[1926 JIM CROW ERA HOME FILM AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY]

Genre: home movie

Year Published: 1926

Description: This amateur shot home movie was filmed by an unknown filmmaker. Although some of the footage is fairly prosaic, it has rare content, in that it shows a white child dancing with a group of African American / Black children. It's not clear where it was filmed or why. The footage may or may not have been exploitative, as the children are shown performing the Charleston dance, which ties into prejudicial ideas and tropes that were common in the era. The images seem to invoke the minstrel and happy "Jim Crow" caricature. Perhaps the white child was friends with these Black children; or perhaps the parents thought it was amusing to have their child dance with them -- it's simply not clear. Much of the rest of the film shows two white siblings enjoying playing games and putting on shows for their family together. (Note: in 1926, 16mm film stock was new and cameras and processing was expensive. This indicates the filmmaker was probably well off.) The film opens with three African American children and a Caucasian girl playing over snow crusted ground (:09). The youngest dances the Charleston (:16), trailing behind the group. Shortly after with happy feet she leads (:57); telephone lines and snow mounds dot the background. An older member of the group, their mother or a caregiver, dances solo, sliding on the frozen ground (1:09) and -- she's terrific! Kids clap and smile in unison (1:51). The youngest girl plays with her dolly (2:01). Another shot shows the Caucasian girl dancing on her stoop (2:23), front door and street address in the background. Close shots capture an open mouth smile (3:04). The view runs over neighboring residential homes (3:44). The season changes, youth play in summer suits on the front lawn (3:57). They play in the sprinkler (4:07). Happy shots show one boy with the water sprinkler gushing from atop his head (4:42). The young boy and girl play with army figures on the carpet (4:59). Outside of Victorian style columns, they put on a performance in formal attire (6:21). Older members of the family join the show (6:58). Kids take a dewy bike ride in the rain (7:30). Three adult members of the family sit on a wicker chair together (9:21). A number of guests enter and exit the front door; showing style and dress of the era (10:36). Wide shots show the home’s expanse (11:24). A male figure flips through book pages (11:50). A woman taps on piano keys (12:06) as the film concludes.

Complete Record: This amateur shot home movie was filmed by an unknown filmmaker. Although some of the footage is fairly prosaic, it has rare content, in that it shows a white child dancing with a group of African American / Black children. It's not clear where it was filmed or why. The footage may or may not have been exploitative, as the children are shown performing the Charleston dance, which ties into prejudicial ideas and tropes that were common in the era. The images seem to invoke the minstrel and happy "Jim Crow" caricature. Perhaps the white child was friends with these Black children; or perhaps the parents thought it was amusing to have their child dance with them -- it's simply not clear. Much of the rest of the film shows two white siblings enjoying playing games and putting on shows for their family together. (Note: in 1926, 16mm film stock was new and cameras and processing was expensive. This indicates the filmmaker was probably well off.) The film opens with three African American children and a Caucasian girl playing over snow crusted ground (:09). The youngest dances the Charleston (:16), trailing behind the group. Shortly after with happy feet she leads (:57); telephone lines and snow mounds dot the background. An older member of the group, their mother or a caregiver, dances solo, sliding on the frozen ground (1:09) and -- she's terrific! Kids clap and smile in unison (1:51). The youngest girl plays with her dolly (2:01). Another shot shows the Caucasian girl dancing on her stoop (2:23), front door and street address in the background. Close shots capture an open mouth smile (3:04). The view runs over neighboring residential homes (3:44). The season changes, youth play in summer suits on the front lawn (3:57). They play in the sprinkler (4:07). Happy shots show one boy with the water sprinkler gushing from atop his head (4:42). The young boy and girl play with army figures on the carpet (4:59). Outside of Victorian style columns, they put on a performance in formal attire (6:21). Older members of the family join the show (6:58). Kids take a dewy bike ride in the rain (7:30). Three adult members of the family sit on a wicker chair together (9:21). A number of guests enter and exit the front door; showing style and dress of the era (10:36). Wide shots show the home’s expanse (11:24). A male figure flips through book pages (11:50). A woman taps on piano keys (12:06) as the film concludes.]