I originally received Hollywood Black by Donald Bogle as an e-ARC through NetGalley, although I ended up realising quickly that it would end up being the kind of book I personally prefer reading physically--the full-sized pictures, multiple columns, and my own need to flip back to place names and faces as new information is gained were all factors here. I ended up reading the book once it became available through the library so I could hold it. I have no regrets, although obviously, I wish I had read it sooner.

Hollywood Black is a fantastic introductory overview of Black American cinematic history. Beginning in the silent film era and covering every period up until 2019, we get a glance at some of the most significant actors, filmmakers, and individual films throughout the last more-than-a-century. With stills, posters, and glamour shots filling the pages, it was easy to imagine even the actors and films I wasn't familiar with. The style is accessible and friendly to those without a lot of background on the subject, so if you were ever intimidated by a film history book, this is a welcome chronology to come into the subject. I also ended up being reminded of favourite movies and finished the book with a lengthy to-watch list, so I feel like it was a win on that front.

If this is a subject you already have a deep knowledge of, you'll likely not find much in the way of new information, but it is a great overview. I was personally familiar with probably two-thirds of the films and figures mentioned, but I managed to learn something new about many of the selections, and even the stuff I was very familiar with was placed into a broader context that I felt gave me a greater understanding of the whole. I know that Bogle has written other books on the subject, both more in-depth and detailed overviews along with in-depth looks on particular subjects (including related biographies). I know that when I'm ready to read more about Black film history, it will be Bogle's works I look to.

Overall, Hollywood Black was an accessible, enjoyable, and informative look into the subject, and I'm very glad to have read it. I would definitely recommend it to those looking to explore more Black film history and aren't sure where to start.

Hollywood Black: The Stars, the Films, the Filmmakers from Donald Bogle is that mix of coffee table type book that is also a joy to read.

I was expecting this to be like so many books that are primarily published as attractive volumes with many photographs that cover long periods of time. They tend toward avoiding too much of the controversy in what they are covering and keep to the things that casual fans want to see and read. And I would not have been disappointed if that had been the case here, there are plenty of good critical and academic books that cover the many issues at the intersection of race and cinema, several from Bogle himself. But Bogle and Turner Classic Movies found a nice middle ground so that this book could both entertain and educate readers. This is not an in depth analysis of either racism in Hollywood or the role of race cinema in the silent and early talkie eras, nor was this written to be that, to criticize this book for not being what it didn't set out to be is disingenuous at best. As it is, it may well pique a lot of people's interest and they can then go find in-depth work in those areas of interest. Otherwise, this would have been a massive tome and had limited readership. I guess what I am saying is that Bogle did a great job of pointing out the racism and the hypocrisy (of both the film industry and of the country at large) without losing any of his readers who might have mostly been interested in just knowing some history.

The history, while by the nature of the volume not being able to touch on every person of note, does cover all of the major stars and films while offering enough of a glimpse at others to point them in the direction for more research or reading. The pictures are wonderful and distributed throughout the book.

I would recommend this to both the casual film lover as well as the more seasoned. While overviews don't always introduce a lot of new material they are wonderful for highlighting things as well as reminding us of things we may have forgotten. At 9.5"x7.9" it isn't quite as big as some coffee table books but it would still make for a nice display book.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via NetGalley.

I consider Donald Bogle the definitive expert on Black Hollywood. His research, and his passion for the subject matter shines through every word on the page. Donald's engaging writing style takes the reader on a journey of discovery of the history of film, actors, directors and the order of the day. Readers are guaranteed to learn something and will see just how far the forward-thinking Pioneers of Cinema lead us. Everything old is truly new again.

Hollywood Black (Turner Classic Movies) by Donald Bogle
The Stars, The Films, The Filmmakers

Rich with history this book begins in the early years of film then moves through the decades from the thirties through the 20th century and then a bit beyond. As I read and looked at photos I remembered movies and loved and also was reminded of the roles that black actors had played in them. Not all of the movies I remember were in this book many were. I also came away wanting to revisit some of those well remembered movies and see some mentioned that I had never encountered. I learned a great deal including the fact that there were movies made by black directors decades before I was even born. I found this book fascinating and would love to have it in my library to spend more time with in the future. I also highly recommend this book to libraries as a wonderful resource.

Thank you to NetGalley and Perseus Books, Running Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

I am not a movie person. I don't buy advance tickets to new releases. I don't plan events around a new movie. I do not rewatch movies unless it is an all-time favorite (gut-wrenching Imitation of Life, my kind of musical Purple Rain, or the prize-fighting Rocky series). I cannot quote lines from classic movies such as Color Purple, Coming to America, Friday and such. I can't tell you which actor played in what movie. Like I said, I am not a movie person.

But I do love black history. Hence my enthusiasm to read a new book release titled Hollywood Black: The Stars, The Films, The Filmmakers which spans from the early years of 1905 to the new Millenium. What an outstanding book cover too! This is the definition of a coffee-table, conversation-starter piece. The black and white images and colorful film posters within are just as eye-catching and support the content. I plan to gift this book to a couple friends that will appreciate the true story it tells.

We have all heard the household names like actor Sidney Poitier, actress Dorothy Dandridge, songstress Lena Horne, filmmaker Spike Lee, Claudine or cool cat Shaft. However, Hollywood Black expertly points out lesser known black stars that paved the way. There are a ton more actors, actresses, writers, directors and producers that have been glossed over and deserve recognition. From the era of blackface to modern-day Jordan Peele/Viola Davis and the breaking of stereotyped roles, Hollywood Black serves as a guide.

