davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

son. father Of Sunshine Sam
my. he began about 1917 or
1918 to produce comedies. A
young white man who had a
little capital came along, his
name was Hal Roach. They
began the one and two reel
comedies which starred Sun
shine Sammy and Baby Marie
Osborn, the Shirley Temple Of
the silent films. This COM
pany brought forth Fatty Ar
buckle and other stars came
upon the film horizon.
Through some misunderstood
ing Hal Roach gained control
Of the company. Their first
feature length picture was
THE Sheriff" starring Sun
shine Sammy, Fatty Arbuckle
and Ben Turpin. 1t was a
western comedy. Since that
beginning Hal Roach has al
ways had colorcd Juveniles in
his Our Gang Comedies.
About 1921 Webb, who had
a photographer S studio, pro
duced "Satans Children. >
The picture proved a flop af-
ter playing around State st.
Old Sam Robinson used to run
a short film story which lead
to his entrance back stage of
the Monogram theater at 35th
and State street. After the
reel was run off, LOWE Aus
tin, the pianist would strike
up a chord and Som would
bounce out onto the stage.
A Melodrama
One of the best melodramas
produced by Negroes was the
"Green-E Monster. 1t
was made in Jacksonville, Fla.
a true railroad thriller with all
the punch of the pictures of
that day. They even pulled
a train wreck. 1t was one of
the best acted pictures of the
day.
The Ebony Film company in
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

dies. 1t wasn't anything to
see a group of fellows chasing
one another down Wabash ave
nue. or State street, between
31st and 35th streets "on To-
cation" Their films were
the first to be released to prac
tically every theater in the
country. If you missed the
comedy on the South side
you could see it on the North
Side. Their films were re-
leased by the General Film
company. Luther ]. Pollard,
brother Of Fritz Pollard, the
athlete, was the president Of
Ebony Film Comedies.
First Stars
The picture also birthed
some of our real first Sepia
motion picture stars whom
the public began to recognize
by name. The late Matte
Wilks, Matte Edwards, who
was the leader of the pony
chorus of the great (Bert)
Williams and George Walk
er shows, Bert Murphy, Sam
Jacks, Som Robinson. Billy
Ledman, Bill Starks, Eyon
Junior and Rudolph Tatum
were the actors in these come
dies.
Pollard interested several
men of both races and he
states that he received the
idea for the company during
the time he was publicity
manager in 1908, for the In
dependent Film Distributors.
The movie trust was formed
also along about this time.
Pollard went into the movie
supply business in 1912. He
opened his office under the
name Miniature Mechanical
Company at IL South Volts
Street. His firm was accredit-
ed with selling the largest
number of movie machines in
Chicago. So you can by now
see that Sepias were right
there in the beginning of one
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

Comedies. These pictures
met with fair success. Bert
Murphy, then of the vaade-
Vile ateam. Of Murphy and
Frafhcfs, was ono Of the first
sebia tnotfdh picture . stars.
Frank Montgomery was also
drafted to cosstar in the Black
and White film comedies.
It was not, however until
1916 that the first big bust
ness coloted films made their
bow. IT was with the advent
of the Ebony Film company
that scpias became noticed as
motion artists. The company
specialized in slapstick come
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31
Sepia Played important Part In Film
Industry During Its Infancy

1919 offered Bdrt Williams
$4,000 to work in th n pic
lures, but Bert VI rs tied up in
such a manner that he could
not accept. Prior to that
time Bert had Nude several
shorts, but they WIRE failures
because the stories) used were
not adaptable to a burnt cork
character.
Oscar Micheaux produced
The Homesteaderf starring
Evelyn Preer.T The picture
was first shown ih the 9Th
Regiment Armory. THAT was
in 1918. Micheaux also wrote
the story, which he sold in
book form. After beeing the
picture you could Read the
story. To our knowledge his
was the first scrd en- story
placed into book folNn, stimuli
tancously with the Nm.
Clarence Brooks began his
Lincoln film company out in
Los Angeles about this time.
His earlier picture was Troop
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31
sz-Ss-> ss-sis7sr = = .
So This Is
NEW YORK
n ~ ~
A COLUMNIST7S SECRETARY
81, Edits the NeWa
By Ted Yates
90. % So

