Tinseltown Treasures

Well, whaddya know? Tyler, Texas, named after 10th U.S. President John Tyler, is more than just the home of the world's largest rose garden. Actress Sandy Duncan and football great Earl Campbell were both born in the East Texas town. With all that luster, it's not surprising that the town...

By Stephanie Morris

February 2, 2006

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Well, whaddya know? Tyler, Texas, named after 10th U.S. President John Tyler, is more than just the home of the world's largest rose garden. Actress Sandy Duncan and football great Earl Campbell were both born in the East Texas town. With all that luster, it's not surprising that the town is also known for a secret stash of vintage African-American films made in the 1930s and '40s. One of the discovered movies, Juke Joint (1947), was starred in, directed and produced by black actor Spencer Williams of Amos 'n Andy fame. Other findings include such titles as Where's My Man To-Nite? (1943), Murder in Harlem (1935) and Girl in Room 20 (1946). But you don't have to drive to Tyler to view these treasures. Each Saturday in February, the Dallas Public Library will be showing two films from the collection beginning at 2 p.m. Each showing will take place in the performance space on the fourth floor of the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, 1515 Young St. in Dallas. Admission is free. Call 214-670-1643.
Saturdays. Starts: Feb. 4. Continues through Feb. 8

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