A Black Sherlock Holmes
A Black Sherlock Holmes is an American silent movie written by by C. N. David and directed by R. G. Philips, produced by Ebony Film Corp. (Chicago), released in april 1918 in USA, starring Sam Robinson as Knick Garter and Rudolph Tatun as Rheuma Tism. 13 minutes.
The plot of the movie is not related to Arthur Conan Doyle stories, but the sleuth Knick Garter (Sam Robinson) is dressed as the Sherlock Holmes cliché (deerstalker, calabash pipe, MacFarlane, Magnifying glass...).
Knick Garter is hired to find Sheeza Sneeze kidnapped by the villain Baron-Jazz.
The movie was the first production of the Ebony Film Corporation. All the roles are played by black actor/actress. The movie still exists and is preserved by the "Motion Picture Conservation Center" from the "American Film Institute Collection" at the "Library of Congress" but is very damaged. Below are photos taken from the less damaged scenes.
Video
Full movie
Photos
Knick Garter
(Sam Robinson)
Rheuma Tism
(Rudolph Tatun)
I.Wanta Sneeze
(Geo. Lewis)
Sheeza Sneeze
(Evon Junior)
Baron-Jazz
(Sam Jackson)
Baron-Jazz's business card.
Knick Garter sleeping.
Letter from Sneeze to Knick Garter.
Knick Garter and Rheuma Tism.
Rheuma Tism, I.Wanta Sneeze and Knick Garter.
Rheuma Tism, I.Wanta Sneeze and Knick Garter.
Baron-Jazz meeting Sheeza Sneeze.
Sheeza Sneeze's kidnapping.
Baron-Jazz's chauffeur in disguise.
Kidnappers arriving in their den.
Rheuma Tism and Knick Garter on the trail.
Gunfire between Baron-Jazz...
... and Knick Garter.
Knick Garter wins the fight.
Sheeza Sneeze is back to home.
Knick Garter looks for Baron-jazz.
Knick Garter arrests Baron-jazz.
Happy end.
Cast
- Knick Garter : Sam Robinson
- Rheuma Tism : Rudolph Tatun
- Baron-Jazz : Sam Jackson
- I.Wanta Sneeze : Geo. Lewis
- Sheeza Sneeze : Evon Junior
Crew
- Director : R. G. Philips
- Writer : C. N. David
Titles
"Knick Garter." The great detector and an admirer of Sheeza.
His assistant "Rheuma Tism".
"I.Wanta Sneeze." Inventor of things, more especially the wireless exploder of explosives.
"Sheeza Sneeze." A doting daughter.
"Baron-Jazz." Who lives on his wits and other people's money.
Unexpectedly Mercury picks a few fares.
Camouflaged.
So that very night under false stimulants they hatch their deep dyed plot.
"I have decided to reform and stay here — but that man is a crook and an imposter."
