Hallelujah

Hallelujah is a 1993 television drama film produced for the 11th season of PBS' American Playhouse. Stars James Earl Jones and Phylicia Rashad. Synopsis: A holiday tale about a young reverend (Dennis Haysbert) who is given two days to impress a Washington, D.C. church committee that is concerned about his age and single-parent status. Additionally, he is challenged when he encounters a pregnant teen and a homeless veteran. Storyline: Christmas at the Messiah Church in Washington D.C. A young preacher and later in the day a mysterious pregnant girl arrive at the church doors looking to begin new lives The preacher, the Reverend Oliver Crawford, is not the judgmental church committees first choice to be the Messiahs new pastor. He is an unwed father of a teenage son and he is given only two days to prove his worth to his new parishioners. Meanwhile Katherine, a sixteen-year-old girl, who is about to give birth has come to the area to escape an abusive home and to search for a grandfather she doesn't know. With the help of local homeless advocate Big Willie Thorton, Crawford attempts to revive the spirit of the church and provide solace to the displaced girl. 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 Ralph Fiennes

Dir. Chris Addison

Welcome to the Lost 90's Television Saturday Morning Cartoon block!! This is going to be the place for 90s nostalgia. | Step Up | Full Movie | | ABOUT THIS MOVIE | Tyler Gage (Channing Tatum) has been in and out of trouble for most of his life and after finding himself before the judge again, he is sentenced to 200 hours of community service mopping floors at the Maryland School of the Arts. He quickly catches the eye of Nora (Jenna Dewan), a gifted ballet student, who is trying to use hip-hop moves with her classical routines. After some initial hesitation, Nora convinces Tyler to help her with her dance routines and the sparks fly. MORE to come so stay tuned and

Dir. Anne Fletcher

A teenage girl's life gets turned upside down when a new school friend turns out to be a pop star. Presented By Radial Entertainment

Starring Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer

Dir. Jorma Taccone, Akiva Schaffer

Lady Sings the Blues is a 1972 American biographical musical drama film directed by Sidney J. Furie about jazz singer Billie Holiday, loosely based on her 1956 autobiography which, in turn, took its title from Holiday's song. It was produced by Motown Productions for Paramount Pictures. Diana Ross, in her feature film debut, portrayed Holiday, alongside a cast including Billy Dee Williams, Richard Pryor, James T. Callahan, and Scatman Crothers. The film was nominated for five Academy Awards in 1973, including Best Actress for Diana Ross. Plot: The story of the troubled life and career of the legendary Jazz singer, Billie Holiday, who fights drug addiction to make a name for herself. Synopsis: Chronicles the rise and fall of legendary blues singer Billie Holiday. Her late childhood, stint as a prostitute, early tours, marriages and drug addiction are featured. Storyline: Pop star Diana Ross portrays legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday in this biographical drama. Beginning with Holiday's traumatic youth, the film depicts her early attempts at a singing career and her eventual rise to stardom, as well as her difficult relationship with Louis McKay (Billy Dee Williams), her boyfriend and manager. Casting a shadow over even Holiday's brightest moments is the vocalist's severe drug addiction, which threatens to end both her career and her life. 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:

