Introduction
William and David Greaves’ Once Upon a Time in Harlem is more than just a document of a once-in-a-lifetime party. Not only is it one of the most laid-back times at the movies of the year, but it’s also a testament to the lesser-known artistic revolutionaries of Black America in the 1920s. In 1972, filmmaker William Greaves captured extensive footage of a party he threw at Duke Ellington’s townhouse in Harlem. At that party, Greaves invited as many surviving participants of the Harlem Renaissance as he could. Greaves brought together historians, politicians, poets, musicians, librarians, writers, scholars, photographers, and every other type of artist to discuss the impact of that period in time.
The Harlem Renaissance
If you are like me, you have very little cultural recognition or understanding of the Harlem Renaissance. The film not only digs into each of these monumental figures and their achievements, but it also intercuts the party footage with archival information and talking heads to give further context into their history. As enjoyable as it is to be in the room with all these people, the knowledge you gain is that much more powerful.
The most fascinating aspect of the film is the different personalities, mostly indifferent to their own contributions, who never hesitate to fall over themselves to give others praise for their efforts. Not only is this film overflowing with joy, but there is also an ever-present humanity. Each character shines their own personality through, while enjoying the intellectual stimuli and infectious energy of the room.
Enjoy the Vibes
At the same time, Black American history is by no means a happy thing to recollect, and the history is tinged with rampant racism, political disenfranchisement, and violence. While the film and the characters by no means skimp on these details, they view these events as something they overcame and made it through rather than a sad recollection of the past. These are the ones who made it, and they are so happy to be there.
How William Greaves had the forethought to capture this party on film some 50+ years ago, I have no idea, but I’m very glad he did. It’s interesting to view the film through a modern lens, with the party acting as a culmination of the Harlem Renaissance’s impact some 50 years after the event. But the film itself is still another 50 years in the past, where there were still rampant racial issues facing Black Americans and Black American artists. The film never focuses on the downtrodden and put-upon. These are the artisans who overcame, persevered, and continue to persevere.
Collection of History
The Greaves manage to pull all this together in a coherent, energetic, and rhythmic fashion. No one person gets a showcase over others, while the overall messaging is as clear as possible. The Harlem Renaissance was a monumentally impactful event that was obscured by history, but the history makers felt the need to recall the greatness of each other, rather than focus on their own successes. Even the individuals who had passed get a nice few moments, like a tribute to late actor Paul Robeson.
The film is never content to be just one thing, and attempts to contextualize the Renaissance through thoughtful and oftentimes heated discussion. Artists will shout over each other, blister, flat-out disagree, and debate various aspects that matter. But it’s never a contentious debate or one where people are actually angry. Stories of white intellectuals and artistic types coming together to discuss important issues of the time are well-worn. It’s refreshing to see a truly gifted number of Black intellectuals and artists in the same place, sharing large ideas and conversations.
Conclusion
More than anything, it’s about the vibes. This is a room many of us would never have the opportunity to step into, but you want nothing more than to spend time in. You would love nothing more than to hear actor Leigh Whipper recite monologues, or Ida Mae Roberson (poet/novelist Countee Cullen’s widow) tell everyone to shut up so she can tell the men how much they discount the women’s role in the Renaissance. Arguments, joyful discussions, political discourse; you want to be a part of it all. Either as a participant, or just as a fly on the wall with a scotch in one hand and a cigarette in the other.
Once Upon a Time in Harlem is a perfect piece of historical nostalgia, complete with the personalities and cultural impact to entertain and educate. Enjoy the vibes.
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