Indiana University Bloomington
Black Film Center/Archive

Black Film Center/Archive
Film Holdings: "B"

Listed by title followed by year of release, annotation, genre, running time, format, and director

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Baadasssss! (2003) - Mario Van Peebles directs this half documentary/half tribute to his father's (Melvin Van Peebles) 1971 film Sweet Sweetbacks's Baadassss Song, which he wrote, directed and scored. Over thirty years later, Mario Van Peebles stars as his father in this film that chronicles his father's struggles before, during and after the release of the film, including the social impediments and production setbacks faced by the Melvin Van Peebles. Drama, 108 min., DVD, dir: Mario Van Peebles.

Baadasssss: The Birth of Black Cinema (2004) - This documentary follows the making of Baadasssss! (2003) in which director and actor Mario Van Peebles recreated the making of his father's 1971 cult classic Sweet Sweetback's Baadasssss Song. Van Peebles explores the greater struggles for 1970's black filmmakers who were bombarded by studio executives to create films that depict stereotypical African American characters. Documentary, 27 min., DVD, dir: Mario Van Peebles.

BaadAsssss Cinema (2002) - British director Isaac Julien takes a look at the Blaxploitation era of the 1970s in this documentary film through the usage of archival film clips and interviews. Some of the featured stars in this documentary are Pam Grier, Melvin Van Peebles, Isaac Hayes, bell hooks, Fred Williamson, Samuel L. Jackson, Ron Finley and Richard Roundtree. Documentary, 56 min., DVD, dir: Isaac Julien.

Baby Clothes (1926) - A conniving couple who have been collecting $50 a week from a rich uncle end up in more trouble when they hire Joe and Mickey to impersonate young children. Allen Hoskins stars as Farina. Comedy, 12 min., 8mm, dir: Robert F. McGowen.

Back Inside Herself (1984) - Voice-overs by Gamy L. Tyler, Henry A. Saunders, Al Lorenzo, Arabella Chavers, and S. Pearl Sharp describe the interior journey of a black woman who represents the collective identity of African American women. Drama, 5 min., VHS, dir: Saundra Pearl Sharp.

Back to Africa (n.d.) - A collection of newsreels including footage of a parade for the "Back to Africa" movement led by Marcus Garvey. Documentary, 10 min., 16mm, dir: n/a.

Bad Company (1995) - Laurence Fishburne is Nelson Crowe, a CIA operative, in this film filled with lies, deceit and blackmail. Crowe joins a private firm that specializes in business espionage and soon finds himself in the middle of a deadly plot revolving around $50,000 dollars in gold, bribery and possibly death. Drama, 108 min., VHS, dir: Damian Harris.

Badass Supermama (1996) - This lyrical video explores the critical questions of race, gender, sexuality, beauty, body image and representation through the 1970's Blaxplotation movie actress Pam Grier, especially through her character Foxy Brown. The film examines the idea of masquerade and adolescent fantasies about Black womanhood. Documentary, 16 min., VHS, dir: Etang Inyang.

Ballad of the Iron Horse (1970) - This documentary film outlines the rapid and dramatic growth of the railroad until it was eclipsed as a passenger carrier by the automobile and airplane. It also discusses the present situation of the railroads in light of an increasing national need for various different types of transportation. Documentary, 29 min., 16mm, dir: Helen Jean Rogers.

Bamako (2006) - Drama, 115 min., DVD, dir: Abderrahmane Sissako.

Bamboozled (2000) - Pierre Delacroix (Damon Wayans), a Black writer for an independent television network, is assigned to make a show for the African American audience. Wanting to be fired, Delacroix writes a pilot for a minstrel show because he feels that no network would pick it up. To his surprise, the show turns out to be a hit, leaving Delacroix with a lot of explaining to do to the African American community who finds his show highly insulting. Drama, 135 min., DVD, dir: Spike Lee.

Barbershop (2002) - Calvin (Ice Cube), who has inherited his father's struggling barbershop, views it as a financial burden and a waste of his time. He sells the shop to Lester (Keith David), a local loan shark, but soon realizes its legacy and importance within the community. After learning of Lester's new plans for the shop, Calvin wants to reverse his original decision to sell, but it may be too late. Comedy, 102 min., DVD, dir: Tim Story.

Barbershops Uncut: East Coast (2004) - As a center of the black community and a place where black men can communicate their voice, this documentary brings the audience inside the barbershop. Guest stars, including Isaac Hayes, JB Smoove, Michael K. Williams, and Darrin DeWitt Henson, sit in the barber's chair while the cameras roll. This is the first in a series highlighting the impact and role of the barbershop in African American culture. Documentary, 57 min., DVD, dir: Dabo Ché.

Basquiat (1996) - This film biography chronicles the life of graffiti artist Jean Michel Basquait and his discovery by artist Andy Warhol at the age of 19. Basquait went from living in a cardboard box in a New York City park to living a life full of luxury, drugs, and money. His new lifestyle led to his ultimate downfall when he died from a heroine overdose in 1988 at the young age of 27. Drama, 107 min., VHS, dir: Julian Schanbel.

Battle of Algiers, The (1966) - Drama, 121 min., DVD, dir: Gillo Pontecorvo.

Beah: A Black Woman Speaks (2003) - Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee are among the cast in this debut film of actress Lisa Gay Hamilton as she documents the life of actress and writer Beah Richards. Richards was born in Mississippi and moved to New York, embarking upon a career as a playwright, poet, teacher, actress, and social activist. This film explores the many dimensions of the distinguished actress. Documentary, 86 min., VHS, dir: Lisa Gay Hamilton.

Beale Street Mama (1946) - A streetcleaner (July Jones) and Bad News Johnson (Specncer Williams) find some stolen money which they use to try to establish themselves in the good life. They are found out and end up losing everything. Drama, 57 min., 3/4", VHS, dir: Spencer Williams.

Beat Street (1984) - Brothers Kenny (Guy Davis) and Lee (Robert Taylor) are street artists dreaming of fame. Fantasy becomes reality when they meet New York University student Tracy (Rae Dawn Chong) who has close connections with Robert (Duane Jones), a record producer. Mary Alice plays the boys' worried mother, Cora. Musical, 106 min., VHS, dir: Stan Lathan.

Beauty in the Bricks (1981) - Baba (Karen Morgan) is a young determined black woman who excels in spite of living in "the Bricks," a Dallas housing project. She gives her best in everything she does and is an inspiration for young black girls in the community. Documentary, 33 min., 16mm, dir: Allen and Cynthia Mondell.

