The Blood of Jesus

*

This film has been preserved in the National Film Registry in 1991.

The Blood of Jesus is a 1941 American race film written by, directed by, and starring Spencer Williams. It was also released under the alternate title of The Glory Road.

Why It Rocks

1. This film was among the approximately 500 "race movies" produced between 1915 and 1950 for African-American audiences, featuring all-black casts. And this is one of less than 100 films in this era that was lucky enough to survive.
   • Spencer Williams, who wrote, directed and starred in the film, produced the film in response to a need for spiritually-based films that spoke directly to black audiences, considering it was released during an era where most mainstream movies to target towards white audiences.
2. The film delves deeply into cultural themes related to the early 20th century and Depression era black community such as the importance of conservative family values, Christianity, and questions of “virtuous” rural life compared to “sinful” urban living. It even has a naïve grandeur to match its subject, which may excuse the poor design.
3. The director (like Oscar Micheaux before him -- another major black director) has impressive artistry with sophisticated layering of symbols and imagery (from Protestant, Catholic, and Yoruba religious tradition) and his priceless snapshot of African-American life and culture at a crucial juncture. Not to mention the authentic and first-rate music which helps to convey the story, plus the contrast of religious and secular music was very important to the plot.
4. Powerful and suspenseful story, which involves Sister Martha accidently getting shot, and nearly dying and then facing a spiritual crossroads and being forced to choose between heaven and hell, along with being tempted by both God and Satan
5. Williams seems somewhat ahead of his time in trying to highlight the leadership role of black women (in the form of Martha) in the shaping and strengthening of the black community, however, he falls into the patriarchal pattern showing the primary role of women is to put her man first.
6. The film's an excellent example of how even a no-budget movie can have enough worthwhile content to speak to a certain audience and garner a strong fanbase. As it's clear that there is a basic religious fundamentalist moral to the story and that the film intends more than entertainment.

The Only Bad Quality

1. The film has a very low budget of $5000, and it really shows as the actors aren't so good in their performances, the camera isn't in complete control, and some of costumes look very cheap. Although this can partly be excused as the black director and actors didn't have a lot to work with at the time.