The mission of The Department of Afro-American Research Arts and Culture to identify the global significance of the creative contributions pioneered by an international diaspora of Blackness
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Saturday, July 2, 2016

The House of Dies Drear (1984, TV Movie)
























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Storyline
This eerie ghost story with a twist reaches back o the days of slavery and underground railroads. Spooky antics begin when a modern-day black family moves into a historic old house that seems to be haunted by murdered abolitionist Dies Drear. Dramatic special effects help build suspense as Walter Small and his son Thomas seek to discover the secrets of the legendary haunted house. Featuring an award-winning cast: Oscar nominee Howard Rollins, Jr. (Ragtime, A Soldiers Story), Emmy nominee Moses Gunn (Roots), Shavar Ross (Booker, Different Strokes), and Joe Seneca (A Time to Kill, Malcolm X ).  

Killer By Night (1972)














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Storyline
Two cops are shot dead in cold blood, the killer is on the loose, and a woman lies dying in the hospital of diphtheria. Two completely unrelated cases, but nothing is as it seems in KILLER BY NIGHT. As the highly contagious diphtheria begins claiming more victims, Dr. Larry Ross (Robert Wagner) races to find its source to prevent an outbreak. More concerned with the dead police officers, Captain George Benson (Greg Morris) reluctantly cooperates with Dr. Ross. The deeper the investigations go, the more they seem to have in common, and the key to solving both of them may hinge upon the only person who might be able to identify the gunman- a blind nun.

Using the backdrop of a deadly outbreak KILLER BY NIGHT crafts a tense and human thriller. Featuring an original score from the legendary Quincy Jones and an all-star cast led by Robert Wagner and Greg Morris, the film also includes strong supporting performance by Robert Lansing, Theodore Bikel, and Diane Baker.  


Dummy (1979)
























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Storyline
Someone killed a hooker, and the cops are sure they've got the perp: a ghetto kid named Donald Lang (LeVar Burton). But Donald cannot speak. Or hear. Or read or write or understand sign language. Not even Donald's deaf lawyer can communicate with him. Can the state try a man incapable of defending himself? Le Var Burton and Paul Sorvino play accused and attorney in this gripping true story of a case that challenged our legal system and challenges our concept of justice. Winner of a 1979 Peabody Award(r) and nominated for an Emmy(r) as 1979's Outstanding Drama or Comedy Special, Dummy speaks volumes about the value of a human life, whether it belongs to a prostitute or the man who may be unjustly accused of her murder.