Cinema Junkie Podcast 171: Hollywood Black

Author Donal Bogle talks about his comprehensive new book for TCM

Friday, June 14, 2019

Photo credit: TCM

Author Donald Bogle introducing a film earlier this year at the TCM Classic Film Festival in Hollywood.

African Americans and Hollywood have a long, troubled, and complicated past. I am going to explore that history with Donald Bogle author of the new book "Hollywood Black: The Stars, the Films, the Filmmakers" from Turner Classic Movies. His comprehensive exploration begins in the silent era and wraps up with 2018's "Black Panther." Bogle has been writing about blacks in ... Read more →

Aired: June 14, 2019 | Transcript

Donald Bogle's Books

"Toms, Coons, Mulattoes, Mammies and Bucks: An Interpretative History of Blacks in Films"

"Brown Sugar: Eighty Years of America's Black Female Superstars"

"Blacks in American Film and Television: An Illustrated Encyclopedia"

"Dorothy Dandridge: A Biography"

"Primetime Blues: African Americans on Network Television"

"Bright Boulevards, Bold Dreams: The Story of Black Hollywood"

"Heat Wave: The Life and Career of Ethel Waters"

"Hollywood Black: The stars, the Films, the Filmmakers"

African Americans and Hollywood have a long, troubled and complicated past. I am going to explore that history with Donald Bogle author of the new book "Hollywood Black: The Stars, the Films, the Filmmakers" from Turner Classic Movies.

This month yet another incarnation of "Shaft" hits theaters, the Sundance hit "The Last Black Man in San Francisco" opens, and Jordan Peele’s layered horror film "Us" comes out on Bluray. So not a bad month to focus attention on blacks in Hollywood.

Bogle has been writing about blacks on screen and in Hollywood for decades, and he serves as a host and commentator for Turner Classics. His book "Hollywood Black" just came out and it offers a comprehensive look at African American films, stars, and directors from the silent era and up to "Black Panther."

Beth Accomando
Arts & Culture Reporter

opening quote marks closing quote marks I cover arts and culture, from Comic-Con to opera, from pop entertainment to fine art, from zombies to Shakespeare. I am interested in going behind the scenes to explore the creative process; seeing how pop culture reflects social issues; and providing a context for art and entertainment.