The Films of Norman Studios

The Norman Film Manufacturing Company was based in Jacksonville, Florida.  Before the term “African-American,” before using the term “Black,” Norman Studios made “All-Colored” films, and was one of the nation’s premier companies featuring black actors.  Between 1915 and 1928 they made 8 films at their Ranshackle studio and made stars of several of their players, showing African-American characters in a positive light without stereotyping.  Their studio has been restored and is now Norman Studios Silent Film Museum.

This bundle showcases their only surviving film, “The Flying Ace” an action-adventure film, and two other silent films.  In 1921 “The Flying Ace” was selected for preservation as part of the National Film Registry by The Library of Congress.

“The Flying Ace” can be viewed on YouTube