Dir. Sidney J. Furie

Honeydripper is a 2007 American musical drama film written and directed by John Sayles. Stars Danny Glover and Charles S. Dutton. Overview: In 1950s Alabama, the owner of the Honeydripper juke joint finds his business dropping off and against his better judgment, hires a young electric guitarist in a last ditch effort to draw crowds during harvest time. Synopsis: Faced with mounting debts and stiff competition from a rival nightclub and its newfangled jukebox, small-town Alabama club owner Tyrone Purvis (Danny Glover) and his partner Maceo (Charles S. Dutton) book rhythm-and-blues star Guitar Sam to save their failing venue, the Honeydripper. But when Sam doesn't show up on the appointed day, Tyrone must resort to increasingly desperate measures in his struggle to secure a last-minute replacement and keep the Honeydripper from closing its doors. Storyline: 1950. Rural Alabama. Cotton harvest. It's a make-or-break weekend for the Honeydripper Lounge and its owner, piano player Tyrone "Pine Top" Purvis. Deep in debt to the liquor man, the chicken man, and the landlord, Tyrone is desperate to lure the young cotton pickers and local Army base recruits into his juke joint, away from Touissant's, the rival joint across the way. His plan to hire a guitar legend goes awry and Tyrone is forced to take drastic action in a final scheme to save the club. Plot: Filmed and set in Georgiana, Alabama circa 1950, the film stars Danny Glover as the owner of a traditional blues club that is failing and in danger of being taken over until he hires a young electric guitarist (Gary Clark, Jr.) to stand-in as the popular "Guitar Sam" in the hopes of attracting a younger crowd. The film also stars musician Keb' Mo' as a mysterious blind guitarist, actor/comedian Kel Mitchell and singer Mable John. Rhythm and blues singer Ruth Brown recorded some songs for the film and was cast to play the role ultimately played by John, but died before filming started. 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 Danny Glover, LisaGay Hamilton, Yaya DaCosta

Dir. John Sayles

Lackawanna Blues is a 2005 American biographical drama television film directed by George C. Wolfe and written by Ruben Santiago-Hudson. It aired on HBO on February 12, 2005. It is based on the play of the same name by Santiago-Hudson. Wolfe had commissioned the stage version. For her work in the movie, S. Epatha Merkerson won a Primetime Emmy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and a Screen Actors Guild Award in 2006. Synopsis: In a story fueled by rhythm and blues, a young boy's life is shaped by love and the stories of a cast of characters in the boarding house where he lives in 1950s and 1960s Lackawanna, New York. Storyline: In the 1950s and 1960s, Ruben Santiago-Hudson Jr. lives in a lively boardinghouse in the blue-collar town of Lackawanna, New York, with his father after his parents separate. Run by the motherly Nanny Crosby and her taciturn husband, the boardinghouse residents, including The Bandleader, singer Pauline and cabaret owner Dick Barrymore, teach the young boy about life and art. Premise: Lackawanna Blues is the true story of Ruben Santiago Jr. growing up in Lackawanna, New York. He was raised by his father and mother and the neighborhood boarding house lady known as Rachel "Nanny" Crosby. Ruben was born in 1956 to his Puerto Rican father Ruben Santiago and his African-American mother Alean Hudson. His mother was too mentally unstable to take good care of him; residing in mental hospitals, Alean disappears and reappears throughout Ruben's life. His father stayed at Nanny's boarding house, but he was frequently not around due to working long hours or out looking for work. Nanny more or less took care of Ruben Jr. as a mother figure. The television movie depicts his life growing up there and the diverse characters that he meets during his and their stays at the boarding house. Taglines: Play it. Sing it. Shout it. Feel it. 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 S. Epatha Merkerson, Marcus Carl Franklin, Yasiin Bey

Dir. George C. Wolfe

Polly is a 1989 American made-for-television musical film adapted from the book Pollyanna by Eleanor H. Porter featuring an all African-American cast (with the exception of Celeste Holm). It was directed and choreographed by Debbie Allen, starring Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Rashad and also featured the final performance of actress Butterfly McQueen. Polly was originally broadcast on NBC on November 12, 1989. Storyline: An orphan tries to use gladness to unite the people in a small southern town. Plot: Set in Alabama during the 1950s, Polly Whittier, an orphan who is sent to live with her aunt Polly Harrington, who is a descendant of the founding family of a small Southern town (also called Harrington) during the segregation era. A key point in dividing the town is a ravine which has an unrepaired bridge which burned down many years ago, and no one knows how it started and is suspicious of everyone else. Polly is able to convince people to look at the bright side of things, but tragedy strikes when Polly falls two stories from a tree, suffering a spinal injury. 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 Keshia Knight Pulliam, Phylicia Rashād, Dorian Harewood

