The Black Network (1936): cast, story & where to watch
1936 · Film · ★ 6
Released in 1936, The Black Network is a music film directed by Roy Mack, running about 20 minutes.
What it’s about. The owner of a shoe polish company sponsors a radio show that showcases black performers. Since his wife's father put up the money to be the sponsor, she insists on singing on the show. She goes on after the main star, singer Nina Mae McKinney. The wife sings so badly that the sponsor's customers abandon him. He is forced to shine shoes on street corners, while Nina Mae and her boyfriend win a bet on a daily number and end up on easy street.
Who’s in it. The Black Network stars Nina Mae McKinney as Nina Mae - Radio Singer, Emmett 'Babe' Wallace as Babe, Bill 'Basement' Brown as Brutus Johnson and Amanda Randolph as Mezzanine Johnson, among others.
How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, The Black Network has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.
Where to watch. Streaming options change often. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch The Black Network page.
If you liked it. Fans of The Black Network tend to enjoy Whiplash, Coco, Green Book and The Legend of 1900.
Frequently asked
- Where can I watch The Black Network (1936)?
- Streaming, rental and purchase options for The Black Network change frequently. Check our where-to-watch page for the latest availability in your country.
- Is The Black Network worth watching?
- The Black Network holds an audience score of 6.0 out of 10, and is a strong pick if you enjoy music. Reactions are mixed, so it may depend on taste.
- Who stars in The Black Network?
- The Black Network stars Nina Mae McKinney, Emmett 'Babe' Wallace, Bill 'Basement' Brown, Amanda Randolph and Fayard Nicholas.
- When was The Black Network released?
- The Black Network was released in 1936, with a runtime of about 20 minutes.