanley Donen, for instance) is noticeable. The real is recreated by studio-manufactured settings, where also the unreal, the fantasy, takes place. Minnelli's films are the encounter of two worlds, two parallel lines, which in reality never happen to cross each other. Although it is true that...
"Loving evaluation of texture, the screen being filled as a window is dressed in a swank department store." —Orson Welles
If we accept Raymond Durgnat's theory that in cinema, landscape is the equation of the state of the soul and architecture constitutes an X-ray photograph of the heroes'1, then Minnelli's films, especially musicals and melodramas, can be described as full-color X-ray photography of the inner universe of his characters, with a particular interest in artists, daydreamers, painters and dancers.
Minnelli's films generally happen in strange places. In his musicals the absence of modern urban life (unlike Stanley Donen, for instance) is noticeable. The real is recreated by studio-manufactured settings, where also the unreal, the fantasy, takes place. Minnelli's films are the encounter of two worlds, two parallel lines, which in reality never happen to cross each other. Although it is true that...
- 5/4/2012
- MUBI
Georges Méliès' A Trip to the Moon Melancholia, A Separation Screenplay, Runner-Up Jeannie Berlin: National Society of Film Critics' Surprises Two interesting omissions from the Nsfc roster: critics' fave Michelle Williams (for portraying Marilyn Monroe in Simon Curtis' My Week with Marilyn) and George Clooney (for his stressed out father in Alexander Payne's The Descendants) weren't among the critics' top three actresses/actors. Dunst and Yun were followed by New York Film Critics winner Meryl Streep for her Margaret Thatcher in Phyllida Lloyd's The Iron Lady; Brad Pitt was followed by Gary Oldman in Tomas Alfredson's Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and Jean Dujardin in Michel Hazanavicius' The Artist. Dujardin, in fact, was The Artist's sole representative in the Nsfc 2011 roster. For the record the other runners-up were Christopher Plummer (Mike Mills' Beginners) and Patton Oswalt (Jason Reitman's Young Adult...
- 1/8/2012
- by Andre Soares
- Alt Film Guide
Below you will find a list of movie that Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz director Edgar Wright has never seen. Not long ago Wright went out and asked his friends and fans to recommend some movies they thought he may have missed over the last thirty years of his life. He got recommendations from Quentin Tarantino, Daniel Waters, Bill Hader, John Landis, Guillermo Del Toro, Joe Dante, Judd Apatow, Joss Whedon, Greg Mottola, Schwartzman, Doug Benson, Rian Johnson, Larry Karaszeski, Josh Olson, Harry Knowles and hundreds of fans on this blog.
From these recommendations, Wright created a master list of recommended films that were frequently mentioned. The director now wants the fans to choose which of the films on the list he should watch on the big screen.
Wright is holding a film event at the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles called Films Edgar Has Never Seen.
From these recommendations, Wright created a master list of recommended films that were frequently mentioned. The director now wants the fans to choose which of the films on the list he should watch on the big screen.
Wright is holding a film event at the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles called Films Edgar Has Never Seen.
- 10/18/2011
- by Venkman
- GeekTyrant
Edgar Wright's latest epic project [1] has him partnering with Quentin Tarantino, Judd Apatow, Joss Whedon, Bill Hader, Guillermo Del Toro, Joe Dante, Greg Mottola, Harry Knowles, Rian Johnson and, probably, several of you. Like all of us, Wright has a bunch of classic and cult films he's never seen. Unlike all of us, he has the means to see them for the first time on the big screen and will do just that in December [2] at the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles during Films Edgar Has Never Seen. The director of Shaun of the Dead and Scott Pilgrim vs. The World asked both his famous friends (some of which are listed above) and fans to send in their personal must see lists and, from those titles, Wright came up with one mega list from which he'll pick a few movies to watch December 9-16. After the jump check...
- 10/18/2011
- by Germain Lussier
- Slash Film
photo: Mathieu Young TCM (C) Turner Classic Movies. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved
Wamg was in attendance among the many film enthusiasts for the 2nd Annual TCM Classic Film Festival. The multi-faceted Festival, which ran April 28 – May 1, 2011 in Hollywood, was filled with more than 70 screenings, including special introductions, guest appearances, panel discussions and more. The festival opened with the red-carpet gala screening of An American in Paris and TCM host and film historian Robert Osborne served as official host.
