Mantan Moreland

Although the 1930s and 1940s marked Hollywood's "Golden Age" for some, Black male actors were most often confined to minor roles as servants or porters. Despite this obstacle, Mantan Moreland became a regular supporting player at Monogram Pictures, taking leading parts in several all-Black independent productions. His roles as Birmingham Brown in Monogram's Charlie Chan mysteries, as Frankie Darro's on-screen partner in several comedies and the films King of the Zombies (1941) and Revenge of the Zombies (1943), among others, increased his popularity. Reviewers often noted his performances as the most engaging parts of the films in which he appeared.

This book discusses the full scope of Moreland's life and career, offering a biographical overview; a filmography with summaries and critical notes on more than 100 productions; and detailed accounts of his work in radio, television, and music.