Black Film Center/Archive

Gang War (1940) - Two rival gangs, one led by Ralph Cooper, the other by Lawrence Criner, struggle to control the juke box machines in Harlem. Cooper loses and, like Cagney, he ends up bullet riddled with Jesse Lee Brooks as the policeman uttering the "crime doesn't pay" moral. Drama, 63 min., VHS, dir: Leo C. Popkin.

Ganja & Hess (1970) - Symbolic portrayal of a Europeanized black man. Duane Jones is Dr. Hess Green; Marlene Clark plays Ganja Meda; Bill Gunn, George Meda; Sam Waymon is the Minister/Chauffeur; Leonard Jackson plays Archie; and Mabel King is Queen of Myrthia. 78-minute cut version titled "Blood Couple" was made from this film. Horror, 110 min., VHS and DVD, dir: Bill Gunn.

Gator and the Pickaninny, The (1903) - A black man (in makeup) chops open an alligator and rescues a black child who was swallowed by the alligator. Comedy, 1 min., VHS, dir: n/a.

General Spanky (1936) - A Civil War period piece which finds Buckwheat as a lost slave who teams up with Spanky. The two, joined by the gang, eventually become responsible for defending a plantation against an attack by Northerners. There are references to slave masters, pickaninnies, and the like. Discovering that he's lost, Buckwheat attaches himself to Spanky, knowing that a slave without a master is likely to be shot. Billie Thomas stars as Buckwheat. Children, 71 min., VHS, dir: Fred C. Newmeyer & Gordon Douglas.

Genesis [aka La Genèse] (1999) - The film draws on the Biblical Genesis, chapters 23-37, which tells about the rebirth of the world after the Flood, but enacts the events in Mali and with African actors. The focus is on the feud between two brothers - Jacob (Sotigui Kouyate) and Esau (Salif Keita) - which reflects on their relative, Hamor (Balla Moussa Keita). Drama, 102 min., DVD, dir: Cheick Oumar Sissoko

George Pal Puppetoons (1938-1947) - Children, 60 min., VHS, dir: George Pal.

George Washington Carver (1984) - The film documents the story of Carver, the famous botanist whose research with peanuts was finally recognized for its importance. Distributed by Kaw Valley Films. Documentary, 25 min., 16mm, dir: n/a.

Get Christie Love! (1974) - A gorgeous undercover cop, Christy Love (Teresa Graves) goes head to head with a ruthless drug lord. The film sparked enough interest to develop into a short-lived television series. Drama, 74 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: William A. Graham.

Get on the Bus (1996) - George (Charles S. Dutton) is forced to drive "The Spotted Owl" tour bus after Rick (Richard Belzer), the lone white man in the group, is harassed by African American men as they travel from Los Angeles to the historic Million Man March in Washington, D.C. The men encounter racism and conflict erupts when it is discovered that two of the African American men, Randall (Harry J. Lennix) and Kyle (Isaiah Washington) are homosexual lovers. Drama, 120 min., VHS, dir: Spike Lee.

Getting to Know Barbara (1984) - Originally aired on CBS News' 60 Minutes, this short documentary tells the rise to success of Barbara Proctor from the ghetto to become the head of a multimillion-dollar advertising agency. Documentary, 12 min., 16mm, dir: n/a.

Ghana (n.d.) - This documentary is about the state of Ghana upon gaining independence. It uncludes footage of the transfer of sovereignty and the subsequent independence celebration. Documentary, 28 min., 16mm, dir: n/a.

Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (1999) - Ghost Dog (Forest Whitaker) is a professional killer living as an exemplary samurai and serving Louie (John Tormey), a small crime boss who has saved his life. When Louie's superiors decide to execute him, Ghost Dog executes the superiors. Drama, 116 min., DVD, dir: Jim Jarmusch.

Ghosts of Cité Soleil (2006) Documentary, 88 min., DVD, dir: Asger Leth.