BeBe's Kids (1992) - Harris (Faison Love) takes Jamika (Vanessa Bell Calloway) and her son Leon (Wayne Collins Jr.) to Fun World for a date. Jamika insists on bringing the children she babysits, LaShawn (Jonell Greene), Kahlil (Marques Huston), Pee-Wee (Tone-Loc), and the kids eventually take over the park and the disagreements begin. Myra J. plays Dorothea, Harris' ex-wife; Nell Carter plays Vivian, her friend; Brad Sanders portrays the bartender; Reynaldo Rey plays Lush; and Bebe Drake-Massey plays a barfly. John Witherspoon, Chino "Fats" Williams, Rodney Winfield and George Wallace are the voices of the card players. Comedy, 74 min., VHS, dir: Bruce W. Smith.

Belly (1998) - Hype Williams, music video director turned feature film director, makes his debut in this story about Tommy Brown (DMX) and Sincere (Nas), two friends since childhood. Both have made a good living by dealing drugs and committing armed robberies, allowing them to move out of the ghetto in Queens to an upscale section in Manhattan. Sensing that their lives are heading toward a dead end, the two make huge lifestyle changes on the eve of the new millennium -- Sincere gets in touch with his African roots and Tommy joins the Nation of Islam. Drama, 110 min., VHS, dir: Hype Williams.

Beloved (1998) - Oprah Winfrey and Danny Glover star in this film that was adapted from Pulitzer Prize winner Toni Morrison's novel bearing the same name. Middle-aged Sethe (Winfrey) is visited by the spirit of her murdered two year-old daughter Beloved (Thandie Newton) in this drama set in 1873 Ohio. Paul D (Glover), an old friend of Sethe's from their slave days in Kentucky, moves in and with the new visitors comes strange happenings in Sethe's once peaceful home. Drama, 180 min., VHS, dir: Jonathan Demme.

Best Man, The (1999) - Malcolm Lee, Spike Lee's cousin, served as writer and director of this romantic comedy about an aspiring author named Harper (Taye Diggs) who writes a book in which his literary characters were drawn off of his real life family and friends. To make matters worse Jordan (Nia Long) acquired an advance copy of the book and it ends up in the hands of Harper's friend Lance who asked him to serve as his best man. To Lance's surprise, Mia (Monica Calhoun), his fiancée, and Harper had a fling years ago and their affair is revealed in the novel. Drama, 121 min., VHS, dir: Malcolm Lee.

Best of Black Journal, The (1970) - The Best of Black Journal's (1968-1970) five-part structure focuses primarily on the alignment of modern black artistic expression with its African cultural heritage. "Culture of the South" (directed by Robert Wagoner) looks at modern painting, jazz, theater, and dance in light of the history of slavery in New Orleans. "Black Dance" (by St. Clair Bourne), "Modern and African Art" (by Kent Garrett), and "Black Beauties and Hairstyles" (by Horace Jenkins) all incorporate the African perspective as the true Black source of freedom and slavery. "Malcolm X" (by Madeline Anderson) chronicles the leader's rise to power and his impact on society. William Greaves is the series executive producer. Documentary, 55 min., VHS, dir: Robert Wagoner, St. Clair Bourne, Kent Garrett, Horace Jenkins, Madeline Anderson.

Betty Boop in Snow White (1933) - This is the story of Betty Boop as Snow White in which she encounters an evil stepmother and the seven dwarfs. Music is performed by Cab Calloway. Children, 8 min., 16mm, dir: Dave Fleischer.

Beulah Show, The (1951-1952) - This tape contains three episodes of The Beulah Show. In the first episode, Louise Beavers portrays Beulah in "Beulah's Misunderstanding." The second episode, "Beulah the Dance Teacher," features Hattie McDaniel in the title role. And, the last episode stars Louise Beavers in "Beulah Helps the Hendersons." Features Ernest Whitman, Ruby Dandridge and Butterfly McQueen. Included on the videocassette are five animated shorts: "Jasper's in a Jam," "Amos n' Andy Rassling Match," "Amos n' Andy The Lion Tamer," "Scrub Me Mama with a Boogie Beat," "Jungle Jitters." Television Series, 76 min., VHS, dir: Richard Bare & Abby Berlin.

Beulah Show, The: Volume 1 (1951-1952) - This tape contains two episodes of the 1950s television series about the loveable maid Beulah, played in the first episode by Hattie McDaniel, who originated the role on radio. The second episode features Ethel Waters as Beulah with special guest appearances by Butterfly McQueen and Dooley Wilson. Television Series, 53 min., VHS, dir: Richard Bare & James Tinling.

Beverly Hills Cop (1984) - Eddie Murphy plays Axel Foley, a street smart Detroit detective, who goes to Beverly Hills to search for his friend's murderer. Foley's unorthodox methods lead to his success in resolving a drug smuggling plot. Gilbert R. Hill is Inspector Todd, Foley's Detroit Chief; Art Kimbro is a Beverly Hills detective. Action, 105 min., VHS, dir: Martin Brest.

Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) - Eddie Murphy reprises his role as Axel Foley of the Detroit Police Department and is reunited with his Beverly Hills buddies. Together they solve the "alphabet" thefts masterminded by munitions dealers. Chris Rock makes a cameo appearance as a valet at Hugh Hefner's Mansion. Action, 100 min., VHS, dir: Tony Scott.

Beware (1946) - Musical romance with Lucius (Louis) Jordan coming to the rescue of his alma mater, Ware College, by exposing the unscrupulous tactics of Benjamin Ware III (Milton Woods). He also woos and wins his former love, athletics instructor Annabella Brown (Valerie Black). "Beware" is the title of the song which Jordan writes in honor of the college. Drama, 60 min., VHS, dir: Bud Pollard.

Beware of Strangers with Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids Hank, who stayed up late watching television, sleeps through a lesson at school about how to avoid becoming the victim of dangerous strangers. The next day he is kidnapped, although the gang saves him and he learns to be careful of strangers. (1984) - Children, 15 min., 16mm, dir: Gwen Wetzler.

Beyond the Steps: Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater (2006) Documentary, 86 min., DVD, dir: Phil Bertelsen.

Biafran Tragedy, The (1968) - This short includes documentary footage of a famine crisis in Biafra with information about Christian missionary relief work. Documentary, 10 min., 16mm, dir: n/a.

Big Business (1924) - The gang sets up a barber shop which tends to revolutionize the hair styles of the other kids in the neighborhood, much to their mother's dismay. They do have a notable success in transforming Mickey into a normal looking boy. Ernie Morrison stars as Sunshine Sammy, Allen Hoskins stars as Farina and Jannie Hoskins stars as Mango. Comedy, 20 min., 17mm, dir: Robert F. McGowen.

Big City Blues (1986) - This film takes a look at both old and new blues in Chicago. While old blues depicts Black American culture, the new blues combine culture and politics as an informing tool. Jim Brewer, among others, represents the old blues and Son Seals, Queen Sylvia Embry, and Billy Branch the new blues. Documentary, 28 min., VHS, dir: St. Clair Bourne.

Big Fella (1937) - Paul Robeson is featured as Joe in this film story of the Marseilles waterfront. Loosely based on McKay's Banjo, the film also provides a small role for Eslanda Robeson; he plays the title role and sings "Lazin'," "Roll Up Sailorman," and "You Didn't Orta Do Such Things." Musical, 73 min., DVD, dir: J. Elder Wills.

