Biopic Screenplay on Oscar Micheaux, Prolific African-American Filmmaker: "The Black Picture Show"

Oscar Micheaux, Original Screenplay

Film Script

Screenplay of The Black Picture Show: The Life and Legend of Oscar Micheaux. Los Angeles, 1993. By John E. Byrd and Amy Ostrower. First draft. 123 pages, bound with clear cover. 8.5" x 11." First draft of an original screenplay for a biopic of the African American filmmaker Oscar Micheaux, who directed over 40 films in his lifetime and earned a reputation as "the most successful Black filmmaker of the first half of the 20th century." This screenplay follows Micheaux's life as he becomes an acclaimed director. It begins with a 1915 screening of the KKK glorification film, The Birth of a Nation, during which Micheaux made up his mind to therefore "present a true and proud image of blacks on film." Micheaux's legacy is one of artistic advocacy. He did not shy away from depictions of race discrimination and class conflict. Today he is regarded as a trailblazer of American cinema, both sound and silent, and has been posthumously recognized by The Library of Congress, the Directors' Guild, The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures, and more. This screenplay was also offered under the title "Sepia Tone: The Oscar Micheaux Story" but seems it was never produced. In very good condition.

Item #18813

Price: $245.00