Ol' Man River Movies & TV

Show Boat (1936)

Although other versions of Show Boat have become films—first in 1929, and also in 1951—this one is considered the most faithful to the original script, and the best. It features Paul Robeson as "Joe."

The Emperor Jones (1933)

This is one of Robeson's earlier film appearances. It was difficult to find roles that were acceptable for a Black man to play in 1930s, but his excessive talent got him work nonetheless.