Uncle Tom's Cabin
Directed by Harry Pollard
Conceived as a super production on the scale of Foolish Wives and The Phantom of the Opera, this 1927 adaptation of Stowe's famous book cost $1.8 million and took two years to film. Seen today, the sincerity of director Harry Pollard's handsomely produced drama outweigh the conventions of its story. All told, this "lost" production remains a fascinating cinematic bridge between the 19th century barnstorming theatrical tradition and the new freedom of the feature film... as well as a cultural bridge between African-American and white popular entertainments.
This film contains racism and/or the mistreatment of people or cultures. Such depictions, in any era, are inexcusable. The film is being presented in its original form to bear witness to the history of racism in cinema, and to encourage a dialogue about how a future cinema can become more inclusive.