The Black Network 1936
In *The Black Network (1936)*, Roy Mack directs this lively short film that dives into the jazz-age world of radio and ambition.
Director: Roy Mack
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Black Network (1936) about?
*The Black Network* follows Nina Mae McKinney, a rising musical star, as she performs on a sponsored radio program owned by a struggling shoe-polish entrepreneur. When his wife's ill-timed singing derails the show, the business collapses—but McKinney and her partner strike it rich through a daily lottery win.
Who directed The Black Network?
The film was directed by Roy Mack, a filmmaker known for his work in short-subject musicals during the golden age of Hollywood.
Who stars in The Black Network?
The cast features Nina Mae McKinney, Emmett 'Babe' Wallace, Amanda Randolph, Bill 'Basement' Brown, and the legendary Fayard and Harold Nicholas.
Is The Black Network (1936) worth watching?
While unrated on IMDb, *The Black Network* is a fascinating time capsule of early Black musical cinema and 1930s radio culture. Its brisk runtime and nostalgic charm make it a unique pick for fans of jazz history and vintage short films.
How long is The Black Network?
The runtime is 20 minutes.
About The Black Network (1936) — A Jazz-Era Short Film of Talent, Luck, and Radio Stardom
In *The Black Network (1936)*, Roy Mack directs this lively short film that dives into the jazz-age world of radio and ambition. Centered on Nina Mae McKinney, the era's dazzling musical star, the story follows her as she performs on a sponsored radio show owned by a shoe-polish magnate. But complications arise when his wife, overconfident in her own vocal talents, insists on taking the stage—her disastrous performance drives away listeners and sends the business into freefall. With the sponsor reduced to shining shoes on a street corner, McKinney and her boyfriend cash in on a lucky bet, flipping their fortunes overnight.
Set against the backdrop of 1930s Harlem's vibrant music scene, *The Black Network* blends satire with the infectious energy of its performers. The film spotlights Black talent during a transformative era, using humor and sharp storytelling to explore themes of talent versus hubris, the power of radio, and the unpredictable nature of luck. McKinney's star power and the Nicholas Brothers' dynamic presence infuse the short with joyful, carefree charm—even as the plot twists into a whimsical underdog tale.