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OPEN CLASSIC CINEMA · 1178

The Scar of Shame

192987 minUnited States

Video edition: Wikimedia Commons
Original language: No spoken dialogue. Intertitles: English.
This copy runs: 86:34
Subtitles: No subtitle track in this language

Languages and subtitles

No subtitle track in this language

Wikimedia Commons · Frank Peregini · Public domain

Synopsis

Pianist Alvin protects Louise from violence at home and helps her find refuge in his boarding house. Marriage seems to promise safety, but an associate of her abusive guardian continues trying to control her future. Affection and protection become entangled with social status and unequal expectations.

Cast

Harry Henderson

Norman Johnstone

Ann Kennedy

DirectorsFrank Peregini

Historical context

Produced by Philadelphia's Colored Players Film Corporation, the melodrama features an all-Black cast and was made primarily for Black audiences. Shot in 1927 and released in 1929, it belongs to the independent production tradition often described as race cinema.

Sources and availability

General references identify the work and its copy. A reference beside an editorial section is linked to the claims checked in that section.

Wikipedia — film reference Wikidata — film identity and credits

Work catalogued as public domain in the United States.

The public-domain references concern the original films in the United States. Rights can differ for other countries, editions, restorations, music or translations. Sources are listed on each film page.

Availability checked on September 15, 2026.

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