Two Historic Films Celebrating Black History Month 2020
This week we have two special events as Black History Month comes to a close. On Wednesday 2/26 at the County Theater we will have a screening of The Scar of Shame (1927) and on Thursday 2/27, at the Ambler Theater we will have a screening of Say Amen, Somebody (1982).
The Scar of Shame is the one of the few remaining “race movies” of the silent and early sound era: films that were made with all African American casts for African American audiences. It is the one of the only remaining films of the few produced by the Colored Players Film Corporation that was based in Philadelphia, and luckily it is considered their best. Filmed in Philadelphia, it tells the story of a young musician who falls for a girl from a lower class. Their different backgrounds, and the girl’s manipulative stepfather and his friend, destroy their relationship with terrible consequences. The film was acclaimed for stepping outside of the the stereotypes of previous “race movies”. Its more substantial plot and depiction of the class issues within the African American community of the time were a new experience for its audiences.
The film will be introduced by local historian Doreen Stratton, along with her siblings, whose father, Sid Stratton, appears in the film with his band.
The Scar of Shame — Wednesday, February 26th at 7:30 PM at the County Theater
Say Amen, Somebody is a critically acclaimed, joyous documentary which focuses on two pioneers of Gospel music: Thomas A. Dorsey, the “father of Gospel”, and Mother Willie Mae Ford Smith, one of Gospel’s first soloists. Featuring performances from tributes to each of them, including performances by Barrett Sisters and the O’Neal Twins, Dorsey and Smith share their memories of their careers and their music. Roger Ebert said of the film: “It is…of the best musicals and one of the most interesting documentaries. And it’s also a terrific good time.”
After last year’s release of the 40-years-in-the-making Aretha Franklin Gospel documentary Amazing Grace, we are excited to bring Say Amen, Somebody to our theater. The documentary is back in cinemas after 30 years with a new restoration by Milestone Films, restored with the support of the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Academy Film Archive.
Say Amen, Somebody — Thursday, February 27th at 7:30 PM at the Ambler Theater