Dir. Debbie Allen

SCOTT JOPLIN (1977) | BILLY DEE WILLIAMS BLACKTREE MEDIA SATURDAY MOVIE SHOWCASE Before jazz transformed American music, there was Scott Joplin, the King of Ragtime. Billy Dee Williams stars in this 1977 biographical drama about the legendary Black composer who helped revolutionize American music with classics including Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer. Directed by Jeremy Kagan, the film follows Joplin’s journey from playing piano in saloons to becoming one of America’s most influential composers, while confronting racism, personal tragedy, and the struggle to have his music recognized as serious art. Featuring: Billy Dee Williams, Clifton Davis, Margaret Avery, Godfrey Cambridge, Eubie Blake, Mabel King, Taj Mahal and Art Carney. 🎬 Year: 1977 | Rating: PG | Runtime: 96 minutes Joplin’s influence extended far beyond ragtime, helping shape the musical traditions that followed. In 1976, he received a posthumous Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for his contributions to American music. Discover the extraordinary story behind the music and one of Billy Dee Williams’ lesser-known performances. 🎬 Watch more classic movies and television streaming 24/7 at BlackTreeTV.com — Where Legends Live Forever. 🔔

Starring Billy Dee Williams, Clifton Davis, Margaret Avery

Dir. Jeremy Kagan

Bright Road is a 1953 low-budget film adapted from the Christopher Award-winning short story "See How They Run" by Mary Elizabeth Vroman. Directed by Gerald Mayer and featuring a nearly all-black cast, the film stars Dorothy Dandridge as an idealistic first-year elementary school teacher trying to communicate with a problem student. The film is also notable as the first appearance by Harry Belafonte, who costars as the principal of the school. Bright Road was groundbreaking for its positive and realistic depiction of Black professionals in a time when such portrayals were rare in Hollywood. Dandridge had been attracted to the lack of racial conflict in the story. She wrote that she was "profoundly fond of ... a theme which showed that beneath any color skin, people were simply people. I had a feeling that themes like this might do more real good than the more hard-hitting protest pictures. I wanted any black girl in the audience to look at me performing in this film and be able to say to herself, 'Why, this schoolteacher could be me.'" Alongside schoolteacher Jane Richards (Dorothy Dandridge) is Principal Williams (Harry Belafonte), who provides support as Jane seeks to inspire and uplift her students. The film is a touching portrayal of perseverance, the power of education, and the impact of dedicated Black educators on young lives. Synopsis: A young teacher helps a troubled student who's fascinated by a caterpillar's metamorphosis. After losing his sister and facing challenges, he proves himself by handling a bee crisis at school. Plot: A drama starring Dorothy Dandridge as a dedicated teacher in a rural African American community. The film explores her struggles and triumphs as she aims to inspire her young students, confronting societal challenges along the way. Review: "Bright Road" is a film that Hollywood decided to present with an almost all black cast, something that was not done often prior to the fifties and the arrival of such stars as Dorothy Dandridge, Harry Belafonte, and the man that would make it all possible for other performers of color: Sidney Poitier! The story is simple, and yet, it speaks volumes of what a good teacher can do to inspire the young people in her charge. Jane Richards is such a person. She sees the good bottled inside C.T. Young, the rebellious poor boy that, deep inside, is a wonderful youngster who has had no luck with other teachers in the school, who have made him repeat two years and haven't really seen the potential in him. Dorothy Dandridge makes a sweet, yet firm Jane Richards. She was a star that could do anything, as proved by her other films, most notably in "Carmen Jones". She was a beautiful presence in this film, who with her positive attitude changes and inspires her students. Tall and handsome Harry Belafonte is seen as the Principal in his screen debut. Dandridge and Belafonte are an attractive duo when they are onscreen together. Philip Hepburn played C.T. Young with conviction for such a small child. Bright Road showcases an inspiring tale of hope, resilience, and transformation. Through powerful performances and a compelling narrative, the film explores the challenges of education, love, and growth. CT's journey, symbolized by a caterpillar’s metamorphosis, reminds us of the importance of second chances and personal change. Don't miss this rare and beautiful moment in Black cinema history, a film whose message resonates as much today as it did in 1953. "Bright Road" is a charming film thanks to Ms. Dandridge and the direction of Mr. Mayer. 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 Dorothy Dandridge, Philip Hepburn, Harry Belafonte

