As the World Rolls On
# As the World Rolls On

As the World Rolls On, also known by its working title The Heart of Jack Johnson, is a 1921 drama film starring Jack Johnson. It was an Andlauer Productions film. It was advertised as featuring an "All-Star Colored Cast". The film features footage of National Negro League baseball games. It is a 7-reel film.

The storyline of the film features Johnson teaching physical fitness to a weak man and an attempt to frame someone for a crime. Newspaper publisher Nelson Crews has a cameo in the film. Filming was done in Kansas City, Missouri where the Andlauer production company was based, as well as St. Joseph, Missouri and Topeka.

## Production

The film was made by William Anthony Andlauer. He was a theater owner, photographer, and cinematographer.

## Historical significance

Up until 2013—when a film clip from 1919 was found in storage at a Georgia plantation—As the World Rolls On was the earliest known film to show African-American baseball players, containing "footage of an all-black Kansas team."

## Cast

* Jack Johnson as himself
* Blanche Thompson as Molly Moran
* Reed Thomas as Joe Walker
* Walter Simpson as Tom Atkins
* Versia Rice
* Sam Crawford as himself
* Bruce Petway as himself
* Rube Foster as himself
* Cristóbal Torriente as himself
