That Man of Mine (1946)

The Daily Times

Salisbury, Maryland

Thu, Nov 27, 1947 · Page 18

The Crowley Post-Signal

Crowley, Louisiana

Sat, Oct 18, 1947 · Page 3

Statesville Daily Record

Statesville, North Carolina

Wed, Mar 02, 1949 · Page 6

Star Tribune

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sun, Dec 08, 1946 · Page 118

Star Tribune

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sun, Dec 08, 1946 · Page 118

Star Tribune

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sun, Dec 08, 1946 · Page 118

Star Tribune

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sun, Dec 08, 1946 · Page 118

Star Tribune

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sun, Dec 08, 1946 · Page 118

Star Tribune

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sun, Dec 08, 1946 · Page 118

Star Tribune

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Sun, Dec 08, 1946 · Page 118

 

"That Man of Mine" (1946) is a musical drama starring Ruby Dee in her first featured film and introduces Anna Mae Winburn's International Sweethearts of Rhythm, an all-black girl jazz band. One of the writers for the movie was Powell Lindsay, who also starred in the film. William Alexander produced the film. He was a producer for several soundies and race films during the 1940s.

The race film era peaked in 1946, with the most all-black cast films made from any year before then. Many opportunities were available for black people looking to make it to Hollywood. However, most black movies in the 1940s were musicals or variety shows. You would find many of the dramatic acting in stageplays, and at the time, Ruby Dee was starring in "Anna Lucasta." The International Sweethearts of Rhythm were breaking ground with their hit single "Jump Children."

Despite the opportunities available for black people, "That Man of Mine" is one of the most extreme cases of colorism. It's noticeable the entire cast is light-skinned. This unfortunate truth existed predominately during the 20s, 30s, and 40s, and many instances of colorism are present today. Colorism primarily affected darker-skinned black women's opportunities as darker-skinned black male performers earned many parts. During the 1940s, white Hollywood executives were the primary producers of race movies. Spencer Williams and Oscar Micheaux were the leading black filmmakers during the 40s, but Micheaux's production significantly declined by this time due to funding and lack of sponsorship.

While "That Man of Mine" consists of a light-skinned cast, it's still a black movie starring black people. Its primary cast are women and one who ultimately became a known legend today. Anna Mae Winburn's International Sweethearts of Rhythm is the movie's highlight, and they perform several numbers, giving you great entertainment and music. There are several other variety acts with a minor storyline about black filmmakers trying to make a hit film.

Director: Leonard Anderson

Writers: Powell Lindsay, Les Hafner

Starring Ruby Dee, Henri Woode, Powell Lindsay, Harold Tillman, Rhina Harris, Betty Haynes, Ann Mae Winburne's International Sweethearts of Rhythm, Billie and Millie, Kenneth Broomes, Flo Hawkins, Tommi Moore

Storyline

A production company is trying to make a feature film starring Joan (Ruby Dee) and music by the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

The Women's Film Preservation Fund of New York Women in Film & Television, in partnership with HERFLIX, is responsible for the restoration and presentation of this movie.

**Preserved and is archived at the Academy Film Archive in Los Angeles

Information obtained from: Women's Film Preservation Fund**