Movies and TvShows featuring "passing-for-white" theme.
Alex Haley's Queen is a TV show that explores the life of Queen, a light-skinned black woman who passes for white. Set during the American Civil War, Queen's story focuses on her relationships, her fight for freedom, and the social injustices she faces as she navigates a world divided by race and prejudice.
The Human Stain is a drama set in the 1990s about a literature professor, Coleman Silk, who has a secret past. He decides to retire and becomes involved in a love triangle with a mysterious woman. As his past catches up to him, he must confront the racial prejudice and other challenges that have haunted him. The movie explores themes of identity, love, and the impact of the past on the present.
Imitation of Life is a 1959 drama film that explores themes of racial discrimination and the challenges of motherhood. The story follows two women, one white and one African-American, who form an unlikely friendship and struggle to navigate the complexities of their lives amidst societal expectations and prejudice. As they face personal and professional obstacles, their relationship is put to the test, forcing them to confront their own desires, ambitions, and the price of fame. The film delves into themes of identity, racism, and the sacrifices and choices mothers make for their children.
Imitation of Life is a poignant melodrama that explores the intertwining lives of two women, one white and one African-American, as they navigate through issues of race, love, and identity in 1930s America. Through their friendship, they confront societal prejudices and face the consequences of their choices.
In a town plagued by racism, Bayou and Leanne's young love is torn apart when Leanne is taken away by her mother. Years later, they reunite but face even greater challenges. Leanne is passing as white and trapped in a loveless marriage, while Bayou is falsely accused and hunted down by racist white men. As their paths cross again, tragedy looms, leading Bayou to flee to Chicago. A tale of sibling rivalry, ambition, and betrayal unfolds as Willie Earl, Bayou's jealous brother, seeks revenge.
Set in the 1920s, Passing follows the story of childhood friends Irene Redfield and Clare Kendry, who reconnect as adults. While Irene embraces her African-American identity, Clare chooses to pass as white. As their lives intertwine, the film explores the complexities of race, friendship, and the consequences of hiding one's true self.
Shadows is a drama that explores the theme of racial prejudice through the lens of a forbidden romance. Set in 1950s New York City, the film follows a young African-American man who falls in love with a white woman, leading to conflict and challenges as they navigate societal norms and their own personal struggles. The film delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and the complexities of relationships in a time of racial tension.
Pinky, an African-American medical doctor, faces racial tension and prejudice in the old South. She navigates interracial love and friendship while dealing with a heart failure patient. As she grapples with the racial identity and confusion, Pinky discovers her own strength and fights against racism.
Band of Angels is a romantic drama set in the deep south during the American Civil War. It tells the story of a biracial slave-owner who falls in love with a slave and faces the challenges of race, social class, and the turmoil of the war. The film explores themes of racism, family, love, and the struggle for freedom.
In 1950s London, a murder of a pregnant woman sets off a complex investigation by Scotland Yard detectives. The case explores themes of racial prejudice and social commentary, as the detectives navigate through an ensemble cast of suspects and uncover shocking truths.
Show Boat is a romantic musical drama set on a Mississippi River show boat, featuring themes of interracial romance and societal issues. The story explores the lives of the performers and crew on the show boat, their relationships, and the challenges they face in a changing world.
Joe Grant, a light-skinned African American, heads to a small Southern town to investigate the lynching death of his brother. He draws the attention of a gorgeous heiress whom he learns may have been involved in the killing.
A half-caste beauty emigrates from India to Great Britain, pursues fame and fortune at the cost of personal happiness, and becomes a Hollywood movie star while suppressing the truth of her heritage.
New ranch owner Frank Madden, half Indian but posing as white, arrives just as an all white jury finds the three white Shipley brothers who lynched three Indians innocent. There is soon trouble between Frank and the Shipleys who are using Frank's land to graze their cattle. When the brother of one of the Indian victims kills a Shipley, Frank is accused and put in jail. The Shipleys then organize a lynch mob and head for the jail.
Negro Es Mi Color (literally translates to "Black Is My Color"), the 1951 Tito Davison Mexican racial musical melodrama (about a light-skinned Mexican woman with dark-skinned parents who passes as "white"; a Mexican version of "Imitation of Life")
In 1966 Alabama, a black man named Ron Stallworth becomes the first African-American detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Determined to make a difference, he sets out on a dangerous mission to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan and expose their racist activities. With the help of a white colleague who poses as him in person, Ron manages to gain the trust of the Klan members while facing the constant threat of being discovered.
A light-skinned African-American family are "passing" in an all-white New England town. When the truth comes out, the more prejudiced neighbors demand their expulsion from the community.
A young woman falls in love and marries, but withholds from her husband information about her family.
In San Francisco, a villainous landowner with underworld connections seeks to steal the property of an old Spanish family.
An unlikely romance develops between a Lakota warrior and a young black woman at an 1890s black college.