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You know the kind of movie that's made as an "answer to" a preceding film? Sort of a way for filmmakers to debate one another (indirectly)? Well, today's movie was quite possibly a clapback to a highly racist propaganda film that did entirely too well at the box office (The Birth of a Nation, 1915). And while Within Our Gates did not gain the wealth and fame of the former, it certainly made an impact - and we hope it continues to do so.
In 1919, Oscar Micheaux decided to make a film that creatively flipped D.W. Griffith's 'The Birth of a Nation' right on it's racist head. In addition, it was a time of unrest between whites and blacks in Oscar's home city of Chicago, due to the Chicago Race Riots of 1919. Apparently there was quite a riot in which mobs of white people killed and/or brutally hurt the blacks and burned their residences (?!!). The time, in Oscar's mind, was perfect to make a film like this, showing the truth of those who were currently oppressed (the people of color).
We could not get enough of Evelyn's superb facial expressions!
So his story features an educated young black woman (played by the fabulous Evelyn Preer), who is trying to raise money for an impoverished black children's school. She faces adversity at every turn, and her (incredibly painful) backstory is revealed. SPOILER ALERT: There's a happy ending. Not saying what happens though. WATCH. IT. Even in today's age of 3-D, HD sound, interactive movies....this film hits hard. It gives the audience a very honest look at the cruel reality of racism in the early 20th century - going so far as showing a lynching of an innocent black couple and the attempted rape of the main character. This was a huge risk for filmmakers at the time, but Oscar believed in his message - even if he himself told a newspaper that the film was "a bit radical"!
The opening title...boom!
Because Oscar was working with limited funds, all of the props and costumes were borrowed - and, due to limited film, there was no opportunity to retake a scene! The actors had to get it right the first time. We wonder how many "big name" stars could have worked under such conditions! But they persevered and finished the film. Oscar deliberately chose a multi-racial cast, which was a rarity for black filmmakers in his time. Yes, there were other filmmakers of color in those days! In order to show a "real life" setting, Oscar cast both black and white actors to play the characters in his film - and the result is exactly what he wanted! A realistic look at life in a racist society! Now, for their next hurdle...exhibition!
ABOVE & BELOW: The scenes that caused the censors to...have a cow
Oscar submitted his film to the Chicago Board of Censors at the end of 1919, and it was promptly rejected. Other large cities rejected it, or demanded the scenes of lynching and attempted rape be cut. Their main concern seemed to be that the film would stir everyone up and they'd have more racial riots on their hands! The Chicago Defender wrote in January 1920:
"Those who reasoned with the spectacle of last July in Chicago ever before them, declared the showing pre-eminently dangerous; while those who reasoned with the knowledge of existing conditions, the injustices of the times, the lynchings and handicaps of ignorance, determined that the time is ripe to bring the lesson to the front."
Well, controversy or not, Oscar went ahead with the Chicago screening - in 3 differently cut versions. We're not sure if the surviving film is one of the "originals", but photos taken from scenes (that are not in the current version) and viewers' descriptions of original scenes that are no longer there lead us to think there was originally more to it. This was a way for Oscar to sort of "side step" the censors: remove certain scenes for their approval, then add it back in later! Oh, Oscar...! The controversy only added to the public interest, and there were large audiences!
More of those Evelyn expressions!
Ironically, the very scenes that censorship boards were trying to remove, were the key scenes that spoke the loudest! There was a general (false) belief among white Americans that lynchings of black men were to punish them for assaulting white women. In fact, this was included in a scene from Birth of a Nation, reinforcing the toxic mindset! Well, Oscar chose to have his lynching scene intercut with the attempted rape of the main character (a black woman) by a white man - which, incidentally, happened much more frequently than "the other way around"!
There is one scene towards the end that puzzles modern viewers. After learning of the hatred and horror that the main character has endured, her fiancee tells her:
...wait, WHAT?? "Be proud of our country" is not the correct response when someone has endured trauma in a racist country. Is Oscar backpedaling here? Well, at first glance, he seems to be! But when we look closer, it's more likely that he added this bit of patriotism to appease (who else?) the censors. World War 1 had just ended, and patriotism was big. This was a way to sing the song that everyone wanted to hear. Throw the dog a bone, etc., etc. In short, it probably was not part of Oscar's vision but YA GOTTA DO WHAT YA GOTTA DO TO GET PAST THOSE DARN CENSORS!
Oscar took a proverbial "axe to the root" in this film on many prevalent beliefs of whites towards blacks, and showed audiences the truth about equality and the horrors of what many black Americans suffered. Although he made films primarily for black audiences, his goal, it seems, was to educate audiences and encourage them to work together in unity, regardless of race. And in the 21st century...his message remains the same.
While Oscar never publicly commented on The Birth of a Nation, anyone who is familiar with both films will see that his narrative is too precise to be an accident! The fact that he chose to fight back in this unique, creative and non-violent way is a tribute to his character, and an inspiration to us today. We here at SCS encourage our readers to always tell your truth, always stand up for what's right - and always do so in ways that truly make a difference in the long run. Not just for the here and now, but as an example to future generations. Have a look at this historic film below!
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