Body and Soul. 1925. USA. Directed by Oscar Micheaux. With Paul Robeson, Mercedes Gilbert, Julia Theresa Russell. 93 min.
The legendary Paul Robeson—actor, singer, lawyer, and political activist—made a blistering screen debut in this silent masterpiece by the prolific independent black director Oscar Micheaux. Robeson excels in a dual role, playing both an escaped convict who presents himself as a firebrand minister, and the convict's upstanding brother. Courtesy George Eastman Museum. 35mm. Silent, with live musical accompaniment.