Sheila Guyse

Two producers trying to bankroll a musical lose their backer at the last minute, so they rope in female impersonator Bumpsie — played by vaudeville and Amos 'n' Andy star Tim Moore — to pose as a wealthy widow and keep the money flowing. Made by Herald Pictures for the "race film" circuit of Black theaters, it's a rare surviving showcase for a cast of African-American entertainers including Sheila Guyse and guest spots by the Harlemaniacs, with hot big-band numbers throughout. It is in the public domain.

Comedy · Music

Band singer Bob Jordan (Billy Daniels) is torn between the long-suffering Barbara (Sheila Guyse), who has loved him since his struggling days, and a wealthy society woman who promises to make him a star. Made for the Black theater circuit by producer Jack Goldberg's Herald Pictures, Sepia Cinderella is one of the best surviving examples of the all-Black-cast "race films" of the era, mixing backstage romance with nightclub numbers that showcase Daniels' smooth crooning — including the hit "That Old Black Magic." The film is in the public domain.

Musical · Romance