Hollywood Be Thy Name: African American Religion in American Film, 1929–1949

This groundbreaking book uncovers an aspect of cultural images of African American religion that has been missing up to now.

Drawing on studio production files, censorship records, and discussions and debates about religion and film in the black press, as well as providing close readings of films, this richly illustrated and meticulously researched book brings religious studies and film history together in innovative ways.

The author's magic is her ability to juggle African American history, film history, and black religiosity in a manner that is highly readable.

This is a must-read for anyone interested in the complex discourses about race, social and moral requirements of American citizenship, and the very nature of American identity.