Borderline

Duration: 60

Year Published: 1928

Creator: Museum of Modern Art

Format: 16mm

Color: B&W

Sound: silent

Description: This experimental silent film studies several people at a Swiss mountain resort, each of whom reacts in one way or another to the arrival of a black couple played by Robeson and his wife. Light and shadow are utilized as analogs for the characters. These compositions are used to comment on the racism of the white society. Made in Switzerland, the film was directed by Kenneth MacPherson, writer and editor of the film journal, Close up. The cast features American imagist poet Hilda Doolittle (H.D., also known as Helga Doorn), British historical novelist Bryher (wife of MacPherson), Robert Herring (editor of Life and Letters today), Dr. Eslanda Robeson and Paul Robeson, the only professional actor in the film. (Circulates)

Complete Record: This experimental silent film studies several people at a Swiss mountain resort, each of whom reacts in one way or another to the arrival of a black couple played by Robeson and his wife. Light and shadow are utilized as analogs for the characters. These compositions are used to comment on the racism of the white society. Made in Switzerland, the film was directed by Kenneth MacPherson, writer and editor of the film journal, Close up. The cast features American imagist poet Hilda Doolittle (H.D., also known as Helga Doorn), British historical novelist Bryher (wife of MacPherson), Robert Herring (editor of Life and Letters today), Dr. Eslanda Robeson and Paul Robeson, the only professional actor in the film. (Circulates)