Collection Guide
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Loyola Marymount University Early Black Cinema Collection MS.142
MS.142
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Table of contents
Language of Material:
English
Contributing Institution:
William H. Hannon Library, Archives & Special Collections, Manuscripts
Title: Loyola Marymount University Early Black Cinema Collection
Identifier/Call Number: MS.142
Physical Description:
2 Linear Feet
Date (inclusive): 1926-1973
Abstract: This education collection features ephemera from early Black films. Also known as an artificial collection, items were brought
together from different origins for the purpose of teaching on a specific subject.
This collection is organized by film.
In 1926, Norman Studios produced "The Flying Ace," a film selected by Librarian of Congress Carla Hayden to join the Library
of Congress National Film Registry. The poster for the film advertises an "all-colored cast," as does the studio's follow-up
film "Black Gold," released in 1928. Both titles belong to the race film genre as they were created for Black audiences and
staring Black casts as a response to being excluded from mainstream Hollywood films in the early 20th century.
Decades later, "Rock 'n' Roll Revue" was released, featuring live musical and comedic performances from artists including
Duke Ellington, Larry Darnell, Coles and Atkins, The Clovers, Dinah Washington, and Nat King Cole. This production was filmed
at the Apollo Theater in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City.
In 1972, Wattstax was a benefit concert in commemoration of the Watts Riots of 1965. A recording of this performance held
at the Los Angeles Coliseum was distributed the following year by Columbia Pictures under the same name. In 2020, "Wattstax"
was also selected to join the Library of Congress National Film Registry. Performers advertised include Isaac Hayes, The Staple
Singers, Luther Ingram, Johnnie Taylor, The Emotions, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas, Albert King, and Richard Pryor.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Purchased via Antiquarian Booksellers Association of American from Michael Laird Rare Books LLC and Royal Books, Inc. Accession
numbers: 2023.20 and 2023.21.
Collection is open to research under the terms of use of the Department of Archives and Special Collections, Loyola Marymount
University.
Materials in the Department of Archives and Special Collections may be subject to copyright. Unless explicitly stated otherwise,
Loyola Marymount University does not claim ownership of the copyright of any materials in its collections. The user or publisher
must secure permission to publish from the copyright owner. Loyola Marymount University does not assume any responsibility
for infringement of copyright or of publication rights held by the original author or artists or his/her heirs, assigns, or
executors.
[Identification of item], Series name, Box and Folder number, Loyola Marymount University Early Black Cinema Collection, MS142,
Department of Archives and Special Collections, William H. Hannon Library, Loyola Marymount University.
Subjects and Indexing Terms
African Americans in motion pictures
Film posters, American
Lobby cards
Stills (Motion pictures)