The 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival was sold out. The festival had total attendance of 25,000 at more than 70 screenings and events. There were passholders from 49 states and five foreign countries: Italy, Australia, France, Argentina and Canada.
Highlights of the 2011 festival included appearances by Julie Andrews, Alec Baldwin, Drew Barrymore, Warren Beatty, Leslie Caron, Kirk Douglas, Angela Lansbury, Hayley Mills, Peter O.Toole, Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Mickey Rooney and many,...
Wamg was in attendance among the many film enthusiasts for the 2nd Annual TCM Classic Film Festival. The multi-faceted Festival, which ran April 28 – May 1, 2011 in Hollywood, was filled with more than 70 screenings, including special introductions, guest appearances, panel discussions and more. The festival opened with the red-carpet gala screening of An American in Paris and TCM host and film historian Robert Osborne served as official host.
The 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival was sold out. The festival had total attendance of 25,000 at more than 70 screenings and events. There were passholders from 49 states and five foreign countries: Italy, Australia, France, Argentina and Canada.
Highlights of the 2011 festival included appearances by Julie Andrews, Alec Baldwin, Drew Barrymore, Warren Beatty, Leslie Caron, Kirk Douglas, Angela Lansbury, Hayley Mills, Peter O.Toole, Jane Powell, Debbie Reynolds, Mickey Rooney and many,...
- 5/2/2011
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Club TCM to Offer Celebrities, Expert Panels, Exhibits, Music and More During 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival Exclusive Gathering Spot for Festival Passholders to Feature Appearances by Mickey Rooney, Debbie Reynolds, Leslie Caron, Marni Nixon, Marge Champion, Debbie Allen, Peter Guber and Brett Ratner
Legendary stars, fascinating presentations, panel discussions, live music and special exhibits are just a few of the exciting experiences on tap for Club TCM, the central gathering spot for the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. Located in the Blossom Room at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the site of the very first Academy Awards® ceremony, Club TCM will be open throughout the festival, giving passholders a place to relax, meet new friends and mingle with special guests. Among those scheduled to appear are Mickey Rooney, Debbie Reynolds, Leslie Caron, Marni Nixon, Marge Champion, Debbie Allen, Peter Guber, Brett Ratner and graphic artist Michael Schwab, as well...
Legendary stars, fascinating presentations, panel discussions, live music and special exhibits are just a few of the exciting experiences on tap for Club TCM, the central gathering spot for the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. Located in the Blossom Room at the historic Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, the site of the very first Academy Awards® ceremony, Club TCM will be open throughout the festival, giving passholders a place to relax, meet new friends and mingle with special guests. Among those scheduled to appear are Mickey Rooney, Debbie Reynolds, Leslie Caron, Marni Nixon, Marge Champion, Debbie Allen, Peter Guber, Brett Ratner and graphic artist Michael Schwab, as well...
- 4/12/2011
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Celebration of Actor.s Life and Career to Include Conversation with Robert Osborne,
Clips from One-Man Show and Special Screening of Spartacus (1960)
Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas will be a special guest at the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. During the festival, which takes place April 28-May 1, the three-time Oscar nominee and honorary Academy Award winner will join TCM host Robert Osborne for an interview on stage, leading into a screening of Stanley Kubrick.s epic film Spartacus (1960), which Douglas also produced. The evening.s festivities will include clips from Douglas. biographical one-man show, Before I Forget (2009).
.Kirk Douglas is an American icon whose performances have struck an indelible chord with moviegoers for more than 60 years,. Osborne said. .At the age of 94, he retains the great vitality and enthusiasm which has always been the Douglas trademark. We couldn.t be more pleased that Spartacus himself will be joining us at...
Clips from One-Man Show and Special Screening of Spartacus (1960)
Hollywood legend Kirk Douglas will be a special guest at the 2011 TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood. During the festival, which takes place April 28-May 1, the three-time Oscar nominee and honorary Academy Award winner will join TCM host Robert Osborne for an interview on stage, leading into a screening of Stanley Kubrick.s epic film Spartacus (1960), which Douglas also produced. The evening.s festivities will include clips from Douglas. biographical one-man show, Before I Forget (2009).
.Kirk Douglas is an American icon whose performances have struck an indelible chord with moviegoers for more than 60 years,. Osborne said. .At the age of 94, he retains the great vitality and enthusiasm which has always been the Douglas trademark. We couldn.t be more pleased that Spartacus himself will be joining us at...
