The Scar of Shame (Historic Black Cinema Collection) (Silent)

Brilliant Alvin Hillyard's breeding and education have led to a successful career as a concert pianist. He marries a beautiful girl, Louise Howard, to save her from the abuse of her brutal drunken father. They genuinely love one another, and for a short time life is sweet. But when Alvin must travel to the bedside of his dying mother, he refuses to bring Louise. If his mother were to learn that he had married beneath his class, that in itself, would kill her! Feeling totally betrayed, Louise rips up her marriage license, removes her ring, and packing her things, heads off for a path which will lead to dire consequences for both her and Alvin.

The Scar Of Shame is a historically significant classic early example of the "Race" movie. It was produced by The Colored Film Players Corporation of Philadelphia for the high-minded purpose of communicating the significance of education. The story demonstrates how prejudice and brutality within the black community, destroy a nice girl, and force her down a path of degradation. All of the outdoor footage was shot on location in and around Philadelphia in this well-acted, first-class production.

• silent