Watch The Blood Of Jesus

The Blood of Jesus is a 1941 film directed by Spencer Williams that tells the story of Martha and Ruffus, a young couple from rural Texas who face temptation and tragedy after Martha is accidentally shot and killed. As she is dying, Martha is visited by an angel who gives her the chance to choose between heaven and hell. When she chooses the former, her soul is transported to a spiritual battle between angels and demons over her fate.

The film opens with a joyful and spirited church service in a small Texas town. The choir sings and the congregation sways to the music, while Reverend Green (played by Williams), preaches about the power of faith and the saving grace of Jesus. In the audience are Martha (Cathryn Caviness) and Ruffus (Spencer Williams), a young couple who are clearly in love. Martha is devoutly religious and dreams of being baptized. Ruffus is more skeptical, but he loves Martha and supports her in her faith.

After the service, the couple takes a walk by the river, where they are interrupted by a group of young people who ask them to come to a party. Martha is hesitant, but Ruffus persuades her to go. At the party, they are offered alcohol, and Martha is hesitant again, but Ruffus convinces her to take a sip. Soon, they are both drunk and dancing wildly, and Martha accidentally trips and hits her head on a chair. As she lies dying, she is visited by an angel who tells her that she must choose between heaven and hell.

Martha's soul is then transported to a spiritual battleground, where she is caught between warring angels and demons. The battleground is a series of dreamlike sequences that depict the struggles between good and evil, and the film's powerful imagery is perhaps its most striking aspect. The angel Gabriel (played by Juanita Riley) leads the charge for heaven, while a devilish temptress (played by Spencer Williams in a dual role) tries to sway Martha toward hell.

The Blood of Jesus is a film that is firmly steeped in religious imagery and symbolism, and while it is a distinctly Christian film, it is also one that is deeply rooted in African-American traditions. Williams, the film's director and star, was a pioneering black filmmaker who made movies that spoke directly to his community. In this sense, The Blood of Jesus is no exception: it is a film that is accessible, honest, and deeply personal.

The film's themes are universal, however, and speak to a much larger audience. The story of Martha and Ruffus is one of temptation, redemption, and faith, and these are themes that are timeless and still resonate today. The Blood of Jesus is a film that is both a potent reminder of the power of religious faith and a testament to the enduring power of cinema. Whether you are a believer or not, this is a film that is sure to leave you moved and inspired.

The Blood Of Jesus is a 1941 music movie with a runtime of 57 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.