The Norman Studios Presents Black Gold, Thrilling Epic of the Oil Fields, With All Colored Cast

Title: The Norman Studios Presents Black Gold, Thrilling Epic of the Oil Fields, With All Colored Cast

Author: Norman Studios

Publication: [Jacksonville, Florida?]: Norman Studios, 1928.

Description: Press kit containing promotional materials for the 1928 Norman Studios silent film Black Gold, featuring an all-Black cast, filmed in the all-Black freedmen's town of Tatums, Oklahoma. When unfolded, recto contains a news article, a letter to cinema owners, and other promotional information, while the verso contains a poster (window card). Illustrated with scenes from the film. Printed in orange, black, and blue on white paper. 1 sheet; 22 x 14 inches, originally folded to 11 x 3.5 inches for mailing. Mailing folds and two short closed tears at edges. Very Good.

Norman Studios, founded by film director Richard Norman, was known for its "race films" starring all-Black casts. Black Gold was a drama set in the oil fields of Oklahoma and starred Laurence Criner and Kathryn Boyd, who had also starred in Norman Studios' "The Flying Ace." Other actors included Steve Reynolds, "Peg" Alfred Norcom, and residents of Tatums, Oklahoma, including U.S. Marshal L.B. Tatums. This would be Norman's last feature film, after suffering financial losses from investing in technology to sync sound with silent films. No copy of the film Black Gold survives.