Based on a Eugene Oneill story. Although the trivia tells us the story was changed considerably. Stars Paul Robeson, Dudley Digges, Frank Wilson. Brutus Jones ( Robeson) has been sent to jail for murder. He escapes, and heads to the islands. Through brains and trickery, he ends up emperor. But is being emperor such a good thing? Will his past catch up to him? It's quite good, in spite of all the derogatory names for african americans being thrown around. It certainly was a reflection of the times. Co-stars Fredi Washington, who is probably best known as Delilah's daughter in Imitation of Life (the good one, from 1934.) and imdb lists Billie Holiday and Jackie Mably in the cast as extras, uncredited. Harold Nicholas is the young tap dancer in the club, about 15 minutes in. Directed by Dudley Murphy and Bill DeMille (the older brother!)
Review of The Emperor Jones
