About The Emperor Jones

Directed by Dudley Murphy, "The Emperor Jones" is a highly influential African-American film released in 1933. The film is based on the play of the same name by Eugene O'Neill. The plot revolves around Brutus Jones, portrayed by Paul Robeson, a Pullman porter who escapes to a Caribbean island after being wrongly accused of murder. There, he proclaims himself 'The Emperor' but his reign is threatened when his subjects rebel against him.

Making/Production

Eugene O'Neill's play was adapted for the screen by DuBose Heyward. The filming was done on a small budget and was one of few attempts at serious drama in the early years of sound films. The film was a groundbreaking moment in black cinema as it featured a black man, Paul Robeson, in the lead role.

Actors

• Paul Robeson as Brutus Jones: Robeson, in his breakthrough role, gives a powerful performance as the self-proclaimed emperor.
• Dudley Digges as Smithers: Digges plays the cunning and conniving Smithers, who helps Brutus in establishing his rule.
• Fredi Washington as Undine: Washington beautifully portrays the role of the innocent Undine, who becomes a pawn in Brutus's game.

Trivia/Interesting Facts

• The film was one of the first to feature a black actor in a lead role.
• Paul Robeson, the lead actor, was also a prominent activist and singer.
• The film's provocative racial themes were highly controversial at the time of its release.

Quotes

• "You yellow-skinned nigger, they ain't no yellow going down to my soul." - Brutus Jones
• "Who called me black? You tell 'em white folks I'm a smoke but I ain't no black man" - Brutus Jones

Music/Soundtrack

• The film's music was composed by Max Steiner, who later worked on films like "Gone with the Wind".
• The movie offers a mix of traditional spirituals, blues, and African rhythms, reflecting the diverse African-American musical heritage.