This film describes the confrontation between the MOVE organization and the Philadelphia Law Enforcement. On May 13^th, 1985, 11 men, women and children members of MOVE were killed and 61 homes destroyed by fire. The film explores the history of Blacks in Philadelphia and the MOVE organization during this time period.  By A. Wilkins
 

VCat entry for Hello, Dolly.  By S. Stein

This film was filmed at Northeast High School at 1801 Cottman Ave, Philadelphia. The documentary of a Philadelphia High School was elected into the National Film Registry in 1991. The movie follows a clash between students and authority in a city school. The interactions between adults and children are representative of generational values of the time and the burgeoning counterculture and youth movements of the era. By S. Stein

This film was done in Philadelphia at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. David Lynch attended school at the Academy, where he first began working in film. This is one of his early experimentations with surrealism. By S. Stein

VCat entry for "It's a mad, mad, mad, mad world". By A. Migdail

A historical look at the Mexican-American struggle for equality in the workforce. The film has feminist undertones as it deals with the influence of women on strengthening the workers’ community. A response to the HUAC hearings and the social inequalities subtly proclaimed by the McCarthy administration in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

Herbert J. Biberman was a native to Philadelphia, born in 1900. Although he moved to New York to pursue his career and was educated outside of the city, he did spend significant time at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition, Biberman was raised a Jew and adopted Communism as his political ideology. These elements of his persona were largely responsible for the suspicions he inspired in the HUAC hearings and were ultimately the reason for his six month imprisonment on the charge of “Contempt of Congress.” Biberman’s upbringing, a key element in defining him as a marginalized figure in 1950s America, occurred primarily in Philadelphia.

Because I am examining only one film, the relevance of which pertains primarily to a national context, my focus on Philadelphia History throughout this project has been scarce. The city, as the birthplace of Herbert J. Biberman pertains to the project for that reason more than any other. In fact, coverage of the Philadelphia native was extremely limited—especially in response to his film “Salt of the Earth.” Thus, my project focuses primarily on Herbert Bieberman’s national influence, consequences of which affected America far beyond Philadelphia alone.  By I. Cowles

Production-February-March 1929
Premiere-April 13-17, 1929 (New York Premiere), April 15-20, 1929 (Philadelphia Premiere)

This film was shot at the studios of Philadelphia-based production company, the Colored Players Film Corporation, at 5813 Woodlawn Avenue with local actors and was screened at Philadelphia’s Gibson’s Theater in April 1929 and the Pearl Theater in June of the same year.  By Elissa Stern