Film Masters Restores Writer/Director Spencer Williams' Thought-To-Be-Lost 1941 Film Release Of The Blood Of Jesus For Blu-ray And DVD Release On June 24

Film Masters has something very special lined up for the physical media marketplace on June 24.   This would be the HD restoration of both Blu-ray and DVD editions of writer, director and actor Spencer Williams’ 1941 film release of The Blood of Jesus … Williams was also the co-producer in association with Alfred N. Sack of Sack Amusements.

The film, for years, was thought to be lost.   However, prints were found in a warehouse in Texas, where Sacks likely stored them after the war when he opened several theatres in the Dallas area.   He died in 1969 and they were simply forgotten.

This all-black production was heralded as “The most reverent colored picture ever produced” when it made its first recorded public showing on Mar. 26, 1941 at the Bocanita Theatre in Scottsboro, Alabama.   For just 20 cents (ten cents for kids), you got the film, a short titled “Femenine Fitness,” a newsreel and Popeye the Sailor in the cartoon titled Eugene the Jeep.

The Blood of Jesus played primarily on the “Negro” circuit … it was not uncommon for the white audiences to go to the movies, exit and then the theatre would reopen for a colored movie at midnight.   Churches were also a popular place for colored movies ... if the local cinema was not accommodating.   Major cities had their own venues.

In the case of The Blood of Jesus, we begin with the recently married Martha Ann Jackson (played by Cathryn Caviness) being baptized on Sunday down by the river, but her husband, Ras (Spencer Williams), is a no-show.   He’s been out pouching and when the two meet back up at home he accidentally shoots her with his rifle.

It is touch and go as to whether she will survive.   The congregation prays and holds a bedside vigil, but she remains in a coma.   Enter an angel who takes Martha on a journey to the “Crossroads” where something of a morality story plays out … the sins of nightclubs, jazz and roadhouse temptations are offered up by Satan.  

Mixed in with Martha’s visions are 11 gospel songs performed by “The Heavenly Choir.” 

The question then becomes, will she have the strength to choose the right path?   Back at the “Crossroads” the choice is heaven, or off to hell?   June 24, The Blood of Jesus from Film Masters on both Blu-ray and DVD to find out which path Martha takes.