Lincoln Motion Picture Company facts for kids
The Lincoln Motion Picture Company was an American film company. It was started in 1916 by Noble Johnson and George Perry Johnson. Noble Johnson was the company's president. Actor Clarence A. Brooks was the secretary. Dr. James T. Smith was the treasurer, and Dudley A. Brooks was the assistant secretary.
This company was special because it was the first to make "race movies." These were films made for and often starring Black actors. The company began in Omaha, Nebraska. A year later, it moved to Los Angeles. It operated until 1923. The main goal of Lincoln Motion Picture Company was to stop showing Black actors in silly, stereotypical roles, like in "slapstick comedy." Their famous slogan was: "best advertised and most widely known Race Corporation in the world."
Why Black Films Were Needed
In the early 1900s, many film studios ignored Black audiences. This meant there was a big need for movies made for them. This led to the creation of Black-owned movie companies.
The Lincoln Motion Picture Company was the first all-Black movie production company. It became known for showing off the amazing talent of African Americans in film. The company made and shared five films. Their first film was "The Realization of a Negro's Ambition" (1916). This movie was important because it showed the Black middle class for the first time.
These films were mostly shown to African American audiences. They were seen in churches, schools, and special "Colored Only" theaters. The Johnson brothers wanted a wider audience, but this was difficult. Making movies cost a lot of money. Also, not enough tickets were sold. These problems stopped them from making more films.
Noble Johnson left his role as president to become an actor at Universal Pictures. Dr. James T. Smith then took over as president. Some people believe that the movies Johnson starred in were more successful than those made by white-owned studios. The Lincoln Motion Picture Company closed in 1921.
Even though the company did not last long, it was very important to the African American community. It inspired many other movie companies to be started by different ethnic groups.
Films They Made
- The Realization of a Negro's Ambition (1916)
- The Law of Nature (1916)
- The Trooper of Company K (1917)
- A Man's Duty (1919)
- By Right of Birth (1921)
See also
