Black Film Center/Archive

Race Movies: The Popular Art of the 1920s (1985) - The focus of this short documentary is the rise in production and popularity of all-black cast films, known as "race movies," beginning in the 1910s and continuing through the 1920s. Early black filmmakers, such as Oscar Micheaux are highlighted in the film that was written by film scholar Thomas Cripps. Documentary, 20 min., VHS, dir: n/a.

Race to Freedom: The Underground Railroad (1994) - Four slaves escape a plantation in hopes of reaching Canada. Drama, 91 min., DVD, dir: Don McBrearty.

Racial Relations (2004) - Controversial George W. Bush appointee to the U.S. Commision on Civil Rights Peter A. Kirsanow discusses race relations in Ashland, Ohio on November 18, 2004. Television, 57 min., DVD, dir: n/a.

Radia-tors, The (1929) - Musical short featuring the all-black Utica Jubilee Singers. Musical, 10 min., 16mm, dir: Jasper Ewing Brady.

Rage in Harlem, A (1991) - When Immabelle (Robin Givens) arrives from Mississippi with a chest of stolen gold, everybody wants a part of the scam, including mobster Easy Money (Danny Glover) and street-wise con-man Goldy (Gregory Hines). All Jackson (Forest Whitaker) wants is Immabelle. However, they must all face Slim (Badja Djola), deadliest crook among them. The film is adapted from the novel by Chester Himes. Drama, 108 min., VHS, dir: Bill Duke.

Rainbow Black: Poet Sarah W. Fabio (1975) - Rainbow Black is a portrait of Sarah Webster Fabio, a poet whose favorite working image is the kaleidoscope. Fabio is interviewed in her apartment and is shown performing musical renditions of her poetry in a studio and teaching a black poetry class at the University of Iowa. Documentary, 31 min., 16mm, dir: Cheryl Fabio-Bradford.

Rainbow War (1985) - The three kingdoms of Red, Blue, and Yellow are warring in a remote part of the galaxy until they begin to see that they can co-exist in peace and harmony in this allegory on race relations. Drama, 23 min., 16mm, dir: Bob Rogers.

Rains Came, The (1988) - Droughts and how they effect animal habitats in Kenya are discussed in this short documentary. Documentary, 29 min., 16mm, dir: Simon Trevor.

Raisin in the Sun, A (1961) - This adaptation of the late Lorraine Hansberry's award-winning play treats the ambitions, dreams and frustrations of a black family living in three crowded rooms on Chicago's South Side. The squalid routine of their lives is suddenly disrupted when Lena (Claudia McNeil) receives a $10,000 check from the company that insured her late husband. Drama, 128 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: Daniel Petrie.

Raising Tennis Aces: The Williams Story (2002) - A chronicle of the relationship between tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams and their father as they progressed to international stardom. Documentary, 54 min., DVD, dir: Terry Jervis.

Ralph Bunche: An American Odyssey (2001) - Narrated by Sidney Poitier, this documentary details the extraordinary life and career of Dr. Ralph Johnson Bunche, the noted politician and diplomat who became the first person of color to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Documentary, 117 min., VHS, dir: William Greaves.

Rapture Family, The (1976) - Documentary, 30 min., 16mm, dir: Philip Stockton.

Ray (2004) - The life story of legendary rhythm and blues singer and pianist Ray Charles is dramatized in this critically acclaimed biopic by Taylor Hackford. Jamie Foxx demonstrates the breadth of his acting ability by playing the national icon and winning the 2005 Academy Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role. Drama, 152 min., DVD, dir: Taylor Hackford.

Raya (2001) - This South African short is about a woman named Raya (Rehane Abrahams) who, after her release from jail, is determined to turn over a new leaf and embark on a better life for herself. The feature is the third part of the compilation Mama Africa, the other two being Uno's World (directed by Bridget Pickering) and Raya (Zulfa Otto-Sallies). Drama, 26 min., DVD, dir: Zulfar Otto-Sallies.

Recuerdos de mi Barrio: Spontaneous Settlements in Cali, Columbia (1993) - Harry Van Oudenallen, Professor of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, explores the spontaneous settlements of Cali, Colombia. Documentary, 41 min., VHS, dir: John B. Gray.