Giants vs. Yanks (Those Loveable Scallawags with Their Gangs) (1923) - Following a game of baseball on the sandlot, the gang is sequestered in an elegant house where they cause trouble. Ernest Morrison stars as Sunshine Farina and Allen Hoskins is Farina. Children, 14 min., 16mm, dir: Robert F. McGowan.

Gift, The (1998) - Based on a true story, this short film explores the struggle of a blind, young sculptor named Johnny, who views his blindness as a gift, coming to terms with the possibility of surgery that can restore his sight. On opposing sides of the issue are his friend/guardian Dr. Joi, who advocates the surgery, and his girlfriend and model Dia, a black woman with a scarred face who only wants what is best for Johnny. Drama, 14 min., DVD, dir: Tanya Boyd.

Gilded Six Bits, The (1999) - Set in a town in Georgia in 1933, the lives of a loving husband and wife--Joe Banks (Chad Coelman) and Missie May (T'Keyah Crystal Keymah)--collide with that of a wealthy hustler, Otis (Wendell Pierece), who sleeps with the wife. Things are gradually forgiven and forgotten, and the couple has their first child, a baby boy. The short is based on a short story by Zora Neale Hurston of the same title. Drama, 29 min., VHS, dir: Booker T. Mattison.

Girl 6 (1996) - Spike Lee coaxed Prince out of "retirement" to provide the soundtrack for this dramatic comedy that focuses on the struggles an African American woman faces as she pursues her desire to become an actress. Along the way she supports herself as a telephone sex operator dubbed "Girl 6" by her employer. With this film Lee provides stunning commentary on technology's impact on human relationships, among other things. This film also features Halle Berry, Naomi Campbell and Madonna. Comedy, 108 min., VHS, dir: Spike Lee.

Girl From Chicago, The (1932) - A crime melodrama about a young secret service agent, Alonzo Smith (Carl Mahon), who gets romantically involved with a pretty young schoolteacher, Norma (Starr Calloway), in a small town in Mississippi. Later, in New York, Alonzo has to extricate Norma's friend Mary (Eunice Brooks) from serious trouble involving the numbers game and is accused of murdering a numbers banker. A slightly different, silent version of this film was released in 1926, entitled The Spider's Web. Drama, 69 min., VHS, dir: Oscar Micheaux.

Girl in Room 20, The (1946) - Daisy Mae Walker (Geraldine Brooks), a girl from a small town, moves to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming a singer. However, her dreams prove to be far more difficult to realize than she had ever imagined. Drama, 60 min., 16mm, 3/4", VHS, DVD, dir: Spencer Williams.

Glass Shield, The (1994) - Michael Boatman and Ice Cube star in this intense thriller about a man wrongfully accused of a crime. Ice Cube could be put away for a long time if a rookie cop (Michael Boatman) does not solve a shocking murder case. In the end, Boatman must decide whether to uphold the law or remain loyal to the unspoken code of silence that shields him from the violent streets. Drama, 110 min., VHS, dir: Charles Burnett.

Glory (1989) - In this fictionalized version of the 54th Regiment of Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry and the battle of Fort Wagner, Thomas Searles (Andre Braugher) John Rawlins (Morgan Freeman) and Trip (Denzel Washington) are among the members of the first "unit of colored troops" organized during the Civil War. Raymond St. Jacques appears as Frederick Douglass. Drama, 122 min., VHS, dir: Edward Zwick.

Go Down Death (1944) - Folk-like drama, inspired by James Weldon Johnson's poem, depicts the faith of Sister Caroline whose prayers are answered even after death. The preacher who is implicated in immoral activities by Jim, the baroner, is proved innocent and Jim is hounded to death by his conscience for causing Caroline's death. Drama, 54 min., 16mm, VHS, DVD, dir: Spencer Williams.

Go Tell It on the Mountain (1984) - Adapted from James Baldwin's novel, the film follows the journey of a black family from the rural South to Harlem in the 1930s. It focuses on the struggle of a young boy (James Bond III) seeking salvation and understanding, as well as the approval of a self-righteous and often unloving stepfather (Paul Winfield). Olivia Cole is the boy's mother; Rosalind Cash is the understanding Aunt; Giancarlo Esposito, Elijah; CCH Pounder plays Deborah, Gabriel's first wife. Drama, 96 min., DVD, dir: Stan Lathan.

