SILENT FILM

The Rt. Reverend Isaiah T. Jenkins is a charismatic preacher who commands the respect and reverence of his congregation in Tatesville, a small Black town in Georgia. Martha Jane, one of his devout congregants, is determined to have her daughter Isabelle marry the reverend. Meanwhile, Isabelle is in love with Sylvester, the reverend’s twin brother.


Unbeknownst to Martha Jane and the rest of the town, the reverend is actually an imposter and a fugitive who has been drinking, gambling and stealing the church’s collection plate for himself.


Starring Paul Robeson (in his film debut), Mercedes Gilbert, Julia Theresa Russell and Lawrence Chenault, Oscar Micheaux’s Body and Soul is an incisive portrait of religion and unquestioning faith in a small community.

For this event, we will be projecting a rare 35mm film print, lovingly restored from surviving elements by the George Eastman Museum. To replicate the 1920’s moviegoing experience, jazz pianist Aaron Hill will be improvising a fresh score to accompany the film. Deidre Thompson, resident film librarian at MICA, will provide a brief introduction.