The Films of Spencer Williams (2016)
*** 1/2 (out of 4)
Excellent interview with film historian Jacqueline Najuma Stewart who discusses the Spencer Williams that most people don't know. Most people will know the actor from Amos 'n Andy but he also appeared in several race films including nine that he directed. Stewart does a terrific job at education the viewer on what made Williams different from some of the other black directors out there and she does a great job at explaining why she feels he needs to be looked at more seriously as a director. THE BLOOD OF Jesus, JUKE JOINT and DIRTY GIRTY FROM HARLEM U.S.A. are all discussed and we also get films clips from each of them. For a featurette this is very entertaining with a great bit of knowledge. With that said, hopefully one day we'll get an extended documentary on Williams and the various black directors who were working during this era.