THE SCAR OF SHAME (Colored Players Film Corporation, 1927), directed by Frank Perugini, with story by David Starkman, is an independently produced motion picture that merits consideration for being one of those rare instances of how well-made a movie can be consisting of a cast of unknown black actors giving natural performances not commonly found in silent or sound movies at that time.
Set in Philadelphia, Alvin T. Hillyard (Harry Henderson), is introduced as a "young man of refine tastes - lover of music and finer things in life"; with Eddie Blake (Norman Johnstone), a gambler and "product of evil environment." They are both boarders living under landlady, Lucretta Green (Ann Kennedy). While practicing on his piano, Alvin looks outside the window to see Louise Howard (Lucia Lynn-Moses), being chased and beaten in the alley by her drunken stepfather, Spike (William E. Pettus). Alvin comes to her rescue, takes her to the boarding house under the care of Mrs. Green, allowing the girl to work out her chores for the rent. Out of pity, Alvin marries Louise. She soon senses her husband is ashamed of her lower class upbringing and leaves him to support herself at the Club Lido. In the meantime, Alvin becomes a tutor to Alice (Pearl MacCormick), a woman of his social class, and wants to marry her, thus, keeping secret his scar of shame of his previous marriage a secret, until Louise enters his life again. Lawrence Chennault co-stars as Alice's father.
While most of the players dominate this drama with their near-perfect portrayals, Lucia Lynn-Moses, in her only movie role, stands out as an lower-class girl dreaming for a better life. Her physical appearance comes as a sheer reminder of Nina Mae McKinney, best known for her rare leading role in King Vidor's early talkie of HALLELUJAH (1929). Harry Henderson, with few movie roles to his credit, is a main asset here, especially for a story that reflects an abundance of taste and skill.
Decades before Turner Classic Movies began airing THE SCAR OF SHAME in 1998, consisting of fine piano scoring, I was first introduced to this virtually unknown silent production when it was presented on public television back in 1982 on WNYC, Channel 31, in New York City in mute format. Run times vary, ranging from 75 to 90 minutes, depending on silent film production speed.
While THE SCAR OF SHAME was presented solely to black audiences in 1927, its current availability should still hold interest to anyone today whenever its shown on television or watching it on DVD. (***)
Set in Philadelphia, Alvin T. Hillyard (Harry Henderson), is introduced as a "young man of refine tastes - lover of music and finer things in life"; with Eddie Blake (Norman Johnstone), a gambler and "product of evil environment." They are both boarders living under landlady, Lucretta Green (Ann Kennedy). While practicing on his piano, Alvin looks outside the window to see Louise Howard (Lucia Lynn-Moses), being chased and beaten in the alley by her drunken stepfather, Spike (William E. Pettus). Alvin comes to her rescue, takes her to the boarding house under the care of Mrs. Green, allowing the girl to work out her chores for the rent. Out of pity, Alvin marries Louise. She soon senses her husband is ashamed of her lower class upbringing and leaves him to support herself at the Club Lido. In the meantime, Alvin becomes a tutor to Alice (Pearl MacCormick), a woman of his social class, and wants to marry her, thus, keeping secret his scar of shame of his previous marriage a secret, until Louise enters his life again. Lawrence Chennault co-stars as Alice's father.
While most of the players dominate this drama with their near-perfect portrayals, Lucia Lynn-Moses, in her only movie role, stands out as an lower-class girl dreaming for a better life. Her physical appearance comes as a sheer reminder of Nina Mae McKinney, best known for her rare leading role in King Vidor's early talkie of HALLELUJAH (1929). Harry Henderson, with few movie roles to his credit, is a main asset here, especially for a story that reflects an abundance of taste and skill.
Decades before Turner Classic Movies began airing THE SCAR OF SHAME in 1998, consisting of fine piano scoring, I was first introduced to this virtually unknown silent production when it was presented on public television back in 1982 on WNYC, Channel 31, in New York City in mute format. Run times vary, ranging from 75 to 90 minutes, depending on silent film production speed.
While THE SCAR OF SHAME was presented solely to black audiences in 1927, its current availability should still hold interest to anyone today whenever its shown on television or watching it on DVD. (***)