The so-called "May Irwin Kiss" film in 1896 created quite an uproar back in the day. Theaters often banned it and many saw it as a sign that movies were just plain evil! What occurs in this brief movie? A rather unattractive couple kiss...and over-act while doing so. That's it...no nudity, no sex, no violence...yet many locales banned it for being obscene!!!
Imagine my surprise when I recently learned that a similar film was made just two years later....and starred a black couple instead! I have no idea if a similar uproar resulted when it debuted....but the film, though very short and simple like the "May Irwin Kiss", is a much better movie. First, it's not nearly as over-acted. Second, and this I admire, the couple seemed really in love with each other.
Is it worth seeing? Well, for historical reasons, absolutely. While it's not exactly a gripping movie, it is the first time black actors are shown being intimate and they are also, fortunately, portrayed as human beings and are quite well represented.