Screening

Year Released:
1941
Genres:
Drama
Metadata:
Directed by Spencer Williams

As the first race film added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry, The Blood of Jesus spins a tale of temptation that continues to fascinate viewers. A non- Christian husband accidentally shoots his devout Baptist wife, which leads to her eventual death. Upon death, she is visited by an angel that takes her to the ‘crossroads’ between Heaven and Hell. There she is met with agents of both temptation and good, vying for her soul. In the surreal juke-joints of the city, she must determine her fate, before it’s too late. Spencer Williams was a little-known filmmaker who enjoyed the rare privilege of being able to write, direct, produce, and star in his own films. (35mm presentation)

Special thanks to Jones Film and Video Collection, Hamon Arts Library, Southern Methodist University and Amy Turner.

The screening will be introduced by Northwestern University scholar, Jacqueline Stewart. Information on her Naremore Lecture can be found here.

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