God's Stepchildren (1937) - A light-skinned child abandoned by her mother, Naomi, doesn't want to acknowledge her race. Forced by her foster mother to attend a black school, she causes so much difficulty she is sent to a convent for 12 years. On her return Naomi is pressed to marry a dark-skinned man, has a child by him whom she abandons and "passes" into the white world. Later, when she is rejected by that world, she commits suicide. Drama, 65 min., 16mm, dir: Oscar Micheaux.

God is African (2002) -- Set in a university campus where youthful optimism abounds. Reality intrudes with the death sentence of Ken Saro Wiwa, Nigerian writer and environmentalist. Femi, a Nigerian student tries to politicize the student body but he is confronted by both a hatred of foreigners and a cynical disinterest in the "other" Africa. Drama, 93 min., DVD, dir: Akin Omotoso.

God Sleeps in Rwanda (2005) - Five women whose lives have been devastated by the Rwandan genocide is the subject of this short film, which was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Short Subjects category. Documentary, 28 min., DVD, dir: Kimberlee Acquaro.

Golden Child, The (1986) - Chandler Jarrell (Eddie Murphy), a "child finder" from Los Angeles, is selected to rescue Tibetan Golden Child (J.L. Reate) from the hands of evildoers, led by Sardo Numspa (Charles Dance), a representative of the underworld. Action, 94 min., VHS, dir: Michael Ritchie.

Gone Fishin' (1997) - Joe Waters (Joe Pesci) and Gus Green (Danny Glover) are two childhood buddies out of luck who go to Florida to fish. On the road, Dekker Massey (Nick Brimble) steals their car. Then they meet the beautiful Rita (Rosanna Arquette) and Angie (Lynn Whitfield) but get in all kinds of trouble including guns, boat chases, and hurricanes. Comedy, 94 min., VHS, dir: Christopher Cain.

Gone with the Wind (1939) - Adapted from Margaret Mitchell's fictional novel, a dramatic love story between a roguish Yankee gambler and a pampered Southern belle is set against the background of the Civil War and post-war reconstruction periods. It co-stars Hattie McDaniel as Mammy who won an Oscar as best supporting actress; Butterfly McQueen as Prissy; Eddie "Rochester" Anderson is Uncle Peter; Everett G. Brown plays Big Sam, the foreman; Zach Williams portrays Elijah. Drama, 233 min., VHS, dir: Victor Fleming.

Good Earth, The (1937) - Based on the novel by Pearl S. Buck, the story focuses on Wang Lung (Paul Muni) and his devoted bride O-Lan (Luise Rainer) and the trials and tribulations the family suffers during a severe drought. Drama, 138 min., VHS, dir: Sydney Franklin.

Goodbye Columbus (1969) - Based on Philip Roth's National Book Award winning novella, this film examines Jewish life in New Jersey in the 1950s. Anthony McGowan plays the black boy interested in art that Neil Klugman (Richard Benjamin) befriends at the Newark Public Library and Royce Wallace is Carlotta, the Patimkins' maid. Comedy, 102 min., VHS, dir: Larry Peerce.

Gordon Parks: Visions (1986) - Photo-Journalist Parks, (also composer, director, writer and musician) recapitulates his experiences in documenting African American life in Harlem and the struggle for Civil Rights in the South. The film is an expression of Parks' unique vision. Documentary, 60 min., VHS, dir: Gordon Parks.

Gordon's War (1973) - Paul Winfield is Gordon, Vietnam veteran, who returns home to find that his wife, addicted to heroin while he was away, had died from an overdose. To avenge her death, Gordon sets out to rid the ghetto of pushers. The three friends who join his personal army are Carl Lee (Bee), David Dowling (Otis) and Tony King (Roy). Action, 84 min., 16mm, dir: Ossie Davis.