Redemption: The Stan Tookie Williams Story (2003) - The film follows the life of Stan "Tookie" Williams (Jamie Foxx), founder of a street gang who, while serving time on death row in San Quentin prison, began writing books for children and teaching non-violence, which earned him Nobel Peace Prize nominations. Drama, 95 min., DVD, dir: Vondie Curtis-Hall.

Reet, Petite, and Gone (1947) - The search is on to find the girl whose measurements fit those prescribed in the will of the hero's uncle. Louis Jordan and His Tympany Five orchestra coupled with the musical talents of blacks are showcased to support the thin plot. Musical, 67 min., VHS, dir: William Forest Crouch.

Rembetika: The Blues of Greece (1977) - Anthony Quinn narrates this film that explores rembetika, the music of Turkish refugees in Greece, through performances, archival stills and film footage. Documentary, 50 min., 16mm, dir: Phillipe de Montignie.

Remember Mandela (1980) - The history of Nelson Mandela, imprisoned in South Africa since 1962, is outlined in this short documentary through interviews, photographs, and film. Documentary, 31 min., 16mm, dir: Peter Davis.

Remembering Thelma (1982) - Kathe Sandler uses photographs, rare film footage, and interviews as a tribute to the late Thelma Hill, an influential dancer and instructor. Documentary, 15 min., VHS, dir: Kathe Sandler.

Respectful Prostitute, The [aka La putain respectueuse] (1952) - Barbara Laage is the prostitute who is first molested by the worthless, liquor sodden nephew of a Southern senator. Then he, along with his son and others, tries to force her to testify that this same nephew who has killed a black man (Walter Bryant) did so to protect her from rape. She does not however succumb to their coercive tactics. The lynching of an innocent black man has an effect on her decision. Video released in the United States in 1988. Drama, 75 min., VHS, dir: Charles Brabant & Marcello Pagliero.

Rhythm & Blues 1 (1982) - Host Billy Eckstine provides insight into the origin of Rhythm and Blues while top performing artists perform a variety of rhythm and blues songs in volume five of the America's Music series. Music Performance, 57 min., VHS, dir: Kip Walton.

Rhythm & Blues 2 (1982) - The sixth volume of the America's Music series presents live performances by original performers of rhythm and blues. Included in the program are Brooke Benton, Scatman Crothers, Mary Wells, O.C. Smith, and Sam Moore. Host Brock Peters provides a black & white clip of Sam Gilliard playing with Scatman Crothers on drums. Music Performance, 58 min., VHS, dir: Kip Walton.

Rhythm & Blues Revue (1955) - Filmed on stage at Harlem theatres, this variety musical was produced for all black audiences. Music Performance, 86 min., VHS, dir: Joseph Kohn.

Rhythm of Resistance [aka Beats of the Heart] (1979) - This film crosses boundaries of apartheid to experience Black South African music. Music performances by Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Malombo, Johnny Clegg, siph Mchunuof Juluka, The Mahotella Queens, Abafana Bas. Includes footage of rural and urban South Africa and interviews with artists musicians. Documentary, 60 min., DVD, dir: Chris Austin & Jeremy Marre.

Rich (1982) - Richard "Rich" (S. Torriano Berry), a black youth about to graduate from high school, sets his sights on college against the initial objection from his mother (Susann Akers) that he settle down and take a job at the local plant. Student film while filmmaker Berry attended UCLA. Drama, 20 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: S. Torriano Berry.

Richard Hunt: Sculptor (1978) - This documentary explores the work of renowned "junkyard" sculpure artist, Richard Hunt. Documentary, 14 min., 16mm, dir: Bert Van Bork.

Richard Pryor Show TV Special, The (1977) - Comedy, 98 min., DVD, dir: John Moffitt.

Richard Pryor Show Vol. 1, The (1977) - Comedy, 98 min., DVD, dir: John Moffitt.

Richard Pryor Show Vol. 2, The (1977) - Comedy, 49 min., DVD, dir: John Moffitt.

