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The Emperor Jones (1933)
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Overview
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Director:
Writers:
Release Date:
29 September 1933 (USA)
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Plot:
At a Baptist prayer meeting, the preacher leads a prayer for Brutus Jones, who is leaving to become a railway porter...
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Awards:
1 win
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NewsDesk:
(3 articles)
Emperor Jones To Have Off-Broadway Run At Soho Playhouse 12/15
(From BroadwayWorld.com. 24 November 2009, 5:38 PM, PST)
Emperor Jones Extends Through 12/6 At The Irish Repertory Theatre
(From BroadwayWorld.com. 2 November 2009, 11:47 AM, PST)
(From BroadwayWorld.com. 24 November 2009, 5:38 PM, PST)
Emperor Jones Extends Through 12/6 At The Irish Repertory Theatre
(From BroadwayWorld.com. 2 November 2009, 11:47 AM, PST)
User Comments:
Oddly, the O'Neill Climax Is Not As Effective As Heyward's Prologue
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Cast
(Complete credited cast)| Paul Robeson | ... | Brutus Jones | |
| Dudley Digges | ... | Smithers | |
| Frank H. Wilson | ... | Jeff (as Frank Wilson) | |
| Fredi Washington | ... | Undine | |
| Ruby Elzy | ... | Dolly | |
| George Haymid Stamper | ... | Lem (as George Stamper) |
Additional Details
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
72 min | 76 min (2003 restored version) | USA:80 min (original version)
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.37 : 1 more
Sound Mix:
Mono (Western Electric Sound System)
Certification:
UK:A |
Canada:G (Ontario) |
USA:Approved (PCA #1316-R, 29 August 1935 for re-release) |
USA:Passed (National Board of Review) |
Finland:(Banned) (1934) |
Finland:K-16 (1936)
Filming Locations:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
In his autobiography, Paul Robeson said he regretted making the film because it deviated too much from the play.
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Movie Connections:
Featured in Ethnic Notions (1986)
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Soundtrack:
Daniel
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Not a great deal of the O'Neill play is retained in this adaptation, and I thought that climax was the least effective portion of the film despite its tinted visuals and stereo sound effects. The preceding 45 minutes, enhanced by Robeson's virile presence and his superlative singing, were much more impressive. Just about every scene took place at night where Haller's noirish photography contributed to the fascinating atmosphere.
Once we arrive on the island, however, and are confronted by Dudley Digges as a stage Cockney and other theatrical contrivances, the narrative's admirably headlong pace not only slows down considerably, but the movie itself starts to fall apartalthough we still have some great moments as the vain Jones takes over the kingship and attempts to bleed the natives white.