Paul Robeson - a grandson of a slave - with no formal training, became one of the two great bass baritones of the 20th Century (the other being Feodor Chaliapin of Russia). He was a great theatre actor who could speak a dozen languages. Due to his principled stand against U.S. government policies at home and overseas during the McCarthy era, Washington took away his passport, denying him the opportunity to perform abroad, while at the same time being denied work at home. This is must viewing for anyone even remotely interested in Black History and Black artists.
I had heard of Paul Robeson for years, but never had the chance to see a movie he was in, except for the 1936 version of Showboat. I realized from watching the silent "Borderline" which has an interracial theme (very unusual for a silent film of that era), that he had depth to his acting. A wonderful way to see a fine singer and actor. Loved the set.