To say I learned a lot is an understatement. I gasped while reading about how far blacks have come in the film industry. I had no idea there were films titled as bold as The Dancing Nig. While other movies like my favorite, Imitation of Life, is a tearjerker example of rejection, colorism and white advantage. The funeral scene is still one of the most moving ever! Eddie Anderson went from being paid a measly $35 to earning $100,000/year and was the highest paid black actor. Women like Hattie McDaniel were larger and browner offering mammy-ish comfort on screen to white heroines. Now look...black men and women of all shapes and shades are stars in film both on and behind the camera!

I highly recommend Hollywood Black: The Stars, The Films, The Filmmakers to movie buffs and fellow lovers of black history. If anything, you will be left with a world of knowledge and a long "To Watch" list. May I suggest you begin with blaxploitation cinema? Spring is upon us so get a head start, rent old black films and continue supporting new black films until this Turner Classic Movies book is released in your hands.

Happy Early Pub Day, Donald Bogle. Hollywood Black will be available Tuesday, May 7.

LiteraryMarie

Wow, what a book. Hollywood Black Turner Classics opened my eyes to many of my favorite actors, actresses and movies. One of my favorite actors is Eddie Rochester Anderson who was one of the highest paid African American actors. His relationship with Jack Benny on radio opened the door for other household names. I could good on and on, this book has sparked a "light in my heart". You will enjoy it, written in short chapters you will find it an easy, enjoyable read.

What a fascinating journey through the history of Blacks in the film industry! As I read this book, I was totally engaged. That made it very hard to put this book down. I even went to my Turner Classic Movies app to see if any of the films discussed in the book were available for viewing. The author does an excellent job of taking the reader through not only the backstories of the people discussed but also their biographies. This book belongs on the bookshelves or libraries of those interested in the history of film as well as the contributions of Black people to this industry.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by the publisher and Net Galley. However, the thoughts expressed are totally my own.

OMG!!!! I loved this book. What a gem. Very well written history on black films. Nice mix of actors and actresses. I found the facts to be very interesting and fascinating. The format of the book makes you want to continue reading. The subjects chosen were good choices and I sincerely hope the author makes a 2nd book on the subject matter. I for one would buy it. Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the ARC of this book. Although I received the book in this manner, it did not effect my opinion of this book nor my review.

What an interesting read. I've read two books that focused on old Hollywood, specifically the silent era, and only remember a slight mention of black silent screen actors of the time. Mainly that they were there but for the most part it was just white actors in black face (or yellow face for that matter). What is truly telling of the system is that the practice continued well into the 1940's. Hollywood Black focuses on the growing changes as well as social stratus that black actors had/ have to climb through to get equal footing with their white peers (especially black female actresses).

Bogle's charts the history of black film industry from the silent era (starting with early race films) and pioneering black film directors like Oscar Micheaux as well as actors like Rex Ingram and Stepin Fetchit. People who have been thrown by the way side of history do to the color of their skin and the racist practices of the day. (Though to a lesser extent it still continues today) learning about the struggles of these actors and filmmakers from an outsiders perspective is really eye opening. But I really admire the strength to carry on and to change a system that once pegged these actors as mammies, magic Negros, and mad black women.

If I had one concession of an otherwise great book it would be the lack of focus on specific actors/ actresses. Some were just brushed over (like Morgan Freeman) and others got multiple chapters (like Denzel Washington) also why was television only sometimes mention? I know this focus was on Hollywood but television has become the main median that people consume now (especially through streaming channels like Netflix). Angela Basset has made a healthy come back career through television, especially through the Netflix series American Horror Stories and she should have been mentioned for her roles in the anthology.

This is not a complaint really, I liked what was covered and learned about a lot of films that I was never aware of (and would like to check out) as a fan of silent cinema and early talkies viewing race films as a genre forced to exist would be something to see. This book brings to life a history I didn't know existed, as sad as that is. Though it puts the question forward, how far can we come if our past is ignored?

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC, as always I give you my honest review.

Hollywood Black (Turner Classic Movies): The Stars, the Films, the Filmmakers by Donald Bogle is a brilliant book I requested from NetGalley and the review is voluntary. This is a treasure trove of information in pictures and informative content on black actors, actress, and filmmakers. This book goes way back in history to stage, to black and white film, on to modern films. It highlights many stars and films that stand out for various reasons. A great history of film, social culture, and the drive of creativity. I enjoyed it completely! It brought back memories.

The author presented a sweeping historical account of African American's role in movies from its early beginnings to present day. Perhaps the most racially charged movie was made just before World War 1; it was titled Birth of a Nation. For African Americans, this movie set the stage of negative stereotypes for many years to come. It was noted that filmmakers of the day felt that blacks were incapable of betraying themselves. Deplorable does not begin to describe the times. Many of the major roles were cast by white actors. It's hard to believe that such atrocities had occurred during the twentieth century.

A couple of decades later the movie industry made great strides with the introduction of sound. The Jazz Singer starring Al Jolson was the legendary movie that kicked off this exciting era. Like others before him, Olson sang his parts while made up in blackface. Twenty years had passed and the stereotype of black actors had not changed one iota but winds of change were in the making.

It took a long time coming but it wasn't until the 1930s when blacks found their heyday on the Silver Screen. In the movie capital of the world, Hollywood, blacks finally came into the limelight. It was a big step in the right direction.

Fast-forwarding several decades later, African Americans of today are receiving the awards, recognition and starring roles on an equal footing with white America. The tide had turned. Many of the blockbuster movies recently released star African Americans. I'd like to think that America is changing - for the better.

I offer my thanks to NetGalley and Perseus Books, Running Press for this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.