Big Timers, The (1945) - A variety of black entertainment stars are featured including "Moms" Mabley and Stepin Fetchit. Comedy, 36 min., VHS, DVD, dir: Bud Pollard.

Bill Cosby on Prejudice (1971) - The film presents Bill Cosby in a satiric monologue in which a super bigot, who sees himself as the common man on the street, characterizes different minority types. Emphasizes, by implicaton, the contradictions and paradoxes inherent in attributing characteristics to different minority groups. Drama, 24 min., 16mm, dir: Bill Cosby & Tom Mossman.

Bill Cosby, Himself (1981) - Comedian Cosby performs an extended stand-up routine, drawing upon much of his own experience. The presentation covers drug and alcohol use, a visit to the dentist, the trauma of childbirth and childrearing, as well as relationships between the generations. Comedy, 105 min., VHS, dir: Bill Cosby.

Bill T. Jones: Dancing to The Promised Land (2004) Documentary, 60 min., DVD, dir: N/A.

Billboard Frolics (1935) - On Cartoon Collection III. Children, 5 min., VHS, dir: I. Freleng.

Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, The (1976) - Set against the depression-ridden midwest in 1939, a group of players from baseball's Negro National League become dissatisfied with exploitation by their management and decide to form a club of their own. Drama, 109 min., 16mm, dir: John Badham.

Bird (1988) - A dramatic version of the life and times of saxophone great Charlie Parker who died in 1955 at the age of 34. Forest Whitaker plays Charlie Parker; Damon Whitaker is the young Charlie Parker; Samuel E. Wright plays Dizzy Gillespie. Drama, 160 min., VHS, dir: Clint Eastwood.

Birmingham Black Bottom: The First All Black Cast Talkies (1929):

Birth of a Nation (1915) - Made from Dixon's The Clansman (original title of film) and The Leopard's Spots, the film was the southerner's version of the Civil War, Reconstruction, and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan. Griffith's extraordinary skill made his controversial film one of the most widely disseminated, in spite of protests by the NAACP and other anti-racist groups. A few black actors like George Reed and Madame Sul-te-Wan (who spits on the old colonel) appear, along with whites in blackface, like Jennie Lee as Mammy, Walter Long as Gus, Mary Alden as Lydia Brown, etc. Griffith's controversial story of the Civil War, despite its virulent racial stereotypes and pro-KKK slant, remains a celebrated triumph for its scope, its narrative complexity, and its innovative technique. Drama, 190 min., 8mm, 16mm, VHS, Laserdisc, dir: D.W. Griffith.

Birth of a Nation: 4x29x92 (1993) - After the Rodney King verdict, residents of Los Angeles express their outrage; businesses burn, and tensions between neighbors escalate. The film includes a rap soundtrack and interviews with rappers Ice T, Ice Cube, Chuck D, and others. Documentary, 63 min., VHS, dir: Matthew McDaniel.

Birth of a Race (1918) - The film intended to counteract the effects and respond to the racial allegations in The Birth of a Nation. It ended up as a kind of patchwork extravaganza beginning in the Garden of Eden and took over two years to make at a cost of over $1,000,000. Released in 1919. Drama, 60 min., VHS, dir: John W. Noble.

Black 14, The: Not Just a Football Story (1997) - On October 18, 1969, 14 Black football players were kicked off the football team at the University of Wyoming. The Black players refused to remove their black armbands that stood as a form of silent protest against a racist policy of the Mormon Church and the coach retaliated by suspending them from the team the night before a critical game against their rivals. Documentary, 60 min., VHS, dir: Mike McElreath & Niyi Coker Jr.

Black and Tan (1929) - Fredi Washington is the ill but courageous dancer in this film designed mainly to display the talents of Duke Ellington (his first appearance on film) and his music. In love with Ellington, Washington dances as she dies, but the last sound she hears is Duke's "Black and Tan Fantasy." Musical performance by the then, Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra. Musical, 19 min., 16mm, dir: Dudley Murphy.

Black and White (1999) - Directed by James Toback, this urban drama focuses on the collision of black and white cultures when a group of White New York teenagers become obsessed with Black Harlem hip-hop culture. Charlie, an upper-class White girl soon becomes involved with Rich, a powerful Black businessman. Intrigued by the mix of the two cultures, a documentary team attempts to capture the story on film. Drama, 100 min., VHS, dir: James Toback.

Black Anthology Cartoons, Vol. 2: Little 'Ol Bosko (1931-1938) - Seven Bosko cartoons produced between 1931-38. Includes The Old House (1936); Bosko's Easter Eggs (1937); Bosko and the Pirates (1937); Bosko and the Cannibals (1937); Bosko in Bagdad (1938); Bosko the Doughboy (1931); and Old Anything (1931). Picture quality is fair to poor. Children, 60 min., VHS, dir: various.

Black Artists of the U.S.A. (1977) - Documentary, 16 min., 16mm, dir: Irene Zmurkevych.

Black Artist's Short Subjects, Vol. 1 (1940) - Sponsored by Chesterfield cigarettes, and hosted by Claude Burnett, titles include The Negro in Sports (Jesse Owens, Mary McNabb, Jackie Robinson, Willie Mays, Larry Doby, Luke Easter, The Harlem Globetrotters and others); Brown Bomber (Joe Louis) Joe Louis vs. Max Schmelling; The Negro in Entertainment (Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bill Robinson and Fats Waller); The Negro in Industry (narrated by Claude A. Barnett, director of the Associated Negro Press). Documentary, 60 min., VHS, dir: various.

Black Artist's Short Subjects, Vol. 2 1940 - Sponsored by Chesterfield cigarettes, this compilation looks at Blacks in entertainment: Slow Poke (Stepin Fetchit); Symphony in Black (Duke Ellington and His Orchestra, Billie Holiday); Hi-De-Ho (Cab Calloway); Black and Tan (Duke Ellington and His Cotton Club Orchestra); Jammin' the Blues (Lester Young, Red Callender, Harry Edison and Marlowe Morris). Documentary, 49 min., VHS, dir: various.

Black Artist's Short Subjects, Vol. 3 (1940) - Sponsored by Chesterfield cigarettes, this variety looks at Blacks in the Film Industry: Music Hath Harm (Valerie Graham, Spencer Williams, Roberta Hyson, Harry Tracy and Nathan Curry); Boogie Woogie Dream (Albert Ammons, Pete Johnson and Teddy Wilson and His Band); Rufus Jones for President (Ethel Waters, Sammy Davis, Jr. and Hamtree Harrington). Documentary, 58 min., VHS, dir: various.

Black Brigade (1970) - An untested black Army unit is the only hope for saving a strategic dam from the Nazis during World War II. Racial tension erupts when a prejudiced white commando officer is sent to mold the soldiers into an effective combat force. Action, 75 min., VHS, dir: George McCowan.

