The Blood Of Jesus

The Blood Of Jesus (1941, B&W): Pious, young Martha Jackson is accidentally shot by her sinful husband, Razz Jackson, on the very same day she was baptized in a solemn riverside service. Instead of being sent straight to heaven, Martha is escorted by an angel to The Crossroads, where a sign points in opposite directions - Hell and Zion. Just as she turns toward salvation, Satan sends suave seducer, Judas Green, to sweet-talk her into changing her mind. The low-life juke joints of the city are fun at first, but when ordered to "work" the dance floor with other fallen women, Martha flees in horror. Mistaken for an escaping female pickpocket, she is chased all the way back to The Crossroads by a gang of vengeful men intent on stoning her to death.

A hauntingly lyrical morality tale, The Blood Of Jesus was the first directorial effort by black actor, Spencer Williams, who also wrote, produced and acted in the film (as the sinful Razz). Williams was equally at home in front of and behind the lens and was a powerful force in early black cinema. Mainstream audiences know Williams mostly for his brilliant comedic work in the Fifties as Andrew H. Brown in the Amos 'n' Andy TV show.

Starring Spencer Williams, Cathryn Caviness, Juanita Riley and James B. Jones; Directed, Written and Produced by Spencer Williams.