- 3/28/2011
- by Melissa Thompson
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
To honor the passing of the great songwriter Hugh Martin Friday at 96 years of age, a repost of a review of one of my 100 favorite movies, a member of my personal canon. (If you joined us after 2008 you can pretend it's a new essay!) Imagine giving the world such perfectly crafted enduring gifts as "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas" and "The Trolley Song". R.I.P. Mr. Martin.
Meet Me in St. Louis "The Blossoming of Judy Garland"
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Directed by Vincente Minnelli; Written by Irving Brecher and Fred F Finklehoffe from the novel "5135 Kensington" by Sally Benson; Starring Judy Garland, Mary Astor, Leon Ames, Margaret O'Brien, Lucille Bremer, Harry Davenport, June Lockhart, Tom Drake and Marjorie Main; Production & Distributor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM); Released 11/28/1944
It's Summer 1903 in Missouri and the Smith family are buzzing about the World's Fair coming to their town the following spring. Teenage...
Meet Me in St. Louis "The Blossoming of Judy Garland"
Meet Me in St. Louis (1944)
Directed by Vincente Minnelli; Written by Irving Brecher and Fred F Finklehoffe from the novel "5135 Kensington" by Sally Benson; Starring Judy Garland, Mary Astor, Leon Ames, Margaret O'Brien, Lucille Bremer, Harry Davenport, June Lockhart, Tom Drake and Marjorie Main; Production & Distributor Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM); Released 11/28/1944
It's Summer 1903 in Missouri and the Smith family are buzzing about the World's Fair coming to their town the following spring. Teenage...
- 3/14/2011
- by NATHANIEL R
- FilmExperience
Boundary-Breaking Black Women in EntertainmentBoundary-Breaking Black Women in EntertainmentWhat would Black History Month be without stories to inspire and motivate? In celebration of this exciting month, we present to you our favorite boundary-breaking Black women who have not only entertained us, but have also inspired us to not be afraid to kick down barriers. From Oprah Winfrey to Dorothy Dandridge, each of these women have done their part to better our culture. Take a look at our favorite boundary-breaking Black women.Lena HorneThe legendary singer and actress was the first Black woman to sign a long-term contract with a film studio in 1942. Refusing to play a maid, she went on to star in classics like "Stormy Weather" and "Cabin in the Sky."Mary J. BligeAffectionately called the "Queen of Hip-Hop Soul," Mary J. Blige is a living legend in the music industry.Billie HolidayAn American jazz singer and songwriter, Holiday...
- 2/1/2011
- Essence
Jazz singer, actress and political activist Lena Horne died on May 9 at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, her son-in-law Kevin Buckley has announced. Hospital spokeswoman Gloria Chin confirmed the news, but would not give further details, Popeater.com is reporting. The 92-year-old started her career as nightclub performer before launching careers in movies, television and theater. Horne’s most famous films include the MGM musicals ‘Cabin in the Sky’ and ‘Stormy Weather.’ But being a spokesperson for civil rights throughout her life, her films were touched by racism and were often censored in Southern states. According to People, Horne became bitter with Hollywood in the late 1940s. She secretly married composer [...]...
- 5/12/2010
- by karen
- ShockYa
Turner Classics Movie (the Best cable channel around…or do you prefer Bet???) has announced that they will devote their lineup on Friday May 21st to films starring or featuring Lena Horne including The Duke is Tops the 1938 black “race” film which was her first film, Cabin in the Sky and Panama Hattie.
Unfortunately her most famous film Stormy Weather is not included because it was a 20th Century Fox film and therefore unavailable to TCM. Still here’s a perfect opportunity to see the legend and why they just don’t make them like her anymore.
Unfortunately her most famous film Stormy Weather is not included because it was a 20th Century Fox film and therefore unavailable to TCM. Still here’s a perfect opportunity to see the legend and why they just don’t make them like her anymore.
- 5/11/2010
- by Sergio
- ShadowAndAct
Lena Horne, the enchanting jazz singer and actress known for her plaintive, signature song "Stormy Weather" and for her triumph over the bigotry that allowed her to entertain white audiences but not socialize with them, has died. She was 92.Horne died Sunday at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, said hospital spokeswoman Gloria Chin, who would not release details.Quincy Jones, a longtime friend and collaborator, was among those mourning her death Monday. He called her a "pioneering groundbreaker.""Our friendship dated back more than 50 years and continued up until the last moment, her inner and outer beauty immediately bonding us forever," said Jones, who noted that they worked together on the film "The Wiz" and a Grammy-winning live album."Lena Horne was a pioneering groundbreaker, making inroads into a world that had never before been explored by African-American women, and she did it on her own terms,...