Black Caesar (1973) - Fred Williamson is a gangster who tries to get his share of the money squeezed from the ghetto by the Mafia. Drama, 92 min., VHS, dir: Larry Cohen.

Black Caricature, The (1996) - This PBS film was produced by Deirdre Leake-Butcher and discusses several of the Black caricatures that have historically and contemporarily exploited Black people in the United States. Among the demeaning caricatures discussed in the film are the coon, mammy, Uncle, Pickanninny and the Sambo. Documentary, 58 min., VHS, dir: Deirdre Leake-Butcher.

Black Girl [aka La Noire de...] (1965) - Ousmane Sembène's first feature length film (his fourth film) tells the story of a young African girl from Dakar enticed into taking a job as a domestic for a French family in Antibes. Enslaved in her new situation the girl commits suicide. The film won the Prix Jean Vigo for Best Direction. Sembène appears as the teacher. Opened in Paris, 1967; in Senegal 1969. In French with English subtitles. Drama, 56 min., DVD, dir: Ousmane Sembène.

Black Godfather, The (1974) Drama, 95 min., DVD, dir: John Evans.

Black Hair: The Korean Takeover of the Black Haircare Industry (2005) - Documentary filmmaker Aron Ranen investigates the black beauty supply industry and why it is mostly owned by Koreans. DVD also includes a 15-minute update filmed a year later. Documentary, 34 min., DVD, dir: Aron Ranen.

Black History: Lost, Stolen, or Strayed (1968) - Bill Cosby narrates this documentary on the several unheralded accomplishments African Americans have made in US history, including medical advances made by black doctors, the sacrifices made by black soldiers in the Civil War, and the discrimination endured in the film industry. Documentary, 51 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: Andrew A. Rooney & Perry Wolff.

Black Hollywood 2000 (2000) - This short documentary film includes interviews of Black professionals in the film industry and civil rights groups. Modern media such as film and television are explored in terms of how they are used to portray and hire Black talent. Also shown in the documentary are behind-the-scenes discussions with actors from The Best Man (1999) and The Hurricane (1999). A video collage of posters from the Edward Mapp Collection is also incorporated in the film. Documentary, 15 min., VHS, dir: Emma E. Pullen.

Black Holocaust (1994) - Conference held at Howard University with scholars and members of the Nation of Islam to discuss the oppression of African Americans. Documentary, 90 min., VHS, dir: Howard University.

Black Indians: An American Story (2001) - Connections between Native Americans and African Americans is the theme of this documentary. By examining their shared histories, together they confront future challenges. This documentary is narrated by James Earl Jones, whose heritage is both Native and African American. Documentary, 60 min., VHS, dir: Chip Richie.

Black is the Color (Fear) (1973) - This stress training film module for teachers presents a scenario dramatizing a conflict between a white teacher and a black student interspersed with interview clips with teachers discussing racial tensions in schools. Includes teaching guide. Documentary, 17 min., 16mm, dir: Robert Rubin.

Black Is…Black Ain't (1995) - The final film by the late Emmy and Peabody Award winning filmmaker Marlon Riggs jumps into the middle of explosive debates on black identity. The film examines the negative connotations associated with the word "black" and how Blacks have learned to embrace the word as a form of self-empowerment. Activists interviewed in the film include Angela Davis, Cornel West, bell hooks, and Michele Wallace. Documentary, 87 min., VHS, dir: Marlon Riggs.

Black Jesus [aka Seduto alla sua destra] (1968) - Woody Strode plays Alubi, an African leader that refuses to give up his village to European colonists. He gets captured and tortured and is eventually killed. English dubbed version released in the U.S. in 1971. Drama, 84 min., VHS, dir: Valerio Zurlini.

Black Jew (1989) - A Jew, Zev Putterman, and a Black, Ishmael Reed, discuss the releationships and issues between African Americans and people of Jewish decent. Documentary, 61 min., VHS, dir: n/a.

Black King, The [aka Harlem Hot Shot] (1932) - "Charcoal" Johnson (A. B. Comathiere), through connivance, becomes the minister/leader of a Logan, Mississippi, congregation from which he attempts to extort money for a Back to Africa movement. The corrupt Johnson proclaims himself King of the United States of Africa. Drama, 72 min., VHS, dir: Bud Pollard.

Black Like Me (1964) - A white southerner, played by James Whitmore, manages to change the color of his skin and live "black" in this film adaptation of John Howard Griffin's autobiographical work, Black Like Me. P.J. Sidney plays Frank Newcomb and Al Freeman, Jr. his son, who represent two opposing black views. Drama, 107 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: Carl Lerner.

Black Mama, White Mama (1973) - Action, 86 min., VHS, dir: Eddie Romero.

Black Military Experience: The Negro Soldier, Navy Steward, & Negro Sailor (1943-53) - Three short government films with blacks in the Armed Forces. Opens and closes with church sermon. Much stock footage included. Many placards and grave stones featured. Olympic footage (Ben Johnson's high jump). Pearl Harbor footage. The Navy Steward is a United States Navy training film by the U.S. Naval Photographic Center. The Negro Soldier is an All American Digest/News film. Documentary, 75 min., VHS, dir: US Govt. Films (War Department).

Black Mother, Black Daughter (1989) - The film chronicles the struggles of blacks living in Canada who maintain a sense of pride and identity and documents the oral traditions passed down from the mother to daughter. Documentary, 29 min., VHS, dir: Sylvia Hamilton and Claire Prieto.

Black Music in America: From Then Till Now (1971) - The film introduces renowned black musicians and the contribution black music has made to America in the forms of jazz, blues, spirituals, protest songs, swing, and rock and roll. Gives the history of black music, from the time of the introduction of slavery in America to the present day, using old engravings and film clips. Includes Louis Armstrong, Mahalia Jackson, Bessie Smith, Count Basie, Billie Holiday, Duke Ellington, and others. Drama, 28 min., 16mm, dir: Hugh A. Robertson.

Black Music in America: The 70s (1979) - The film is a musical excursion through the world of black music in the 1970s from the Motown sound of Diana Ross to the disco beat of Donna Summer. It includes film clips of over 75 groups showing the growth and influence of black music and black performers. Narrated by Isaac Hayes and Dionne Warwick and produced by the Black Music Association. Documentary, 32 min., 16mm, dir: n/a.

Black Nations/Queer Nations? (1995) - Shari Frilot directs this experimental documentary that chronicles the groundbreaking 1995 conference on lesbian and gay sexualities in the African Diaspora. The film highlights the conference and the various topics discussed by the panelists made up of scholars, activists, and cultural workers. Among the topics discussed are Black and queer identity, Black nationalism, and homophobia in the Black community. Documentary, 52 min., VHS, dir: Shari Frilot.

