The Story
Although the 1930s and 1940s marked Hollywood's "Golden Age" for some, Black male actors were most often confined to minor roles as servants or porters. Despite this obstacle, Mantan Moreland became a regular supporting player at Monogram Pictures, taking leading parts in several all-Black independent productions. His roles as Birmingham Brown in Monogram's Charlie Chan mysteries, as Frankie Darro's on-screen partner in several comedies and the films King of the Zombies (1941) and Revenge of the Zombies (1943), among others, increased his popularity. Reviewers often noted his performances as the most engaging parts of the films in which he appeared.
This book discusses the full scope of Moreland's life and career, offering a biographical overview; a filmography with summaries and critical notes on more than 100 productions; and detailed accounts of his work in radio, television, and music.
Author: Laura Wagner
Publisher: McFarland & Company
Published: 06/20/2026
Pages: 268
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.04lbs
Size: 10.00h x 7.00w x 0.57d
ISBN: 9781476697901
About the Author
Writer Laura Wagner lives in New York. She is the book reviewer and contributing editor of the magazines Classic Images and Films of the Golden Age.
Description
Although the 1930s and 1940s marked Hollywood's "Golden Age" for some, Black male actors were most often confined to minor roles as servants or porters. Despite this obstacle, Mantan Moreland became a regular supporting player at Monogram Pictures, taking leading parts in several all-Black independent productions. His roles as Birmingham Brown in Monogram's Charlie Chan mysteries, as Frankie Darro's on-screen partner in several comedies and the films King of the Zombies (1941) and Revenge of the Zombies (1943), among others, increased his popularity. Reviewers often noted his performances as the most engaging parts of the films in which he appeared.
This book discusses the full scope of Moreland's life and career, offering a biographical overview; a filmography with summaries and critical notes on more than 100 productions; and detailed accounts of his work in radio, television, and music.
Author: Laura Wagner
Publisher: McFarland & Company
Published: 06/20/2026
Pages: 268
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 1.04lbs
Size: 10.00h x 7.00w x 0.57d
ISBN: 9781476697901
About the Author
Writer Laura Wagner lives in New York. She is the book reviewer and contributing editor of the magazines Classic Images and Films of the Golden Age.