Richard Pryor: Here and Now (1983) - Richard Pryor muses on drugs, sex and politics in this performance shot in New Orleans's Saenger Theatre. Comedy, 83 min., VHS, dir: Richard Pryor.

Richard Pryor: Live & Smokin' (1971) - Richard Pryor's performance at the New York Improv on April 29th, 1971 that includes the famous "Wino Preacher & Willie the Junkie" routine as well as material on sex, drugs, and race relations. Comedy, 48 min., VHS, dir: Michael Blum.

Richard Pryor: Live in Concert (1979) - This Richard Pryor one-man show, with all his infamous routines, was filmed at the Hollywood Palladium. Comedy, 78 min., VHS, dir: Jeff Margolis.

Richard Pryor: Live on the Sunset Strip (1982) - Richard Pryor talks about his trip to Africa, one-night acts in Mafia-owned clubs and his near-fatal burning accident. Comedy, 82 min., VHS, dir: Joe Layton.

Richard's Answer (1947) - Stepin Fetchit stars in this short musical performance with Karl Bostic and his orchestra. Musical, 10 min., 16mm, dir: William Forest Crouch.

Rifle Road (2005) - The dangers of owning a gun are explored in this dramatic short film by South African filmmaker Akin Omotoso. Drama, 11 min., DVD, dir: Akin Omotoso.

Right On/Be Free! (1970) - Opening with a compelling recitation of LeRoi Jones' "S.O.S.," Right On/Be Free! progressively moves through depictions and interviews that symbolize the creativity of African American fine arts. David Bradford's artistic work with painted images of Black Men and women radiate with power, beauty, and confidence. William Marshall's recitation of a poem whose images of asphalt-covered playgrounds and blue skies blocked by towering skyscrapers relays the message that indeed, "These are not poetic times." Willie Ruff (Bass Player) and Dwike Mitchell (Pianist) play for a classroom of rythmic elementary students who are enthralled with Ruff's music. Rozzell and Roderick Sykes head St. Elmo's Village, an artistic Day-Care Type Center where 180 children from ages 2-14 participate. Judith Jamison gives an enigmatic dance performance that encapsulates the beauty, grace, and power of not only being Afro-American, but also being woman. Documentary, 19 min., 16mm, dir: Sarbon Tamimi.

Righteous Man, A: Nelson Mandela and the Jews of South Africa (2000) - Nelson Mandela's relationship with Jewish South Africans is the subject of this documentary, from early in his career when he worked for a Jewish law firm to the opening of the Jewish Museum in Johannesburg in 2000. Documentary, 20 min., VHS, dir: Ingrid Gavshon.

Ring of Passion (1978) - This film chronicles the lives of boxers Joe Louis (Bernie Casey) and Max Schmeling (Stephen Macht) through extensive crosscutting and archival Movietone newsreel footage (including 1936 Olympics with Jesse Owens). After Louis' intial defeat in 1936 by Schmeling, Louis goes on to become world champion in 1937, only to defend his title in a rematch with Schmeling in 1938. Louis was inducted into the army after this fight and still successfully maintained his title through twenty-five more bouts -- a record never broken. Louis' trainer is "Chappy" Jack Blackburn (Julius Harris); Denise Nicholas is cast as Louis' wife; Lly Brook (Beah Richards) is Louis' mother. John Roxborough (Percy Rodrigues) is the man who "discovered" Joe Louis. Julian Black (Mel Stewart) is Roxborough's Associate. Louis' practice fighter during training is Honey Bear (Shaka Cumbaka). Wonderful Smith has a minor role as Louis' family minister. Drama 98 min., 16mm, dir: Robert Michael Lewis.

River Niger, The (1976) - The River Niger is a realistic yet poetic portrayal of survival in the ghetto of Watts, Los Angeles. Adaptation based on the play by Joseph A. Walker. Drama, 108 min., DVD, dir: Krishna Shah.

River, The (1939) - This documentary traces the history of the Mississippi River and its tributaries and shows the destruction of forests that has led to erosion and the loss of soil, floods, and the loss of lives and property. Documentary, 31 min., 16mm, dir: Pare Lorentz.