- 5/10/2010
- Filmicafe
• Lisa Horowitz delivers the news that TCM has scheduled a tribute to the late Lena Horne for May 21. "The lineup features three films with defining Horne performances, as well as one of the groundbreaking singer-actress' personal favorites, the 1943 John Garfield drama 'The Fallen Sparrow.' At 8 p.m. Et, TCM will show 'The Duke Is Top' (1938), Horne’s film debut, featuring performances of the songs 'I Know You Remember' and 'Don't Let Our Love Song Turn Into a Blues.' That's followed at 9:30 p.m. by Horne's favorite among her films, the 1943 'Cabin in the Sky,' co-starring Eddie 'Rochester' Anderson and Ethel Waters. 'Panama Hattie' airs at 11:15 p.m. The 1942 film is...
- 5/10/2010
- by tomoneil
- Gold Derby
Velvet-voiced singer, actor and activist who broke new ground for black performers
A handful of decades ago the roles for black performers in Hollywood movies were deliberately kept peripheral to the plots, so that their appearances could easily be edited out for screenings in the American south. Black singers and musicians were barred from taking rooms in the same hotels in which they were performing. Partners in an interracial marriage might decide to leave the Us and move to more hospitable locations, such as Paris, to avoid hate mail and threats. All this and more happened to the singer and actor Lena Horne, who has died aged 92.
Horne not only rose above it all, but also significantly contributed to changing the situation. The velvet-voiced, multi-talented Horne first negotiated, and then resisted, the worst that a racist entertainment industry could throw at her. She rose to its summit as an original...
A handful of decades ago the roles for black performers in Hollywood movies were deliberately kept peripheral to the plots, so that their appearances could easily be edited out for screenings in the American south. Black singers and musicians were barred from taking rooms in the same hotels in which they were performing. Partners in an interracial marriage might decide to leave the Us and move to more hospitable locations, such as Paris, to avoid hate mail and threats. All this and more happened to the singer and actor Lena Horne, who has died aged 92.
Horne not only rose above it all, but also significantly contributed to changing the situation. The velvet-voiced, multi-talented Horne first negotiated, and then resisted, the worst that a racist entertainment industry could throw at her. She rose to its summit as an original...
- 5/10/2010
- by John Fordham
- The Guardian - Film News
Singer and actress Lena Horne, who helped lead the way for African-American stars, died Sunday at New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell hospital, she was 92.
The singer's health had been failing over the past few months leading up to her death, according to People magazine.
Horne began her career at age 16 at Harlem's famed Cotton Club. She is considered MGM's first leading actress of color, best known for her roles in "Cabin in the Sky" and "Stormy Weather,...
The singer's health had been failing over the past few months leading up to her death, according to People magazine.
Horne began her career at age 16 at Harlem's famed Cotton Club. She is considered MGM's first leading actress of color, best known for her roles in "Cabin in the Sky" and "Stormy Weather,...
- 5/10/2010
- Extra
She was a pioneer in the entertainment realm and now Lena Horne has died at 92 years of age in New York City.
The Tony-winning actress passed away last night at Manhattan’s New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell hospital after months of declining health.
Ms. Horne was a driving force for Africa-American women in Hollywood as well as on Broadway, with credits including “Cabin in the Sky,” “Stormy Weather,” and “Show Boat.”
A fierce supporter of civil rights, Lena said she hit a point in her career where she discovered that she wasn’t alone. "When I stopped trying to break the barriers, that's when I looked around and saw white people, a lot of good white people who would hold hands with their colored sisters. I also saw that there are many people who aren't black who get kicked around too. I saw that and I softened up."...
The Tony-winning actress passed away last night at Manhattan’s New York Presbyterian/Weill Cornell hospital after months of declining health.
Ms. Horne was a driving force for Africa-American women in Hollywood as well as on Broadway, with credits including “Cabin in the Sky,” “Stormy Weather,” and “Show Boat.”
A fierce supporter of civil rights, Lena said she hit a point in her career where she discovered that she wasn’t alone. "When I stopped trying to break the barriers, that's when I looked around and saw white people, a lot of good white people who would hold hands with their colored sisters. I also saw that there are many people who aren't black who get kicked around too. I saw that and I softened up."...
- 5/10/2010
- GossipCenter
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