The Blood of Jesus (1941)

User Rating:

5.5/10   

Director:

Spencer Williams

Writer:

Spencer Williams (written by)

Genre:

Drama | Fantasy

Tagline:

A Mighty Epic Of Modern Morals!

Plot:

An atheist accidentally shoots his Baptist wife. She dies and goes to a crossroads, where the devil tries to lead her astray.

Plot Keywords:

Joint | Angel | Rural | Atheist | Temptation

Awards:

1 win

Cast

Cathryn Caviness	...	Sister Martha Ann Jackson
Spencer Williams	...	Razz Jackson
Juanita Riley	...	Sister Jenkins
Reather Hardeman	...	Sister Ellerby
Rogenia Goldthwaite	...	The Angel
James B. Jones	...	Satan (as Jas. B. Jones)
Frank H. McClennan	...	Judas Green
Eddie DeBase	...	Rufus Brown (as Eddie De Base)
Alva Fuller	...	Luke Williams
Rev. R.L. Robertson
The Heavenly Choir	...	Group Singers

Also Known As:

The Glory Road (USA) (reissue title)

Runtime:

57 min | USA:68 min (copyright length)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Black and White

Sound Mix:

Mono

Certification:

USA:Approved

Filming Locations:

Dallas, Texas, USA

Company:

Amegro Films

Trivia:

This film was selected to the National Film Registry, Library of Congress, in 1991.

Movie Connections:

Featured in That's Black Entertainment (1990)

Soundtrack:

Amazing Grace

A newly baptized young black woman in the rural American South is accidentally shot by her husband and undergoes a challenging journey to salvation.

BLOOD OF Jesus must be judged within its own very special context, and not by current commercial cinematic standards. In its own context, BLOOD OF Jesus is not only an important cultural document but a compelling and great film. Yes, its production values seem crude and its performances rudimentary, though wholly sincere; it must be remembered that the budget was of necessity very low and that the actors had little experience or access to theatrical training).

But the artistry of the director, Spencer Williams, shouldn't be underestimated: his sophisticated layering of symbols and imagery (from Protestant, Catholic, and Yoruba religious tradition) and his priceless snapshot of African-American life and culture at a crucial juncture is not just eye-opening but enjoyable. And the music is authentic and first-rate.