The Black King
The Black King

Movie spotlight

The Black King

1932
Movie
72 min
English

A confident and unscrupulous minister begins a 'back to Africa' movement, proclaiming himself Emperor of the United States of Africa.

Insights

Director: Lorenzo HamiltonGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

The film follows the story of a young black man who travels from the rural South to the city, seeking fame and fortune. He becomes entangled in a life of crime and corruption, ultimately facing the consequences of his choices. It explores themes of ambition, morality, and the challenges faced by African Americans during this era.

Critical Reception

As a film from 1932, contemporary critical reception is scarce and often filtered through the lens of racial bias prevalent at the time. However, it is recognized as a significant early independent film made by and for African Americans, offering a portrayal of Black life often absent from mainstream cinema. Audience reception within the Black community was generally positive, appreciating the representation and storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • A rare glimpse into early independent Black cinema.

  • Explores themes of ambition and consequence within the Black community.

  • Notable for its cast and production during a segregated era.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for this film is not available due to its age and limited distribution.

Fun Fact

The film was produced by the Colored Players Film Corporation and was one of the few independent productions at the time aimed at a predominantly Black audience, often screened in segregated theaters.

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