From captivating stage performances in "The Green Pastures" to memorable roles in independent black cinema classics like "Spirit of Youth" and "Sunday Sinners, " Edna Mae Harris brought soulful characterizations and sharp comic timing to every scene. This comprehensive collection showcases her standout roles in films like "Paradise in Harlem" and "Tall, Tan, and Terrific, " while her documentary appearance in "Midnight Ramble" highlights the enduring legacy of this remarkable actress.
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Films
1. Fury

Two lovers… victims of mob violence!
Amidst the tumultuous 1930s, "Fury" weaves a gripping story of love and misfortune. Joe, a man on the brink of marriage to Katherine, commences a journey to a tranquil town to connect with his soon-to-be spouse. However, destiny has a surprising turn as he becomes a target of public furore, falsely accused of being a notorious kidnapper. With true love hanging in the balance, "Fury" engages the spectators in a thrilling emotional ride, illustrating the potency of passion amidst the unforgiving realities of the past.
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IMDb Rating: 7.8
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TMDb Rating: 7.49
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Release Date: 1936-06-05
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Runtime: 92.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Budget: $604,000.0
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Box Office Revenue: $1,300,000.0
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Status: Released
2. Bullets or Ballots

WHO Rules The Rackets ? This picture puts the finger on the political higher-ups!
In the thrilling world of "Bullets or Ballots, " Police Captain Dan McLaren rises through the ranks to commissioner. As he takes on the criminal underworld led by the infamous Al Kruger, the tables turn when his former detective Johnny Blake joins forces with the mob, leaving McLaren's newfound allies suspicious of Blake's true intentions. With each punch thrown and secret uncovered, the stakes get higher and higher as the line between law enforcement and organized crime becomes dangerously blurred.
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IMDb Rating: 7.0
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TMDb Rating: 6.5
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Release Date: 1936-06-06
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Runtime: 82.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
3. The Green Pastures

Delve into the world of rural, black American perspectives in "The Green Pastures, " a 1936 masterpiece that tells a unique take on Old Testament stories like Creation and Noah's Ark. This one-of-a-kind film brings God, heaven, and Old Testament tales to life through the eyes of the people who lived and worked on the land. Discover the transformative power of faith and community as this hidden gem takes you on a journey to a bygone era.
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IMDb Rating: 7.0
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TMDb Rating: 6.286
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Metacritic Rating: 74.0
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Release Date: 1936-08-01
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Runtime: 93.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
4. Stage Door Canteen

YOU'VE HEARD ABOUT IT! READ ABOUT IT! NOW *SEE* THE WORLD'S GREATEST ENTERTAINMENT HIT!
Experience the world's greatest entertainment hit with "Stage Door Canteen, " a 1943 classic that brings together star-studded personalities and enamored servicemen during wartime. As a young soldier takes a pass in bustling New York City, he stumbles upon the illustrious Stage Door Canteen, a recreational center teeming with famous stars from the theater and film industries. As he indulges in the lively performances and mingles with the charming hostesses, a blossoming romance unfolds amidst the backdrop of an unforgettable era.
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IMDb Rating: 6.3
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TMDb Rating: 6.1
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Release Date: 1943-06-24
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Runtime: 132.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
5. Spirit of Youth

Experience the captivating journey of "Spirit of Youth, " released in 1938. Follow the rise of boxer Joe Thomas, whose life closely mirrors that of legendary champion Joe Louis. Get ready for an unforgettable cinema experience set against the backdrop of a bygone era, brought to life by remarkable storytelling and unforgettable performances. "Spirit of Youth" - where determination and passion meet in the ring.
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IMDb Rating: 5.4
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TMDb Rating: 5.5
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Release Date: 1938-04-01
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Runtime: 66.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
6. Paradise in Harlem

Greatest Colored Cast Ever Assembled in One Picture
Enter a world of laughter and drama in "Paradise in Harlem" (1939), featuring the greatest colored cast ever assembled on screen. The film centers around comedian Lem Anderson, who longs to perform in Shakespearean scenes, but finds himself confined to Harlem Vaudeville. His life takes a twist when he witnesses a crime and is strongly advised to leave town by a menacing mobster. As the story unfolds, the audience is treated to a rich tapestry of humor, music, and drama set against the backdrop of Harlem in the 1930s. Don't miss this vibrant and entertaining movie!
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IMDb Rating: 5.0
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TMDb Rating: 5.4
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Release Date: 1939-01-01
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Runtime: 85.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
7. Lying Lips

Join the captivating journey of "Lying Lips, " a 1939 film noir, where the enigmatic world of a nightclub singer takes a deadly turn. When she rejects the advances of a mysterious client, she's unwittingly drawn into a web of deception, framed for the murder of her own aunt. As innocent as her intentions were, she finds herself on the run, surrounded by lies and deceit. Can she clear her name and unveil the true culprit before it's too late? Embark on this suspenseful journey and uncover the secrets of "Lying Lips. "
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IMDb Rating: 4.6
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TMDb Rating: 4.8
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Release Date: 1939-01-02
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Runtime: 68.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
8. Private Number

Ellen Neal, a young and innocent maid, gets entangled in a web of complicated relationships when she falls in love with her employer's son. Meanwhile, the head butler harbors less-than-noble intentions for her attention, adding more intrigue to the unfolding drama. "Private Number" is a gripping tale of love and deception, offering a fascinating glimpse into the lives of the wealthy and their employees.
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IMDb Rating: 6.7
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TMDb Rating: 6.5
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Release Date: 1936-06-05
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Runtime: 80.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
9. The Notorious Elinor Lee
In the thrilling world of 1940s gangsters, "The Notorious Elinor Lee" tells a captivating tale of manipulation and danger. With a charismatic woman at the heart of the story, these sly criminals use her to get to a promising boxer and convince him to betray his own convictions. Emotions run high as the stakes rise, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. Experience the intensity of this classic noir film, where danger and deception rule the day.
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IMDb Rating: 4.8
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TMDb Rating: 4.0
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Release Date: 1940-01-01
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Runtime: 107.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
10. Stolen Paradise

A Story of Adolescence
When Robert Gordon runs away from his Catholic school to live with his father in Florida, he discovers a world of temptation he never imagined. In this story of adolescence, the sheltered 18-year-old's carefully constructed life changes forever when he falls in love with his step-sister, Patricia. His world is turned upside down as he struggles with his faith, his desires, and the expectations placed upon him.
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IMDb Rating: 3.6
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Release Date: 1940-12-16
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Runtime: 79.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
11. Sunday Sinners
"Sunday Sinners" is a 1940 musical from Harlem that brings a touch of the vibrant neighborhood's spirit to the screen. Sixty-five minutes of pure entertainment, it's a delightful look at a time when music and culture were deeply intertwined.
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Release Date: 1940-02-01
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Runtime: 65.0 minutes
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Original Language: en
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Status: Released
TV Shows
1. I Remember Harlem

Experience the rich history of Harlem in a 4-episode miniseries, "I Remember Harlem", which takes you on a journey from its early settlement in the 17th century to the urban renewal and redevelopment era of the 1970s. Explore the fascinating centuries of political and artistic expression that shaped this complex hamlet and made it the thriving capital of urban America.
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Original Name: I Remember Harlem
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Languages: ["en"]
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Episode Runtime: [60]
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Status: Ended
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Origin Country: ["US"]
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Original Language: en
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Type: Miniseries
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First Air Date: 1981-02-01
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Last Air Date: 1981-02-04
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Number of Seasons: 1
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Number of Episodes: 4