Dir. Gerald Mayer

Boarding House Blues is a 1948 American musical race film directed by Josh Binney which featured the first starring film role by Moms Mabley. It was the penultimate feature film of All-American News, a company that made newsreels about black Americans. A delightful musical comedy starring legendary comedian Moms Mabley. Set in a boarding house full of struggling entertainers, the tenants rally together to save their home by putting on a show. Filled with toe-tapping musical numbers, slapstick humor and a celebration of African American entertainment history, this film is a hidden gem of the 1940s. Premise: Mom (Moms Mabley) runs a boarding house for struggling entertainers, similar to the situation decades earlier when Mabley had lived in a boarding house for black entertainers in Harlem, New York. When the boarding house is threatened with closure and all the tenants evicted due to non-payments, everyone gets together to put on a show to raise the money needed to save Mom and their home. The plot functions as a showcase for performance and comedy sketches in an attempt to raise enough money to fend off the landlord. Storyline: Despite the slapstick atmosphere there, the inhabitants of Moms' theatrical boarding house in Harlem are broke and in danger of losing their home. For some ready cash, they trick a producer into helping them put on a show, featuring a variety of black specialty acts. Legacy: The film was the first starring role for Mabley and showcased her "vaudeville-circuit comedy and captured her signature stances and expressions." The film was also one of the early iterations of Mabley's "Moms" persona. Of note also as a document of actual vaudeville acts not long before vaudeville died out completely. 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 Moms Mabley, Dusty Fletcher, Marcellus Wilson

Dir. Josh Binney

The Girl from Chicago is a 1932 American drama race film produced and directed by pioneering African American filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, with an all-African American cast including lead actors Star Calloway and Carl Mahon. Produced on a shoestring budget, this independent production features a largely non-professional cast. The film contrasts rural and urban Black life, blending crime, romance, and social commentary. As is common in Micheaux's films, the story line is punctuated with period musical numbers, offering a glimpse of African American musical and dancing talent of the time. The fact that Micheaux often lacked sufficient funding for his sound films affected the technical quality of his productions. But his surviving films represent the beginnings of Black Cinema. Plot: A federal agent falls in love while on assignment in Mississippi. He helps his lover escape a local thug. They then go to Harlem where they become involved in the assassination of a Cuban racketeer. Storyline: An undercover government agent on a case in Mississippi meets and falls in love with a beautiful young woman who's being menaced by a local crime boss. He rescues the girl, and they leave Mississippi and head to Harlem, but their troubles follow them: they become involved in the murder of a local crime boss there. Review: “Micheaux had the progressive idea of presenting a black man as a Secret Service agent who worked with Scotland Yard—when none existed in real life” —Sergio Mims About the Film: A remake of Micheaux’s now-lost 1926 silent film The Spider’s Web, The Girl from Chicago (1932) is a film that explores the cultural rift between the urban and the rural, set in both Harlem and Batesburg, Mississippi. As had become his forte, Micheaux punctuates the dramatic scenes with musical numbers, set both in domestic parlors and the lively “The Radium Club.” About the Filmmaker: Oscar Devereaux Micheaux was an author, film writer and director, and independent producer of more than 44 silent films and sound films from 1919—1948. Micheaux was the first African American filmmaker to produce a full feature-length film and is regarded as a prominent producer of race films, and the most successful African American filmmaker of the first half of the 20th century. Micheaux’s work is not only a milestone in African American cinema, but an incredible insight into American history regarding race in society. Preservation Status: The film is historically significant with a copy held in the Library of Congress collection. The Girl from Chicago is an early all-black talkie, so it has historical value, but amateur acting and low production values hamper this flawed film. While not a masterpiece, it’s worth watching for its cultural importance and Micheaux’s groundbreaking vision. 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 Carl Mahon, Starr Calloway, Alice B. Russell

