(FILM) CAPRA FRANK The original 16 mm film of Frank Capra’s

Sale 2408 - Lot 264

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Estimate: $ 1,500 - $ 2,500

(FILM.) CAPRA, FRANK. The original 16 mm film of Frank Capra's WWII propaganda film, 'The Negro Soldier." In the original 14-1/4 inch metal can. appears to be in perfect condition, must be seen. [Hollywood, CA], 1944

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"The Negro Soldier" was produced and directed by Hollywood genius Frank Capra in 1944, as a follow-up to the series 'Why We Fight.' The film, initially shown at army posts around the country, was clearly a morale boosting tool to convince American Negroes that this war was their fight too. While the 43-minute film received very positive reviews, it didn't do particularly well in theatres generally. Its awkward size made it difficult to show alongside feature films. Many older blacks remembered their treatment after coming home from WWI, but despite Jim Crow and broken promises, African-Americans once again answered the call. In 1941 fewer than 4,000 African-Americans were serving in the military and only twelve had become officers. However, by 1945, more than 1.2 million African-Americans would be serving in uniform on the Home Front, in Europe, and the Pacific (including thousands of African-American women in the Women's auxiliaries.)