Black Network, The (1936) - The film is about Blacks trying to create a radio show. Nina Mae McKinney and the Nicholas Brothers star. Musical, 21 min., 16mm, dir: Roy Mack.

Black Orpheus (1959) - Marcel Camus' film loosely parallels the classic legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. The tragic love story unravels against the background of carnival in Rio de Janeiro's black ghetto. Grand Prix, 1959 Cannes Festival. Marpessa Dawn an American dancer, plays Eurydice. Drama, 98 min., VHS, dir: Marcel Camus.

Black Panthers: Huey Newton / Black Panther Newsreel (1968) - Agnes Varda's documentary, Huey! [aka Black Panthers] records speeches by Eldridge Cleaver, Bobby Seale, and Stokely Carmichael among others at the "Free Huey Newton" rally at the Oakland Auditorium in Alameda, CA on February 17, 1968 as well as an interview with Huey P. Newton in prison. Also included on the tape is Black Panther Newsreel produced by San Francisco Newsreel, which presents an overview of the Black Panther Party and includes interviews with Huey P. Newton and Eldridge Cleaver as well as demonstration footage. Documentary, 32 / 15 min., VHS, dir: Agnès Varda / n/a.

Black Paths to Leadership: Washington, DuBois, & Garvey (1984) - Narrated by William Marshall, the film shows how three historically important black men took different paths in fighting for the rights of African Americans. It uses rare archival footage to document the lives of Booker T. Washington (1856-1915), Marcus Garvey (1887-1940), and W.E.B. DuBois (1868-1963). Documentary, 28 min., 16mm, dir: Pam Hughes.

Black Power in America: Myth or Reality? (1986) - The film surveys some of the changes in American society since the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s. It looks at African American men and women who have achieved power and influence. Documentary, 59 min., VHS, dir: William Greaves.

Black Press: Soldiers Without Swords, The (1998) - This documentary explores the history and cultural contributions of the African American press in the United States from the 1800's to the 1990's. Documentary, 86 min., VHS, dir: Stanley Nelson.

Black Shadows on a Silver Screen (1975) - The motion picture history of black involvement in American films,with scenes from films depicting positive and negative black images. Contributions of black filmmakers like Oscar Micheaux illustrate the rugged path trod by black producers and actors. Highlighted are the careers of Paul Robeson, Josephine Baker, Fredi Washington with narration by Ossie Davis. Music include performances by Duke Ellington, Cab Calloway and others. Documentary, 55 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: Steven York.

Black Sister's Revenge (1976) - A desperate small-town girl turns bank robber to free her man from prison. Drama, 100 min., VHS, dir: Jamaa Fanaka.

Black Studies, USA (2007) Documentary, 45 min., DVD, dir: Niyi Coker, Jr.

Black Unicorn, The: Dudley Randall & the Broadside Press (1995) - The film documents the history of the Broadside Press, dubbed "the voice of the Black Arts Movement," and its founder Dudley Randall as the Broadside Press celebrates its 25th anniversary. Randall reads from his many book of poems. Documentary, 45 min., VHS, dir: Melba Joyce Boyd.

Black Wallstreet (1991) - The film traces the demise of a prosperous African American community in North Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1921. Documentary, 58 min., VHS, dir: n/a.

Black Warriors of the Seminole (1991) - Narrated by John Amos, this documentary traces the escape of black slaves from Georgia and South Carolina plantations to Florida where they integrated into the Seminole Indian tribes. Documentary, 29 min., VHS, dir: Vinnie Jones.

BlackboardJungle (1955) - Slum schools and juvenile deliquency are the subject of this film. At one point, a high school teacher (Glenn Ford) is rescued from teenaged bullies by a black student (Sidney Poitier). Drama, 101 min., DVD, dir: Richard Brooks.

Blackenstein (1972) - A "black" version of the popular Frankenstein in the horror genre. Horror, 87 min., VHS, dir: William Levey.

Blackout (2007) Drama, 95 min., DVD, dir: Jerry Lamothe.

Blacula (1972) - Turned into a vampire by the evil Count Dracula, Blacula remains sealed until unexpectedly released by art collectors in present day Los Angeles. Horror, 92 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: William Crain.

Blade (1998) - Wesley Snipes is Blade, half-human, half-vampire in this thriller set in the underground club scenes in New York. Action, 91 min., VHS, dir: Stephen Norrington.

Blaxploitation Cartoon Festival (1930) - Children, 58 min., VHS, dir: various.

Blazing Saddles (1974) - Cleavon Little is the sheriff and Gene Wilder his side kick in this parody of all Westerns and other assorted Hollywood genres. Opens with Blacks who are working on the railroad but who won't sing "them old spirituals" and insist on champagne tunes instead. Anachronisms abound including Count Basie and his band playing in the desert and giving the "Ol West" sheriff the "right on." Comedy, 93 min., VHS, dir: Mel Brooks.

Bless Their Little Hearts (1984) - Charlie Banks (Nate Hardman), an unemployed factory worker in South Central Los Angeles, struggles to find a job and take care of his family. His wife Andais, (Kaycee Moore) works exhaustedly as a domestic to help make ends meet. Their marriage and their children (Angela, Ronald, Kimberly Burnett) are affected by the bleak economic privation of their lives. Drama, 80 min., 16mm, dir: Billy Woodberry.

Blind Faith (1998) - Drama, 121 min., VHS, dir: Ernest R. Dickerson.

Blind Tom: The Story of Thomas Bethune (1987) - A dramatized version of the extraordinary true story of a young blind slave, Tom Bethune (Vaughn Tyree Jelks), whose natural ability to play the piano earns money for his master who continues to control Tom's life and earnings even after emancipation. Drama, 29 min., VHS, dir: Mark W. Travis.

Blood Diamond (2006) - Drama, 143 min., DVD, dir: Edward Zwick.

Blood of Jesus, The (1941) - A religious folk-drama, the film concerns the accidental shooting of Martha (Cathryn Caviness) by her husband and of the faith in Jesus that brings her back. As she lies dying, her soul goes on a symbolic journey in which it rejects Hell for Zion, Satan for God, at the foot of the cross. When she awakens, recovered, the choir of sisters and brothers from the church come in to sing and celebrate the miracle with Martha and Frank. Drama, 68 min., 16mm, VHS, 3/4", DVD, dir: Spencer Williams, Jr.

Blue Collar (1978) - Three Detroit auto workers, Zeke (Richard Pryor), Smokey (Yaphet Kotto), and Jerry (Harvey Keitel) decide to take action against their corrupt union and senior company officials, but violence perpetrated against them and disunity foil their efforts to undermine the company. Drama, 114 min., VHS, dir: Paul Schrader.

Blues Accordin' to Lightnin' Hopkins, The (1968) - The film chronicles the life of Texas' great blues legend, Lightnin' Hopkins. Documentary, 31 min., 16mm, dir: Les Blank.

