Something Good - Negro Kiss

A Black couple kiss enthusiastically.

I write this review the day it was announced this movie was chosen for the National Film Registry. It's a signal honor for an undistinguished 29-second film of uncertain dating -- the press release says this was released in 1898 while the IMDb claims it was 1903. The choice, it seems reasonable to assert, was predicated on it being the first movie starring Black actors; up to now, it was assumed to be another National Registry member, 1907's LAUGHING GAS.

The IMDb says this is a burlesque of the May Irwin THE KISS. That would make the 1898 date more likely. The actors here are enthusiastic, with the lady exhibiting a let's-not-let-this-get-out-of-hand attitude.