Greased Lightning (1977) - Fictional biography of Wendell Scott, the first black man to cross the color line in auto racing. Richard Pryor plays Scott who perseveres against numerous odds, getting his start on dirt tracks in the South among the KKK-minded. Pam Grier is his supportive wife, Beau Bridges a white driver who becomes his mechanic and friend. Drama, 100 min., 16mm, dir: Michael Schultz.

Great Americans: Martin Luther King, Jr. (2nd Edition) (1982) - The career of Martin Luther King, from the bus boycott in Montgomery, Alabama and his teachings of non-violent protest, to the years of sit-ins, voter registration drives, and freedom rides are documented in this film. Included are interviews with friends and family of King, including his widow, Coretta Scott King. Documentary, 16mm, 24 min., dir: n/a.

Great Day in Harlem, A (1994) - The film is about the shooting of a famous photograph for the January 1959 issue of Esquire magazine composed of 57 jazz musicians, spanning three generations. Documentary, 60 min., VHS, dir: Jean Bach.

Great Railway Journeys of the World: Zambezi Express (1980) - The Zambezi Express railroad system in Africa is explored in this documentary. Discover the history of the railroad and the effect it has had on the people of Africa. Documentary, 63 min., 16mm, dir: Michael Wood.

Great White Hope, The (1970) - James Earl Jones brings heavyweight champion Jack Johnson's controversial life and career to film audiences, in the guise of Jack Jefferson. Drama, 103 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: Martin Ritt.

Greatest, The (1977) - The Greatest traces the life of Mohammad Ali from his small town beginnings, through the influence of Malcolm X (James Earl Jones) and eventually the Muslim faith. The road to the World heavyweight championship is shown in footage of the old fights with Joe Frazier, Ken Norton and Sonny Liston. Anazette Chase plays Belinda; Ali plays himself; Paul Winfield is his lawyer. Drama, 101 min., DVD, dir: Tom Gries.

Green Pastures, The (1936) - A Hollywood attempt to depict black folk life, the film is a fantasy drawn from the Bible presenting a so-called black point of view. Heavenly choirs and fish-frys become metaphors for black culture. An adaptation of Marc Connelly's play. Rex Ingram plays De Lawd, Adam and Hezdrel; Oscar Polk is Gabriel; Eddie "Rochester" Anderson plays Noah; Frank C. Wilson is Moses. Musical performance by The Hall Johnson Choir. Drama, 93 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: William Keighley & Marc Connelly.

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967) - A young woman from a socially prominent family brings home an accomplished doctor, John Prentice (Sidney Poitier) and introduces him to her family as her fiance. The parents of the mixed couple are forced to test their convictions about equality and human rights. Drama, 108 min., 16mm, dir: Stanley Kramer.

Guimba the Tyrant (1995) - The prosperous town of Sitakili is under the rule of tyrant Guimba Dunbuya, who reigns with an iron fist. His son, Jangine, has been destined to marry the enchanting Kani from birth, but instead has his eyes set on her voluptuous mother, Meya. To appease his spoiled son, Guimba orders Meya to divorce her husband to marry Jangine, while he marries Kani. The people of Sitakili are infuriated by the tyrant's behavior and stage a revolt. Drama, 93 min., VHS, dir: Cheick Oumar Sissoko.

Gun Moll [aka Gang Smashers] (1938) - Nina Mae McKinney stars as Laura Jackson, an undercover policewoman posing as a nightclub singer, in this gangster movie set in Harlem. Drama, 70 min., VHS, dir: Leo C. Popkin.

Gus & Rose: Reflections of Katrina & the Big Easy (2006) - This short documentary tells the story of Gus and Rose Deruise against the historical backdrop of Louisiana and Hurricane Katrina. Documentary, 39 min., DVD, dir: Ted A. Irving.

Gut Feeling, A (1999) - An eerie short film about two cops called out to an apartment building to investigate a possible homicide. Released for home video on Afrocentricity, Vol. 1. Drama, 12 min., DVD, dir: Lee Davis.