Bluesland: A Portrait in American Music (1993) - Hosted is by Keith David, this documentary is a complete visual history of blues music and includes archival footage of many of the genre's legendary artists. Documentary, 85 min., VHS, dir: Ken Mandel.

Boarding House Blues (1948) - An "evil" landlord intends to evict "Moms" and her tenants from her boarding house because she can't pay the rent. The tenants are all entertainers who have to have a producer for their show. It all works out with some fortune-telling assistance from Mom. The beautiful heroine Lila (Marie Cooke) is saved from having to cavoch with the landlord and all the boarders have parts in the successful show. Musical, 87 min., VHS, DVD, dir: Josh Binney.

Body and Soul (1925) - In his first film, Robeson plays a dual role--a preacher who preys on the people and the heroine and his brother, a good man. Required to give a balance to his theme by the New York Censors, Micheaux changed the preacher's role so that he is preacher, then detective, then finally an uplift-bourgeois future husband for the heroine who awakens from her nightmare experience to a happy ending. (Censors forced Micheaux to revise original 1924 version, "to achieve a higher level of sincerity"--the preacher thing.) Drama, 75 min., VHS, dir: Oscar Micheaux.

Body and Soul, Part II: Soul (1968) - This documentary discusses the history and development of African-American music, including soul, gospel, blues, and jazz. Includes an interview with Ray Charles and performances by Charles, Lester Young, Jimmy Rushing, Billie Holiday, Mahalia Jackson, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Louis Armstrong, Nat King Cole, Dinah Washington, and Aretha Franklin. Documentary, 30 min., dir: n/a.

Body Beautiful, The (1990) - The film examines the real-life relationship between the filmmaker, Ngozi Onwurah, and her mother, Madge, the wife of a Nigerian doctor. Madge Onwurah contracted breast cancer and underwent a masectomy. Using flashbacks and narrated reminiscences by the director and her mother, the film explores how women transcend gender-associated changes in a woman's appearance which force the afflicted in an emotional closet. Drama, 23 min., VHS, dir: Ngozi Onwurah.

Bodyguard, The (1992) - In her film debut, Whitney Houston plays Rachel Marron, a music/movie superstar at the peak of her career. Fans want to see, hear and touch her, but one wants to kill her. Security expert Frank Farmer (Kevin Costner) is hired to protect her. Drama, 130 min., VHS, dir: Mick Jackson.

Boesman & Lena (2000) - Drama, 90 min., 35mm, VHS, dir: John Berry.

Bombing of Osage Avenue (1986) - The film is a reconstruction of the 1985 Philadelphia police bombing and burning of a black neighborhood from the perspective of the community residents. Documentary, 56 min., VHS, dir: Louis Massiah.

Bone (1972) - Quirky satire of 1970's America. Bone, a mysterious black man (Yaphet Kotto) invades the home of a wealthy Beverly Hills couple (Jeanne Berlin and Andrew Duggan) and demands money and sex. Comedy, 92 min., VHS, dir: Larry Cohen.

Boogie Woogie Blues (1948) - Hadda Brooks sings and performs three songs on the piano in this musical short. Music Performance, 10 min., 16mm, dir: Hans Burger.

Boogie Woogie Dream (1942) - Short story set in Cafe Society, New York City. Includes title song, others performed by Lena Horne, Teddy Wilson and his band, and others. Musical, 13 min., 16mm, dir: Hans Burger.

Book of Ezekiel (1999) - Drama, 19 min., VHS, dir: LaTrice A. Dixon.

Book of Numbers (1973) - Two black waiters start a number racket in the thirties in Arkansas which becomes so lucrative the white underworld wants to take it over. Music performed by Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Drama, 83 min., 16mm, DVD, dir: Raymond St. Jacques.

Booker (1983) - The film dramatizes the early life of Booker T. Washington who was born a slave and later pulled himself up by the bootstraps to found Tuskegee Institute. Drama, 55 min., 16mm, dir: Stan Lathan.

Booker T. Washington: The Life and the Legacy (1982) - Using historic photographs for authenticity, this dramatized documentary focuses on Washington's career as the most influential educator of his time. Maurice Woods plays Washington, Al Freeman, Jr. is W.E.B. DuBois. Documentary, 30 min., 16mm, dir: William Greaves.

Boomerang (1992) - Marcus Graham (Eddie Murphy), marketing director for a cosmetics firm, is demoted after his company is taken over by Lady Eloise (Eartha Kitt) and headed by his new boss Jacqueline (Givens). Supermodel Strange (Grace Jones) and the other two women are more interested in Marcus' body than his mind. Neither he nor his friends (David Alan Grier, Martin Lawrence) seem to understand the concept of "boomerang," but Angela (Halle Berry) who cares for Marcus does. Geoffrey Holder plays Nelson who devises a disastrous ad campaign for the firm. Both Hudlins appear as street hustlers. Comedy, 116 min., DVD, dir: Reginald Hudlin.

Boondocks, The: The First Complete Season (2005) Television Series, 323 min., DVD, dir: N/A.

Booty Call (1997) - This comedy focuses on two friends, Bunz (Jamie Foxx) and Rushon (Tommy Davidson) who before having intercourse with their girlfriend Lysterine (Vivica A. Fox) and Nikki (Tamala Jones) must learn how to practice safe sex. The two set out for condoms and their hilarious adventure begins. Comedy, 98 min., VHS, dir: Jeff Pollack.

Bopha! (1993) - Morgan Freeman makes his directorial debut with this drama, shot on location in Zimbabwe, about a South African policeman, Micah Mangena (Danny Glover), who must choose between duty and family when he learns that his son is involved in a violent anti-apartheid rebellion. Alfre Woodard plays Mangena's wife Rosie. They are supported by a largely black South African cast. Drama, 118 min., DVD, dir: Morgan Freeman.

Borderline (1929) - Paul Robeson's first foreign film, shot in Switzerland by an independent British film company, is an experimental study in visual contrasts as well as a comment on racism. Robeson plays Pete, a small town cafe worker whose wife Adah (Eslanda Robeson) returns from an involvement with a white man named Thorne (Gavin Arthur). Thorne and his wife (Hilda Doolittle) become estranged over the issue and the town blames Pete and Adah. Thorne's wife dies accidentally thereby giving the town another excuse for making Pete the scapegoat for its hatreds. Drama, 63 min., DVD, dir: Kenneth MacPherson.

Born in Flames (1984) Drama, 80 min., DVD, dir: Lizzie Borden.

Borom Sarret (1962) - A poor cart driver in Dakar sets out with his horse and cart for a day's work. He encounters many disappointments, especially unpaid fees, in addition to having his cart appropriated because he entered the forbidden "exclusive" quarter of Dakar. In French with English subtitles. Drama, 19 min., 16mm/DVD, dir: Ousmane Sembène.

Bosko the Doughboy (1931) - Children, 7 min., VHS, dir: Hugh Harman.

