Bibliographische Detailangaben
Beteiligte: Bowdre, Karen M.
In: Black Camera: An International Film Journal (The New Series), 5, 2014, 2, S. 21-43
veröffentlicht:
Indiana University Press
Medientyp: Artikel, E-Artikel

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weitere Informationen
Umfang: 21-43
ISSN: 1536-3155
1947-4237
DOI: 10.2979/blackcamera.5.2.21
veröffentlicht in: Black Camera: An International Film Journal (The New Series)
Sprache: Englisch
Kollektion: sid-55-col-jstorfilm
sid-55-col-jstoras8
JSTOR Film and Performing Arts
JSTOR Arts & Sciences VIII Archive
Inhaltsangabe

<label>Abstract</label> <p>This essay considers prominent films, including<italic>Imitation of Life</italic>(1934, 1959) and<italic>Lost Boundaries</italic>(1949), that examine the topic of passing. Social problem films dealing with race were often viewed as progressive and thought to tackle the issue of racism. However, I argue that in its focus on passing, Hollywood made an empty gesture toward racial equality. The majority of Blacks cannot pass as White, so examining this issue was superficial. Moreover, passing narratives did not challenge the racial hierarchy in the United States but encouraged those at the bottom to stay in their place. Industry practices such as casting decisions also played an important role in these films. While ostensibly these movies should have provided opportunities for more Black actors and actresses, except for the casting of Fredi Washington in 1934 in<italic>Imitation of Life</italic>, Hollywood continued to cast White actors exclusively in Black roles. In fact the Production Code Administration (PCA) was so alarmed about Washington's appearance and real-life ability to pass that I posit subsequent passing films avoided any PCA censorship problems by not casting Blacks. Through an examination of the PCA files on these films, I argue that industry practices of racial exclusion from lead roles as well as the use of passing films continue to shore up the centrality of whiteness in Hollywood cinema.</p>