The Omaha guide., 1935-12-07
Will Hays Talks
80 @Aa Sz
About COlOred Actors
Gear of Moving Picture Indus
try Feels Race Making
Progress

RLA 11AtAAE1o - 49,
pictures, is interested in the
problems which face eolored
actors and actresses who are
seeking careers in the films and
expresses the feeling that slowly
bat d finitely, greater opportun-
tiles are opening up for talented
folk of color. The dynamic fig
ure who serves as the Ear of the
movie industry, chatt d with me
the other day, our conversation
winding around about half a doz-
en- subjects, the pictures, politics,
public opinion and housing being
among them.
Colored Architect Builds
His HON
Housing especially upon
his mind because we were stand
ing on the slope of a knoll on top
of which his beautifully new
country home was nearing COM
pletion. With us was Paul Will
liams, the famous young colored
architect who is constructing it.
This remarkable designer has
built residences for so many
celebrities in the film colony, that
having a home built by Paul Will
liams is getting to be a hall mark
of discrimination and good taste
out this way.
The Hays home is located in
"Hidden Valley" one of the most
beautiful spots imaginable. tucked
away in the mountains about 90
miles from Hollywood, where
some Of the greater moving pic
ture magnates have acquir d
sites and are building away from
the mad whirl Of Hollywood. A
private road which leads away
from the main highway and winds
past a gorgeous lake, leads one to
this exclusive spot. | had driven
out with Paul Williams who is
erecting another artistic creation
which doubtless will add further
to his rapidly spr aiding fame.
Paul presented me to Mr.. Hays
whom | had known slightly,
slerd wiry, Intensely active
ir both mind and body, Mr.. Hays
led us from point to point, sug-
gesting whera he wanted his
stables located, pointing out 9th
err improvements, tennis courts
and a swimming pool which he
planned for the lovely r sidence
which he termed "a little country
house." Nearby stood the colored
mar who has BEEN his confidential
employee for many years and who
had come on to California from
Sullivan, Indiana, the Hays
home. Mr.. Hays said this en-
ploye had practically had super
vision over the rearing of his SON..
just then he was preparing the
cornerstone which Mr.. Hays was
planning to dedicate with a party
the following Saturday night.
Praises Bob Church.
While discussing the future of
the Republican Party of which he,
as chairman of the Republican
National Committee, was at one
time the directing & MUS, Mr..
Hays recounted his wide acquaint-
ance with the political problems
confronting the race and his long
time friendship for Robert r.
(Bob) Church of Memphis, whom
he holds in high esteem and to
whom he had entrusted many
political assignments of an inn
portant and confidential nature.
Bob Church could always BE- de-
pended upon to work for the best
interests Of his party and his
people," Mr.. Hays commented,
'and Church during our long as
ISOLATION not only v asked for
a penny's expense or eompensa-
ton for service but contributed
himself toward support of the
party's program"
Actors Making Progress.
"You ask about the possibilities
before colored screen actors" he
said. Happily there are crafty
ing indications of progress along
the types of Characterization
which you desire. in Sanders
of the River Paul Robson repre-
sents an African chieftain. HI
sings superbly, and is presented
as a man of integrity who domin-
ates this fine r play from
beginning TO end. Perhaps yor
know that Show Boat is soon Ia
be released with Paul Robson in
the part he played on the stage.