Bosko the Speed King (1933) - On Cartoon Collection III. Children, 7 min., VHS, dir: Hugh Harman.

Bosko's Easter Eggs (1937) - Children, 8 min., VHS, dir: Hugh Harman.

Bouncing Babies (1929) - Wheezer feels ignored now that he has a new baby brother. Farina tells him a tall tale that he once exchanged an unwanted baby brother for a goat. Wheezer tries the same, not knowing he is taking a doll instead. Everyone is in on it and when Wheezer tries to get brother back he's told the baby's been returned to heaven and can only come back if Wheezer prays hard for him. Aside from the tale Farina is seen with Wheezer being scared by some other kids in Halloween costumes. Allen Hoskins stars as Farina. Comedy, 21 min., 16mm, dir: McGowen.

Bowfinger (1999) - A desperate movie producer, Bobby Bowfinger (Steve Martin), is given the green light to shoot a film, but the condition is to have the superstar actor Kit Ramsey (Eddie Murphy). Unable to secure Ramsey, Bowfinger shoots the film around him and hires a Ramsey look-alike (also played by Eddie Murphy). Comedy, 97 min., DVD, dir: Frank Oz.

Boy! What a Girl (1947) - Slight story about a show and its would-be producers provides a reason for the entertainment which features Bid Sid Caslett and his band, the Slam Stewart Trio, and the Halem Maniacs; introduces Deek Watson and the Brown Dots; includes Ann Cornell and the International Jitterbugs and a guest apparance by Gene Krupa. Musical, 70 min., VHS, dir: Arthur H. Leonard.

Boycott (2001) - This historical drama examines the impact of Rosa Parks' defiance of segregation laws that ignited the boycott of the bus system in Montgomery, Alabama and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s rise to leadership. The film includes footage from the Civil Rights movement and chronicles the bus boycott, featuring Jeffrey Wright as Dr. King, Iris Little-Thomas as Rosa Parks, and Terence Howard as Ralph Abernathy. Drama, 112 min., DVD, dir: Clark Johnson.

Boys of Summer, The (1983) - This documentary takes a look back at the Brooklyn Dodgers baseball teams of late 1940s and 1950s through the eyes of some of the members of the club, including Roy Campanella, Pee Wee Reese, and Joe Black. Documentary, 90 min., VHS, dir: Marty Bell.

Boyz n the Hood (1991) - The film focuses on the lives of three young men in south central Los Angeles: Ricky (Morris Chestnut), a high school father who hopes to go to USC; his brother Doughboy (Ice Cube), an unemployed drug dealer on parole; and their neighbor, Tre Styles (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) whose father (Laurence Fishburne) gives his son the necessary guidance to survive in the 'hood. Angela Bassett plays Tre's mother; Farrell is Ricky's and Doughboy's mother. Drama, 107 min., VHS, dir: John Singleton.

Braker (1985) - Carl Weathers is Police Lt. Harry Braker. After a studio executive is murdered during the filming of a video, Braker's investigation takes him into the underworld of child pornography and prostitution. Maurice Sneed has a minor role as Booker, Braker's "information" source. Drama, 73 min., 16mm, dir: Victor Lobl.

Break the Walls Down and Can't Jail the Revolution (1991) - These two 30-minute videos use footage compiled from over 40 social justice media productions to chronicle the perspectives of African American, Puerto Rican, Native American and white political prisoners of war within the United States. Documentary, 60 min., VHS, dir: Ada Gay Griffin & Kenyatta Tyehimba.

Breakdown (1997) - Rachel Hunter (Williams) is the sole survivor of a bus station shoot-out. The police investigate the scene but struggle to find out what really happened. Drama, 20 min., DVD, dir: Jeff Byrd.

Breakfast at Ben's (2000) - A young black man named Jamar (William Rowel) who has made it out of poverty wants to give back to African-American youths so he joins a mentoring program. To his surprise, what appears to be a young white girl is assigned to him. Despite his initial apprehension, Jamar takes a liking to the girl and they end up learning a lot from each other. Drama, 23 min., DVD, dir: Chuck Wilson.

Break-Through (n.d.) - This television documentary is about Boston University's African Studies and Research Department. It includes interviews with the director and graduate students. Documentary, 30 min., 16mm, dir: n/a.

Brewster's Millions (1985) Montgomery Brewster (Richard Pryor) is a minor league baseball player who stands to inherit 300 million dollars, if he can spend $30 million in 30 days. Angela Drake (Lonette McKee) is his accountant and romantic interest. Melvin (Ji-Tu Cumbuka) plays a security guard; Grand L. Bush is Rudy, a minor leaguer who gets in a fight with Brewster over his girlfriend; Rosetta La Noire plays Judge R. Woods who presides over the battery case; and Frank Slaten appears as court bailiff. Comedy, 97 min., VHS, dir: Walter Hill.

Brian's Song (1971) - A drama about the deep friendship between Gale Sayers, black halfback for the Chicago Bears and his white teammate, Brian Piccolo, who died of cancer in 1970. Racial differences are transcended when the two men become roomates, a first in the Bears' history. A true story, the film focuses on the mutal respect and affection the two men develop for each other. Drama, 75 min., VHS, dir: Buzz Kulik.

Bright Road (1953) - Dorothy Dandridge plays a young teacher trying to help a withdrawn, insecure student played by Philip Hepburn. Harry Belafonte made his silver screen debut in this film as the school's principal. Drama, 69 min., VHS, dir: Gerald Mayer.

Bright Victory (1951) - Larry Nevins (Arthur Kennedy) is a war veteran who is blinded in North Africa during the Second World War. He must struggle to adjust to his affliction while overcoming his own racial issues when he discovers a blind black soldier (James Edwards) is among them. Drama, 96 min., 16mm, dir: Mark Robson.

Broken Blossoms (1919) - A Chinese shopkeeper (Richard Barthelmess) in London falls in love with a young girl (Lillian Gish) who is regularly beaten by her prizefighter father (Donald Crisp) in this silent melodrama. Drama, 66 min., VHS, dir: D. W. Griffith.

Broken Strings (1940) - Clarence Muse stars as Arthur Williams, a concert violinist, who after an automobile accident and an injury to his hands, is reduced to teaching barely talented pupils and those who are only interested in jazz and swing. A black doctor, played by Jesse Lee Brooks, restores the use of his hands through an operation paid for by performances by his son and his pupils. The operation is a complete success only when he begins to applaud his son's virtuoso swing performance. Matthew (Stymie) Beard plays a teenaged villain. Drama, 80 min., VHS, dir: Bernard B. Ray.

Bronze Buckaroo, The (1938) - Herb Jeffries is the good guy (Bob Blake) who, with his side kick Dusty (Flournoy Miller), tracks down the villain and aids the heroine in this musical western. Filmed at a black dude ranch in California. Western, 57 min., VHS, DVD, dir: Richard C. Kahn.

