The Colored American Winning His Suit

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The Colored American Winning His Suit (1916) is a short, easy-to-understand overview of a landmark silent film.

What it is
- A 1916 American race film produced by the Frederick Douglass Film Company.
- Written and produced by Reverend W. S. Smith, who also acted in the project.
- A five-reel, silent drama that is now considered a lost film.
- Noted at the time as the first five-reel film drama written, directed, acted, and produced by Black people.
- Its goal was to counter negative anti-African-American films and help improve race relations.

Plot
- An ex-slave prospers and buys the Virginia estate of his former master.
- He sends his son Bob to Howard University, where Bob becomes a lawyer.
- Upon returning home, Bob meets Alma Eaton, a friend of his sister Bessie.
- Alma is supposed to marry Jim Sample by her parents’ choice, so she and Bob briefly part.
- When Alma’s father is accused of theft by a rival, Bob helps clear him and earns Alma’s hand in marriage.

Cast
- Bob Winall — played by Thomas M. Mosley
- Alma Elton — played by Ida Askins
- Bessie Winall — played by Florence Snead
- Jim Sample — played by Marshall Davies
- Other cast members include Mr. Hinderus, Col. Goodwill, Bob’s Father, Bob’s Mother, Alma’s Father, Alma’s Mother, and a Detective.

Production
- None of the actors had prior training; they were recruited from families around Jersey City.
- Filming took place in Virginia, Jersey City, nearby towns, and on Howard University’s campus.

Release and reception
- Premiered July 14, 1916 at the Majestic Theatre in Jersey City to a large interracial audience.
- It was planned to have its first run at Harlem’s Lincoln Theatre in New York City.
- The American Film Institute and contemporary press noted its NY opening on July 23 and Baltimore release on August 29.
- The New York Age praised the film as a significant achievement for Black filmmakers.

Significance
- The film is recognized as a pioneering Black-produced feature-length drama.
- It aimed to present positive Black characters and stories to audiences and to improve race relations in America.