The Railroad Porter facts for kids

The Railroad Porter, also known as The Pullman Porter, was an early movie made around 1912 or 1913. It was a very special film because it was one of the first American movies ever made by African-Americans. It was produced by a company called The Foster Photoplay Company. This film was the first one released by the company.

How It Was Made

This movie featured actors from the famous Pekin Theatre's acting group. They traveled with the film, showing it in the southern parts of the United States. They also showed another film called The Fall Guy. During the breaks, when they changed the film reels, a singer named Lottie Grady would perform songs for the audience.

The Railroad Porter was a groundbreaking film. It was written, filmed, and edited in 1913. It was the first movie ever produced and directed by an African American person. All the actors in the film were also African American. The movie showed a new side of life, including African American families who were part of the middle class.

Many of the actors in The Railroad Porter were well-known from black vaudeville shows. Lottie Grady, who used to be with the Pekin Theatre group, played the wife in the movie. Cassie Burch Slaughter played the 'Wife's Friend'. Kid Brown took on the role of the 'Railroad Porter'. Edgar Ellison played 'The Waiter', and Bell Coles played the 'Police Officer'.

What Happens in the Film?

The story of The Railroad Porter is about a wife. Her husband doesn't come home at his usual time. She thinks he might have left her for a little while. So, she invites a nicely dressed waiter to have dinner at her house.

When her husband finally comes home, he sees his wife eating dinner with another man. The husband gets upset and pulls out a gun to threaten the waiter. But then, the waiter pulls out his own gun! A small commotion happens, but don't worry, no one gets hurt. In the end, everything turns out fine and happy.

Who Was in the Film?

Here are some of the actors who appeared in The Railroad Porter:

• Lottie Grady
• Jerry Mills (performer)
• Cassie Burch Slaughter
• Kid Brown
• Edgar Lillison
• Bell Cole