Brother from Another Planet, The (1984) - Joe Morton is the fugitive brother on the run from another planet who arrives in Harlem and is helped by his new acquaintances (Daryl Edwards, Steve James, Leonard Jackson, Minnie Gentry) to escape from his planet's slave catchers. A number of African Americans serve on the film's production crew: Ernest R. Dickerson (Director of Photography), Fronza Woods (Boom), and Marco Williams (Continuity). Comedy, 109 min., VHS, dir: John Sayles.

Brother John (1971) - John Kane (Sidney Poitier) mysteriously arrives in the small Alabama town of his birth just prior to the death of his aunt. The object of suspicion and fear, John, with a grammer school education, speaks a dozen languages and seems to be able to anticipate the future. A black labor strike during the height of the Civil Rights movement portends mass violence and Kane is suspected of engineering the crisis. Music by Quincy Jones. Drama, 94 min., VHS, dir: James Goldstone.

Brother Minister: The Assassination of Malcolm X (1994) - Documentary, 115 min., DVD, dir: Jack Baxter.

Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin (2003) - Documentary, 83 min., DVD, dir: Nancy D. Kates and Bennett Singer.

Brother to Brother (2004) - Set in contemporary New York and during the Harlem Renaissance in the 1930s, Brother to Brother is the story of Perry Williams (Anthony Mackie), a young black artist living in New York city struggling with homosexuality. When he meets an elderly poet who was involved with the Harlem Renaissance, Perry enters the world of Langston Hughes (Daniel Sunjata) and Zora Neale Hurston (Aunjanue Ellis) and is able to gain some perspective about his troubles. Screened at the 2004 Sundance Film Festival. Drama, 94 min., DVD, dir: Rodney Evans.

A Brother With Perfect Timing (1986) - Musical performances by South African jazz musician Abdullah Ibrahim and his band, Ekaya, are interspersed with stories told by Ibrahim about his life and music. Documentary, 90 min., DVD, dir: Chris Austin.

Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary (2004) - Panel discussion co-sponsored by the University of Pittsburgh and Duquesne University in Pittsburgh March 26, 2004 on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the first Brown v. Board of Education decision. Speakers include Julian Bond, Jack Greenberg, and Minnijean Brown Trickey. Television, 190 min., DVD, dir: n/a.

Buck and the Preacher (1972) - The myth of the West is revised and presented from the black and Indian point of view. With the help of the Indians, Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte take a group of Blacks to resettle in Mexico. Music score by Benny Carter, featuring Sonny Terry and Brownie McGhee. Western, 102 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: Sidney Poitier.

Bucket of Cream Ale, A (1904) - In a moment of victory, a black servant (in blackface) pours a bucket of cream ale over a Dutchman, who threw a glass of ale at her first. Comedy, 30 sec., VHS, dir: n/a.

Bucktown (1975) - Duke (Fred Williamson) and his friends struggle against a corrupt and exploitative police force in a southern city. Drama, 91 min., 16mm, DVD, dir: Arthur Marks.

Buena Vista Social Club (1999) - From the crumbling barrios of Havana to the sold out concerts in Amsterdam and New York's Carnegie Hall, an unforgetable, deeply emotional journey into the passion, pride and humanity of the artists whose music sparked a worldwide musical phenomenon. Documentary, 105 min., DVD, dir: Wim Wenders.

Buffalo Soldiers (1997) - "Buffalo Soldiers," a name given to the 9th & 10th all-black Calvary units by the Cheyenne Indians is the focus of this fictional film set during 1879-1880 in which 1st Sgt. Washington Wyatt (Danny Glover) is ordered to get rid of the last group of Apaches along the New Mexico-Arizona border. Carl Lumbly is John Horse. Western, 90 min., DVD, dir: Charles Haid.

Bull Dogger, The (1921) - Bill Pickett demonstrates his great skill at "bull dogging" and other cowboy feats; includes trick riding by black cowboys and cowgirls. Western, 32 min., 3/4", VHS, dir: Richard Norman.

Bulworth (1998) - Halle Berry plays Nina, a South Central Los Angeles rapper who falls in Love with Senator Jay Bulworth (Warren Beatty). Comedy, 108 min., VHS, dir: Warren Beatty.

Burlesque In Harlem (1954) - Dewey 'Pigmeat' Markham stars in this dance/musical burlesque, which includes an all-black cast of dancers and musicians. Musical, 56 min., VHS, dir: William Alexander.

Burn! [aka Queimada] (1969) - Italian filmmaker Gillo Pontecorvo looks at the problems of neo-colonialism on the island of Queimada, a fictional Portuguese sugar colony in the Caribbean. Marlon Brando is the English villain and Evaristo Márquez the leader of the Black revolution. Opened in Rome in 1969 as Queimada (132 min. full-length version) and the following year in the United States, dubbed and shortened under the title Burn! Drama, 112 min., DVD, dir: Gillo Pontecorvo.

Bus 174 (2002) - This documentary recounts the 2000 takeover of a Rio de Janeiro bus by a young man, Sandro do Nascimento, who threatened to shoot all the passengers and the standoff with police that was broadcast live on television throughout Brazil. Documentary, 122 min., DVD, dir: José Padilha.

Bush Mama (1976) - The film is a portrait of the changing consciousness of a black woman living on welfare in a Los Angeles ghetto, trying to raise her young daughter alone. Drama, 98 min., 16mm, VHS, dir: Haile Gerima.

Bustin' Loose (1981) - Joe Braxton (Richard Pryor) has led a life of crime. To avoid further incarceration, he must drive Miss Perry (Cicely Tyson) and eight special education students from their present facility in Philadelphia to a farm in Seattle. Reluctantly, he takes the assignment and is changed by the journey. Comedy, 94 min., VHS, dir: Oz Scott & Michael Schultz.

By-Line Newsreel, 1 (1956) - Ossie Davis begins with an introduction to The Tyler, Texas Black Film Collection. William Alexander is host of this documentary series focusing on African Americans in politics, sports, entertainment and the military. Documentary, 13 min., 16mm, 35mm, dir: William D. Alexander.

By-Line Newsreel, 2 (1956) Ossie Davis begins with an introduction to The Tyler, Texas Black Film Collection. William Alexander is host of this documentary series focusing on African Americans in politics, sports, entertainment and the military. Documentary, 12 min., 16mm, 35mm, dir: William D. Alexander.

By-Line Newsreel, 3 (1956) Ossie Davis begins with an introduction to The Tyler, Texas Black Film Collection. William Alexander is host of this documentary series focusing on African Americans in politics, sports, entertainment and the military. Documentary, 13 min., 16mm, 35mm, dir: William D. Alexander.

By-Line Newsreel, 4 (1956) Ossie Davis begins with an introduction to The Tyler, Texas Black Film Collection. William Alexander is host of this documentary series focusing on African Americans in politics, sports, entertainment and the military. Documentary, 13 min., 16mm, dir: William D. Alexander.

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