Not to be missed is the Academy Museum’s renovation: Black Cinema 1898-1971. The exhibition not only celebrates the representation of black people in films, but serves as an important reminder and lesson about the contributions of black filmmakers and stars to the world of cinema.
Opening August 21, seven galleries make up the gallery that explores Oscar Michaux’s low-budget dramas in the silent film era of Melvin van Peebles’ work.
The show also introduces audiences to the largely unknown stars of mainstream moviegoers – Ralph Cooper, Clarence Brooks and Francine Everett – along with iconic screen legends Paul Robson, Josephine Baker, Harry Belafonte, Sidney Poitier and Lena Horn.
Oscar Poiter for “Lillies of the Field” is just one of the many artifacts on display in this historic exhibition. Besides the award, there are faucet shoes worn by the Nicholas brothers and one of Louis Armstrong’s horns.
The cowboy boots that Herb Jeffreys wore in Harlem on the Prairie in 1937
Before appearing in the West as “The Bronze Buckaroo” and “Harlem Rides the Range,” Herb Jeffries made his debut in 1937 in “Harlem on the Prairie.”
Jeffries played Jeff Kinkade and was one of the first black actors to sing Western music on screen. Described as “the first black American cowboy to sing in films,” Jeffries can sing, act, and ride horses. “Harlem on the Prairie” was filmed at N.B. Murray Dude Ranch, a black-owned ranch in Victorville, California.
Shown in “Regeneration” are a pair of leather shoes that Jeffreys wore in the film.
Costume worn by Sammy Davis Jr. in “Porgy and Bess” 1959
The “Sportin’ Life” suit worn by Sammy Davis Jr. from “Porgy and Bess” is an original classic black and white plaid outfit. The tailored jacket with peak lapel and black velvet top collar is paired with a matching pair of button front pants.
Erin Sharaf was the costume designer for the film.
Tap shoes worn by the Nicholas brothers
There are two pairs of tap shoes worn by Fayard and Harold Nicholas below the musical score for “Stormy Weather.” While the Nicholas Brothers have rarely had lead role opportunities due to racial prejudice, the duo continues to gain international fame through their talent, charisma, and iconic routine, particularly with their performance in “Stormy Weather” to the tune of “Jumpin’ Jive.”
The brothers, with their background as choreographers and dancers, did not even rehearse for the sequence, considered one of the most impressive dance numbers in Hollywood.
Costume design illustrations for the 1954 movie “Carmen Jones”
Costume designer Mary Ann Nyberg created the costumes for 1954’s “Carmen Jones,” the all-black musical starring Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, Pearl Bailey, Dushanbe Carol, and Brooke Peters. The exhibition features two design illustrations from the film: a black off-the-shoulder top and red sheath skirt worn by Dorothy Dandridge as Carmen Jones, as well as the pink plaid dress worn by Olga James as Cindy Lou.
Dandridge earned an Oscar nomination for her role in “Carmen Jones,” making her the first African-American woman to be nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role.
Zoot suits worn by dancers in the 1943 ‘Stormy Weather’
Next to the show’s Nicholas Brothers shoes are three zoot suits worn by dancers in 1943’s “Stormy Weather.” Cab Calloway wore the infamous oversized zoot suit in the movie, which was released during the same year that Zoot Suit Riots took place. According to the show, the striped suit was worn by Doris Ake, Nadine Coles, Cleo Herndon, E. Williams, Reeves and an unidentified dancer.
Helen Rose was the costume designer for the film.
Paul Robson’s version of “Ol ‘Man River” from the 1927 musical “Show Boat”
A stage performance of Paul Robson’s “River Allman” from the 1927 musical “Show Boat” in one exhibition of the gallery, with Robson’s version next to the original lyrics. Robson would sometimes change the lyrics of the songs he performed in a musical or movie to reflect his true reality. A civil rights activist, Robson often defied the racial stereotypes depicted in the film.
In the original “Ol ‘Man River”, with music by Jerome Kern and lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II, the song reads: “Git a little drunk / An” you get in jail / Ah gits weary / An “sick of tryin” / Ah, I’m tired From the living “/Skater from the dark”. Robeson, who sang “Ol’ Man River” in the 1936 movie adaptation, changed this part of the song in his own show: “You show a little daring and / You land in prison / But I keep a laffin’ instead of crying” / I You must keep fighting ‘/ Until I’m done . “
sheet music “stormy weather”
Along with Lena Horne’s sparkling evening gown, there’s the notepad for Stormy Weather. The 1943 musical has been restored to the Academy Museum and will be shown on September 3.
The song was written by Harold Arlin and Ted Koehler in 1933 and performed by Horn’s character, Selena Rogers, at the end of the film.
Louis Armstrong engraved flat trumpet Selmer B
Louis Armstrong has had an extraordinary jazz career spanning five decades. Over the years, he is best known for playing the trumpet as well as his voice.
The trumpet on display dates back to around the 1930s. Armstrong was known for playing the trumpets for up to five years before it passed.
On display is a custom-made and engraved flat Henry Selmer B horn that belongs to Armstrong.
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