Midnight Shadow is a 1939 race film with an all-African American cast. It was directed and produced by George Randol, who was also African American. Storyline: In a quiet, all-black Oklahoma community live the Wilsons, whose pretty daughter Margaret is courted by awkward Buster and suave stage mentalist Prince Alihabad. On one busy night, Mr. Wilson shows his valuables to Alihabad, who plans to elope with Margaret; a mysterious man hangs around while another burglarizes the house; and someone murders Mr. Wilson! Will the killer be caught by the police, or by bumbling correspondence-school detective Junior Lingley? Review: Shot on a micro-budget - it’s stilted and lethargic. But it is still an important piece of black film history from the era of Jim Crow segregation in America. Midnight Shadow portrays an African American town where black people served as detectives, police, mediums and oil executives, etc. This contrasts with the stereotypical, token and subservient black characters in big budget white Hollywood films of that era. Also of note, colorism is in full effect here, demonstrated by the fact that the leads of this film all have lighter skin in comparison to the supporting actors, who have much darker skin and are often used to comedic effect, including a bumbling, incompetent Sherlock detective. We do not own the rights to any of this film. This film is being used for historical and educational purposes only. No copyright infringement intended. Black Excellence:

Starring Yaëlle Alexandre, Noa Van Ende

Dir. Roméo Ferrandez