Dir. Oscar Micheaux

Mystery in Swing is an American murder mystery race film featuring an all-black cast that was released in 1940. It was directed by Arthur Dreifuss, based on a script by Arthur Hoerl. Mystery in Swing features music by The Four Toppers and Cee Pee Johnson and his Orchestra and was noted as being the first time a Black orchestra recorded an entire score for a film. It is currently held in the collections of the National Museum of African American History and Culture. What sets this movie apart from other films of its ilk -- both white-cast and black-cast -- are the interesting and well-played musical interludes and the comedic turn by F. E. Miller as Sgt. Slim. Miller is better known as the vaudeville (and film) partner of Mantan Moreland, but both had separate film outings as well. Both are always worth watching, alone or as a pair. Also notable here is Buck Woods, as a valet who has some memorable scenes ranging from the dramatic to the comedic. Plot: An unpopular band leader at a nightclub is murdered, and the list of suspects is long. Synopsis: In and around some great blues, swing and jazz music, a very unpopular band-leader, Prince Ellis, is killed in a Harlem nightclub, and, in and around some more great music, a detective (Monte Hawley) finds the lists of suspects is very long, as Prince Ellis was indeed very unpopular with many citizens. Tagline: THRILLS! CHILLS! MUSIC! GIRLS! (original poster - all caps) Reception and Legacy: A review in Box Office noted, "The cast, largely comprising night-club entertainers, delivers competently and there are a few welcome and well-done musical interludes." 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 Monte Hawley, Tommie Moore, Edward Thompson

Dir. Arthur Dreifuss

Intro - You Should Be Dancing / Alone Massachusets To Love Somebody Words Closer Than Close Islands In The Stream Our Love (Don't Throw It All Away) Ft. Andy Gibb Night Forever / More Than a Woman Lonely Days New York Mining Disaster 1941 I Can't See Nobody And The Sun Will Shine Nights On Broadway How Can You Mend a Broken Heart Heartbreaker Guilty Immortality Ft. Celine Dion Tragedy I Started a Joke Grease Jive Talkin' How Deep Is Your Love Stayin' Alive You Should Be Dancing ----------------------------------------------- Bee Gees, performing live concert at One Night Only Don't forget buy the original DVD © 2013 Bee Gees

Dir. Michael Simon

Worn Out, Played Out, Strung Out. 10 Years after Punk band Crust split up the band members lives have fallen apart. Drummer Bonehead has just been released from prison and sets about reforming the band for one last show. Please visit our website to get more information: 🔔Love unique stories and talented filmmakers?

Starring Louise McCann, Baz Black, Jonathan French

Dir. Baz Black

Cindy is a 1978 American musical television movie, shot on videotape and first broadcast on the ABC television network, with an entirely African-American cast. Directed by William A. Graham, the film is an urbanized retelling of Cinderella. In this African-American retelling of "Cinderella," southern girl Cindy (Charlayne Woodard) must move to World War II-era Harlem, N.Y., after her father remarries. Cindy's new life becomes fraught with trouble as she finds herself tormented by her overbearing stepmother and relentless stepsisters. Cindy sneaks out one night and meets gallant Marine Joe Prince (Clifton Davis), falling for him instantly. But will Cindy ever see Prince again? An old tennis shoe may hold the key to her happiness. Plot: After World War II, Cindy (Charlayne Woodard) has moved from the south to live in Harlem with her newly blended family. She finds herself constantly abused by her stepmother and stepsisters. Her father (Scoey Mitchell) provides some comfort but cannot prevent the abuse entirely. One night, she meets Captain Joe Prince (Clifton Davis) and is swept off her feet. A romance soon ensues. Storyline: This version of the Cinderella tale with an all-black cast has Cinderella, who wants to marry a dashing army officer, finding out out that her father, who she thought had an important job at a big hotel, is actually the men's room attendant. Her wicked stepmother finds out, too, and complications ensue. Synopsis: A sparkling musical updating to World War II Harlem of the Cinderella story, featuring virtually an all-black cast, with an original score and several twists at the end. Charlayne Woodard and Nell-Ruth Carter later were reunited in the Broadway smash "Ain't Misbehavin" for which the latter won the Tony Award. 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 Mia Tuco, Annie Lumsden, Fergal McTigue

Dir. Renee Kypriotis