Richard C. Kahn (January 26, 1897 – January 28, 1960) was an American film director, screenwriter, and producer known for his B movies of the 1930s and early 1940s. Though white, he often worked with all-black casts, directing several "race films" during the era of segregated cinema.
Early Life and Career
Kahn was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He entered the film industry in the early 1930s, initially working on short films before moving into feature-length productions.
Notable Work
Kahn is best known for directing low-budget Westerns and race films featuring African American casts. His feature films include Secret Menace (1931), The Third Sex (1934), Two-Gun Man from Harlem (1938), The Bronze Buckaroo (1939), Harlem Rides the Range (1939), Son of Ingagi (1940), Buzzy Rides the Range (1940), Buzzy and the Phantom Pinto (1941), and Guns Don't Argue (1957) (co-directed with Bill Karn).
Son of Ingagi (1940) is notable as the first science fiction horror film to feature an all-black cast. It was written by Spencer Williams based on his own short story, House of Horror.
In 1955, Kahn directed an episode of Grand Ole Opry, and in 1958 he directed two episodes of the television series Sky King: "Rodeo Decathlon" and "The Brain and the Brawn." He also produced three films starring Herbert Jeffrey (also known as Herb Jeffries), the African American singing cowboy.
Death
Kahn died in 1960 in Hollywood, California, two days after his 63rd birthday.
Selected Filmography
- Secret Menace (1931)
- The Third Sex (1934)
- Two-Gun Man from Harlem (1938)
- The Bronze Buckaroo (1939)
- Harlem Rides the Range (1939)
- Son of Ingagi (1940)
- Buzzy Rides the Range (1940)
- Buzzy and the Phantom Pinto (1941)
- Guns Don't Argue (1957)
