Written and Directed by Spencer Williams
Starring Spencer Williams and Cathryn Caviness
USA, 1941
Now, let’s check out a couple films directed by Spencer Williams, an actor who went on to star as Andy in THE AMOS ‘N’ ANDY SHOW, which was derided for its negative racist portrayals. Before that, though, he made Race Films like THE BLOOD OF JESUS.
This is an overwhelmingly religious film about a recently baptized woman who is accidentally shot by her non-believer of a husband. After she apparently dies, despite many prayers on her behalf by her community at her deathbed, she is visited by a host of angels who explain she has a choice between temptation and heaven. The devil and his helpers intervene, and she flirts with temptation, before ultimately choosing heaven over hell. In a twist ending (spoiler warning!) she gets a second chance at life, and presumably, her husband gets a chance at redemption.
It’s a fairly simple story, leisurely told, despite the short running time. What’s interesting is the sheer amount of gospel music in the film, much of it sung by Reverend R.L. Robinson’s Heavenly Choir. This music, along with the time period, rural setting, the early baptism scenes in the river and even a crucial scene set at a crossroads, had me wondering if the Coen Bros. had this movie on their minds when they made O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU? I know they’ve cited THE ODYSSEY and Preston Sturges as influences. Maybe Spencer Williams was one, too?
Speaking of influences, this film also had me wondering if Spike Lee had it in mind when he named his remake of GANJA AND HESS as DA SWEET BLOOD OF JESUS. If I ever see him I’ll be sure to ask.
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