Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1930-06-29

FHk as he was-he knew that he covet-
Vk ed a job with Midnight Pictures
Corporation, Inc as he had never
wanted anything else. He had known of Mid
night for years, because even in the little
town Of Habersham there was a colOred pic
taTe house which had featured these scintilant
Swo-reel comedies by and OF Negroes. Since
the advent of the talkies, Midnight comedies
no longer played the Negro house at Haber-
sham, because that edihce not wired for
sound projection; but Malignant could be dis
cerned occasionally loafing in front of the
Palace Habersham's foremost white theater,
where the two-reel talkies were creating
sensation.
And now the mountain had come to Ma
homet. Malignant had long entertained am
billions to visit Birmingham and try his luck
with Midnight, but had noever gotten around
to it. He was always too busy doing nothing.
Therefore, he thrilled when news was brought
to him that one Midnight production unit was
encamped on the shores of Mustard Greek, a
stream which meandered through woodland
about miles from the town of Habersham.
Malignant declared holiday for himself
and tramped weary miles to the spot
where Midnight was on location. And what
he saw filed him with enthusiasm and wcn-
der. Midnight was busy-very busy indeed.
This particular unit was under the command
Of Director Edwin Boscoe Fig, who was
sisted by his pulchritudnouS wife, Glorious;
Opus Randall, star; Author Forcep Swain;
Sound Mixer CallouS Deechc; and an electTi-
cal crew under the command of Julian Fever.
At the moment of Malignant'S arrival the COM
pAny was rehearsing a boating scene. Near the
stream was parked the location truck, with
its generator, batteries. recording machine and
micTophone and camera hookups.
MALIGNANT watched the rehearsals and
the shooting of a scene wherein Opus
nit iOlo NJ
and banged consistently on the head with a
rubber oar. Then lunch was called and the
culinary department announced thai fresh
barbecue and Brunswick stew was being served
under the trees.
Mr.. Smith moved into the grove. He was
enormously impressed that so insignificant a
creature Eddie Fizz could be in command of
an outfit like this. Malignant reflected upon
the vagarieS of Fate and Circumstance. Here
he was. feet inches tall and possessing
better than 200 pounds of bone and muscle
and he about to ask favor of
. shrimp like Mr.. Fizz. Malignant was accus-
toned to taking what he wanted by sheer power
OF muscle yet it struck him that it would prob
ably be lacking in tact for him to address
Eddie Fizz thusly: "Say-if you don't gimme a
job, Ise gwine fraif you over the haid." He did
debate the idea for few seconds before dis
carding it, and then waited patiently until a
gorged sigh from Mr.. Fizz informed the world
that the little director had consumed ample
lunch. Feeling that this was q strategic mo-
ment. Malignant advanced to the attack
Els you the BOSNIAN heah?"
Mr.. Fizz gazed up at the dark, human noun
tain which accosted him.
That's the one thing amt nothin' else but"
II reckoned so when I seen you tellin'
evybody else what to do. An also could guess
Il FUN that noble look you got"
Eddie finished with pardonable pride
MY name is Mistuh FiZz" said he. 1T Is the
director in charge of this production"
IAN me-my name is Malignant Smith.
Eddie extended his hand.
Use much obliged to meet you, Mistuh Smith.
DO you live down thisaway?"
"Uh-huh. In Habersham." wistftil look
Came into his eyes. "I walked all the way out
heah to see you folks make pitchers"
''Tha's nice Of you, Mistuh Smith You is
puffeckly welcome. An there's anything as
can do you for"
There is, Nistuh Fizz; there shuah Is"
"what?"
Il tell you" Malignant spoke with eager
mess. Always has craved to git me q job
with you folks, an when heard you was 10
Gated down heah TO some pitchers, right away
made up my mind to go to work To- you. An
heah is"
Eddie concealed smile.
Il see-what sort Of work did you aim to
90, Mistuh Smith,"
81 dunno"
ELS you actor?"
sGiony, no. I never acted o ncks
'Is you q Electrician? Or q carpenter, o.
something's"
"Nossuh. amt none Of them thine&"
"Wen, what can you do?"