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(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
[1,500/2,500]
”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 gener-
ally. 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 offi-
cers. 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.)
265
●
(FILM.) CAPRA, FRANK.
“The Negro Soldiers in Moving Talking
Pictures. One of the Best All Colored Pictures.”
Advertising placard, 11 x 14 inches;
printed on heavy stock with a small photographic insert. Paper toned.
Hollywood, CA, 1944
[600/800]
”Showing a part of the history of the Negro race such characters as Booker T., Washington, George
W. Carver, Dorrie Miller, Joe Louis and others. Also showing the boys on the battle fronts in World
War 1 and 2 and the Negro WACS of which we are so proud.” A rare placard. Frank Capra, who
had directed “It’s A Wonderful Life,” and other “feel good” films, was a natural to direct this film
aimed at the black community in wartime.
265