Every Wednesday night in February, Channel Pittsburgh is dedicating its
programming to celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of
African Americans for Black History Month.
Channel Pittsburgh is a non-profit streaming television station
available for free to anyone with a Roku-enabled television set.
This programming includes rare “race films” — movies specifically made
about African Americans for an African American audience — that were
largely produced outside the Hollywood studio system from the Silent Era
through the 1950’s. Some feature the most popular Black performers of
the era, such as Billy Daniels (1915-1988) who became famous for his hit
1950 recording of the song “That Old Black Magic.”
Vintage television programs and an impressive documentary round out
these special Wednesday nights showcasing stars such as Harry Belafonte,
James Brown, Diahann Carroll, Eddie Anderson and many others.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 4
8:00pm Hollywood Palace Memories
An installment of the quintessential 1960’s variety series features rare
and remarkable performances by comedian Nipsey Russell and soul legend
James Brown.
9:00pm Front Row Center
This anthology series offers up an engrossing tale of Harriett Tubman
(Louise Stubbs) and the efforts of the Underground Railroad to aid
escaping slaves in 19th century America. Benjy: Chris Valentine. Folsom:
Mel Profit.
10:00pm Moments in Time
Noted actor Brock Peters narrates a 1960’s-era documentary about the
famed Harlem Renaissance. Also: a rare clip circa 1930 of some of the
artists.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 11
8:00pm Movie Special: Sepia Cinderella
A struggling band leader and composer (Billy Daniels) finds sudden
success with a surprise hit song. The great score in this 1947 film
includes jazz gems written by early 20th Century artists such as Rudy
Toombs and Deek Watson (who appears as himself). Barbara: Shelia Guyse.
Vivian: Tondaleyo.
9:30pm Jack Benny Color Program
The legendary Eddie Anderson is showcased in this hilarious episode
which has been digitally colorized.
10:00pm Front Row Center
Harry Belefonte and Jesse White star in two separate stories about
aspiring boxers facing different challenges. Legendary athlete Joe Louis
makes a cameo. Anna: Diahann Carroll. Corbett: George Montgomery.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18
8:00pm Classic Comedy Hour
The final installment of Sammy Davis Jr.’s short-lived variety series
uses its last hour to showcase the star’s comedic, music and dancing
gifts.
9:00pm Movie Special: Carib Gold
Cicely Tyson (1972’s “Sounder”) makes her big screen debut in this
polished 1956 gem about a diver (Cody Wallace) who may have discovered a
sunken treasure. The cast also includes legendary singer and actress
Ethel Waters (who received an Oscar nomination for her role in 1949’s
“Pinky”). Neely: Peter Dawson. Lechock: Richard Ward.
10:30pm General Audiences
A cross-section of films starring or co-starring actress Halle Berry
includes the trailer for her Academy Award winning performance in
“Monster’s Ball” and a still from her directorial debut, “Bruised.”
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25
8:00pm Movie Special: Hallelujah
Legendary director King Vidor (1931’s “The Champ”) earned an Oscar
nomination for this groundbreaking 1929 film about love, faith and greed
among a group of Southern sharecroppers. Zeke: Danel L. Haynes. Chick:
Nina Mae McKinney.
9:30pm General Audiences
The films of Academy Award winning actor/director Denzel Washington
begin with his screen debut in 1981’s “Carbon Copy” through the
Pittsburgh-made 2016 film version of the play “Fences.”
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All images sourced from Wikipedia.