Road Home, The (1930) - A group of black soldiers in the trenches of the first World War, played by Forbes Randolph's Kentucky Jubilee Singers, sing to pass the time before they have to go "over the top." When they eventually do go and fight, one of their comrades doesn't make it back and they mourn his loss. Musical, 18 min., 16mm, dir: Forbes Randolph.

Roar of the Crowd (1953) - The film documents the many boxing fights of Joe Louis, nicknamed the "Brown Bomber" among other alias. Drama, 71 min., VHS, 3/4", dir: Richard E. Norman.

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (1978) - In Mississippi, during the Great Depression of the 1930s, the Logans are one of the few Black families who own their land. Nine year old Cassie Logan doesn't understand why her parents attach as much importance to this, any more than she understands the Night Riders who terrorize her people. Drama, 110 min., VHS, dir: Jack Smight.

Roots of Resistence: A Story of the Underground Railroad (1989) - The story of Black America's secret railroad to freedom is recounted through narratives of escaped black slaves. Documentary, 58 min., VHS, dir: Orlando Bagwell.

Roots: Episode 1, The African (1977) - The serialized television extravaganza adapted from Haley's book of "faction" as he calls it; tracing the family's history from Mandika antecedents in the Gambia of the 1750s through the abduction and enslavement of his forbear Kunta Kinte (LaVar Burton; later played by John Amos as an adult), down to his parents' generation demonstrating their heroic survival in America. The first episode provides an introduction to Kunta and his family and their realization of the white man's presence. Drama, 47 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: David Greene.

Roots: Episode 2, The African (1977) - In the second episode, Kunte (LeVar Burton) is captured by the slave traders and embarks on the middle passage. Drama, 50 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: David Greene.

Roots: Episode 3, The Slave (1977) - The third episode relates Kunta's (LeVar Burton) trip on the middle passage and the slave ship's arrival in Maryland. Kunta is sold at auction to a Virginian and meets Fiddler (Lou Gossett, Jr.) who begins to teach him English. Drama, 53 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: David Greene.

Roots: Episode 4, The Slave (1977) - By the fouth episode, Kunta (LeVar Burton) has learned some English. He escapes from the plantation but is eventually caught by Ames (Vic Morrow) and is publicly whipped until he accepts his new English name: Toby Reynolds. Drama, 48 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: John Erman.

Roots: Episode 5, The Escape (1977) - In the fifth episode, Kunta (John Amos) is planning to escape again. He is caught while trying to convince Fanta (Beverly Todd) to runaway with him and has his toes cut off by his masters as punishment. Drama, 48 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: Marvin J. Chomsky.

Roots: Episode 6, The Choice (1977) - In the sixth episode, Kunta (John Amos) marries Bell (Madge Sinclair) and they have a baby girl and name her Kizzy; Fiddler (Louis Gossett, Jr.) dies. Drama, 49 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: Marvin J. Chomsky.

Roots: Episode 7, Uprooted (1977) - Kizzy (Leslie Uggams), now 16 years old, is accused of helping a young slave escape from the plantation in this seventh episode. As a result of this, she is sold to a new master and separated from her parents. Drama, 48 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: Marvin J. Chomsky.

Roots: Episode 8, Chicken George (1977) - The eighth episode finds Kizzy (Leslie Uggams) being courted by Samuel (Richard Roundtree), the driver for a neighboring plantation owner, who asks her to marry him. They go to the plantation she grew up on and find that her father has died and her mother was sold away. Olivia Cole won an Emmy for "Outstanding Single Performance by a Supporting Actress in a Comedy or Drama Series" as Mathilda in this installment. Drama, 48 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: Marvin J. Chomsky.

Roots: Episode 9, Chicken George (1977) - In the ninth episode, Kizzy (Leslie Uggams) and George's (Ben Vereen) masters become worried about their slaves rebelling against them. George gets a proposition to work for an Englishman and get set free in five years but his master won't allow it. He begins to plot to kill his master until Kizzy tells him that he is George's father. Drama, 48 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: Gilbert Moses.

