Dating to 1930 and considered lost, “The Road Home” by Forbes Randolph is a short all Black cast musical. It stars J. Arthur Gaines, R.M. Caver, Hinton Jones, Augustus Simons, Archie Cross, William Veasy, and Arthur Payne. It features the Kentucky Singers. The Kentucky Singers consisted of Robert Caver and Augustus Simons, with Edward Coleman as pianist. The group made four shorts: “Pickin’ Cotton” (released December 13, 1930); “The Road Home” (November 1930); “Slave Days” (December 1930); “Welcome Home” (December 12, 1930). In this emotionally charged short film, a group of Black soldiers waits anxiously in a dugout on the eve of a World War I battle. As they wrestle with fear, superstition, and the uncertainty of war, their conversation turns philosophical, reflecting on the meaning of life, death, hatred, and duty. Some try to distract themselves with card games or humor, while others find solace in prayer and spiritual songs. When orders come to capture prisoners, they charge into battle. Afterward, one soldier, Shorty, is found gravely wounded but heroically holding three enemy prisoners alone. As he lies dying, his comrades gather around him in prayer and song, mourning his sacrifice and finding a solemn moment of unity and reverence in the face of war’s harsh reality. Note: More than 370,000 African Americans served in the U.S. Army during WWI, although they were often relegated to support roles and segregated units. Despite facing discrimination and prejudice, many African American soldiers served with distinction, some even earning honors from the French military. Forbes Randolph was a director, producer, and sketch writer known for his work in theatrical productions, particularly in the 1930s. He is credited with directing and producing the musical revue “Fast and Furious” which ran on Broadway in 1931.
0:00 – 1:06
Soldiers sing a spiritual song (“Lay Down by the River”), setting a somber, reflective tone before battle.
1:30 – 2:13:
Soldiers discuss superstition, fear, and their watches stopping—highlighting tension and nervous anticipation.
2:13 – 3:02
:They try to steady their nerves with small talk and music. A spiritual leader offers calming words and encouragement.
3:09 – 4:09
:Soldiers pass time waiting for orders. They reflect on fear, war, and the strangeness of killing people they don’t know.
4:09 – 5:13
:The conversation turns philosophical—what it means “to be,” the nature of war, and fear of death. Some distract themselves with cards.
5:13 – 6:00:
The discussion deepens around hatred, morality, and confusion about why they’re fighting—existential questioning before battle.
6:00 – 7:03:
Tension escalates as arguments break out. The men anxiously wait for the order to go. A call comes in from the Major.
7:03 – 8:06
:They receive final instructions: bring back prisoners. More spiritual songs follow as the soldiers prepare to go “over the top.”
9:32 – 10:25:
After the raid, the soldiers return. One is missing—Shorty. One soldier rushes out to find him.
10:25 – 11:31:
A powerful prayer and gospel song is sung while they hope for Shorty’s return, blending faith and fear.
12:24 – 13:09:
Shorty is brought back, injured but alive, having captured three prisoners. He’s praised and promised a medal.
13:15 – 14:02:
The men reflect on how much they’ve aged in a day. They speak of home, faith, and survival.
14:02 – 15:21
:Spiritual singing continues (“Jesus Keep Your Hand on the Handle of the Gate”). It becomes clear that Shorty is dying.
15:21 – 16:00
:A moving farewell as Shorty dies. His buddy mourns him deeply.
16:00 – End:
The scene closes with music and a sense of spiritual transcendence, honoring the sacrifice and grief of war.
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This film is part of the Periscope Film LLC archive, one of the largest historic military, transportation, and aviation stock footage collections in the USA. Entirely film backed, this material is available for licensing in 24p HD, 2k and 4k. For more information visit http://www.PeriscopeFilm.com
