Lying Lips

Lying Lips is a 1939 American drama film directed by Oscar Micheaux, a legendary figure in African-American cinema. Micheaux was known to address social issues that were often avoided by mainstream Hollywood at the time, and Lying Lips is no exception to this trend. The film stars notable actors Edna Mae Harris, Carman Newsome, and Robert Earl Jones, father of the revered actor James Earl Jones.

The film's narrative focuses on the plight of Elsie Bellwood (played by Edna Mae Harris), the club singing sensation who finds herself embroiled in a complex murder mystery. An honest and genuine character, she's beloved by her fans and has always walked a straight path in life. Nevertheless, she becomes the central suspect in a murder case, shedding light on societal stereotypes and prejudices of the era.

Carman Newsome portrays Bob Blake, a dedicated police detective with a strong moral compass. Blake holds firm beliefs in justice and fairness, and he's deeply infatuated with Elsie. Convinced of her innocence, he sets off on a quest to clear her name – and discover the true mastermind behind the startling crime. His journey exposes the dark underbelly of society, rife with corruption, deception, and racial bias.

Lying Lips also introduces Robert Earl Jones in the role of Elijah Walker, a supporting character who plays a vital role in the unfolding narrative. As viewers move through the plot, they encounter moments of suspense, intrigue, and emotional depth that make for a compelling cinematic experience.

One significant aspect of Lying Lips is its critique of the pervasive racism and prejudice of that era. Micheaux navigates these themes with dramatic tension and acute social commentaries. Framing his characters within the nuanced racial dynamics of the 1930s, he exposes the concerns that African Americans of the period grappled with on a daily basis. Elsie’s wrongful impeachment is depicted as a mere consequence of her skin color, not her integrity or behavior, offering a searing commentary on the society's discriminatory practices.

Furthermore, Lying Lips also offers an exploration of gender dynamics in the context of the late 1930s. Elsie, a strong and independent woman, symbolizes the emerging new era of empowered women. Her elegance and determined character are central to the unfolding narrative, marking Micheaux's progressive ideas of championing the female lead's agency in an atmosphere ripe with patriarchal norms.

Another key point to note is the film's technical craft. Lying Lips features both studio and location shots, which was rare for an independent, low-budget film of the 1930s. The combination of both creates a textured depiction of African-American urban life during the age and contributes significantly to the film’s authentic feel.

Moreover, Micheaux tries to pluck at the strands of noir cinema, where the shadowy, high-contrast visuals amplify the film's suspenseful ambiance. The film’s grainy monochrome tone, characteristic of the period, imbues it with a potent sense of realism, enhancing the thematic grit of the narrative. Equipped with the aesthetics of classic Hollywood, Lying Lips stands as an example of Micheaux's pioneering approach to filmmaking, while also offering an intimate window into African-American culture of the era.

On top of being a suspenseful murder mystery, the film is also a love story. The romantic subplot between Blake and Elsie is sophisticatedly embedded within the plot, lending the narrative an emotional undercurrent while showcasing their resilience against adversities.

From the view of societal critique to the technical aspects, Lying Lips serves as a vital document of African-American cinema while offering a rich journey that suspense lovers will appreciate. The diligent performances by Edna Mae Harris, Carman Newsome, and Robert Earl Jones imbue the film with fiery intensity, making it a hidden gem worth viewing.