Roots: Episode 10, The War (1977) - In episode ten, "Chicken" George (Ben Vereen) returns to Tom Moore's (Chuck Connors) plantation as a free man although he soon leaves. Tom Harvey (Georg Stanford Brown) murders a white man (Doug McClure) and is on the run as the Civil War begins. Drama, 52 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: Gilbert Moses.

Roots: Episode 11, Freedom (1977) - The Civil War ends in the eleventh episode and the former slaves face a struggle to survive on their own, with most taking up sharecropping. Racial tensions are aggravated further under the new social structure and the KKK is born. Drama, 53 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: Gilbert Moses.

Roots: Episode 12, Freedom (1977) - In the final episode, the KKK come to Tom's (Georg Stanford Brown) house and he stands up to them and gets whipped. George (Brad Davis) saves him by claiming that only he can whip "his niggers." 'Chicken' George returns to convince them to move to Tennessee. Drama, 44 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: Gilbert Moses.

Rosa Parks Story, The (2002) - Angela Basset stars as Rosa Parks in this detailed biography that takes a look into the life of the pioneering civil rights activist. This movie ventures into Parks' childhood, as well as the years leading up to and after her heroic event that sparked the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in the mid 1950s. This movie also stars Cicely Tyson and Dexter Scott King. Drama, 97 min., DVD, dir: Julie Dash.

Rosewood (1997) - The film is based on true events surrounding the prosperous black community of Rosewood, Florida in 1923, in which a white woman falsely accuses a black man of rape. Ving Rhames plays Mr. Mann, Esther Rolle plays Aunt Sarah, Don Cheadle plays Sylvester, Elise Neal plays Scrappie, and Akosue Busia plays Jewel. Drama, 142 min., VHS, dir: John Singleton.

'Round Midnight (1986) - The film follows the last days of sax great Dale Turner (Dexter Gordon) in Paris and New York. Herbie Hancock plays Eddie Wayne whose group Turner joins in Paris; Lonette McKee is singer Darcey Leigh, a lover from Turner's past; Sandra Reaves-Phillips plays Buttercup, a singer in Paris who looks out for Turner before that job is assumed by Francois (Francois Cluzet). Victoria Gabriella Platt plays Turner's daughter, Chan; Bobby Hutcherson, Ace; Arthur French, a drug dealer. Drama, 132 min., VHS, dir: Bertrand Tavernier.

Ruby Bridges (1998) - This made-for-television drama highlights the challenges faced by Ruby, a six-year-old black child. Based on real events, Ruby is the first person of African descent to attend a white school in the segregated south. She must demonstrate courage to deal with these overwhelming circumstances. Drama, 90 min., DVD, dir: Euzhan Palcy.

Rude (1982) - Rudy Ray Moore performs his rap-style stand-up comedy that earned him the title "The Godfather of Rap" in front of a live audience in Los Angeles. Comedy, 70 min., VHS, dir: Cliff Roquemore.

Rufus Jones for President (1933) - Burlesque on politics. A very young Sammy Davis, Jr. appears. Comedy, 16 min., 16mm, dir: Roy Mack.

Rug Maker: A Folktale of Africa (1970) - Based on the book When the Stones Were Soft, by Eleanor Heady, this animated short tells the East African folktale that shows that everyone benefits from knowing a trade. Drama, 9 min., 16mm, dir: Stephen Clark.

Runaway (1989) - Sgt. Jack Ramsey (Tom Selleck) a policeman raising his kid with the help of a robot maid, must terminate a group of killer robots programmed by evil genius Luther (Gene Simmons). Stan Shaw plays Marvin. Drama, 58 min., VHS, dir: Gilbert Moses.

Rush Hour (1998) - Comedian Chris Tucker and martial arts expert Jackie Chan co-star in this slick blockbuster comedy/action film that also spawned a successful sequel. Tucker as LAPD detective James Carter and Chan as Hong Kong Inspector Lee join forces to save the kidnapped daughter of a Chinese Government official. Directed by Brett Rattner, film critics note that Rush Hour re-energized the buddy film format. Action, 97 min., VHS, dir: Brett Ratner.