Dear Ted.
The town is gattirg task into
its stride and with big Blu mss at
he local theatres money is back
in CIRCULATION, I'm led to believe.
=. Your mail is p.ling up, and,
{ feel that in few hours at chat
very tiny typewriter Of yours
you'd help lots. Remember, it
pays to keep in touch with your
column fans.
Malcolm Fletcher gave you a
nice plug last week, Ted. He
,aved you the trouble of correct
ng the Elizabeth Handy-Morris
White divorcicle =. Arthur l..
Lucas, of the Garden of Memo
lies Corp, wants to see you. SEE
it's important! 49,. James Steel,
If Dannemora, N. Y, had some
nice things to say about you in
his regular monthly letter. He's
studying music, and, l was think
ing how nice it would be to send
him some of the new popular dit
ties, just released. He and the
Their inmates would be grateful.
Fats Waller, now at the Howard,
in Washington, d. c., isn't both
cred by gangsters any more. Bit
Tim Southern is shadowing the
cheerful little earful-for which
goody, goody!. -. Have you seen
Bill (Bojangles) Robinson? Well,
he's in town!
The show at the Apollo and
those at the Harlem Opera House
will be like two peas in a pond.
Yes, know that you told me 10
crack weeks ago about the merge.
But, | t'ink | forgot -. "The
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31
of Americas mapor industries
= Is Predicts Hollywood

of Americas mapor industries
Is Predicts Hollywood
In the issue of March %,
1909 an article under the cap
ton, Moving Picture War
bearing the credit line. by
L. J. Pollard was published in
the Examiner. which later be-
came the Herald and Exami-
ner. This article predicted
the present day talking pic
lures. suggested that the in
dustry sshoJild shave a special
place, for the production OF
motion tpicttf'es, ct tcetera.
Later Carl Laen1mle moved to
California and built ssUniver-
sal City, then Hollywood and
Culver City came into being.
So you scr. scpia$ were not
sitiinH on the sidelines when
they began making movies.
Hollywood with al It's CLAM
our. its tinsels. the dream
city of a nation was born in
the brain Of al American Ne
gro.
According to Ernest Morri-
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

is good tool =. A side. Robert
Glover of Chi = Thank yuddg
mucl, Wonder how Ted X oWaes
felt when the bonus bill wa We
toed??? :. Somebody til Floyd
e. Snelson 20 eentact me. =. Cos
sin rnip1 without tancor is my
style, but TINT "tiT" between Har-
old Holder Ihe's tf be Ca loway
elan!) and Fri ia ,ac.,5or, i
too much! In ga r y,u dn't
know, a marriage rtificate. was
taken out by the pair, bit the
ceremony was n yer performed.
FLASH! WASH gton d. c., re-
rort2.s do wa NJ. =. If Billy
Rive can Ia thi-, II hav,
Pa,ph Goopc!s - doff his hat II
the N. Y. sca1Gal moager. l iaea
Edna Three Rhythm Gu c 81
Richo rdson has been Sc n i.
rm' any (once o eftcnl with
Cas- valet -. Dusty Fletcher.
u romie. houItl wire The mis- u
Ia leave Houstgr, Texas, (if 81 e
saF"'tl ard remain by his side.
Or b, tier Ftii, w was Ruthless
p'aym9te when Cabs band playec
that Lose st r State tv!?2..
So tn Y say I'El si9pirg???
If Won cut-of-towne S d7n't
kl-ow what olea fant pla'e this
city is II live In, lead some e
Bessye B aldei4s coy Sh S up
on socictv diipcs in thi1 mans
town. So hep mel Mar, If hi
publicity cn'umning and some of
the boys will he ont cf a j b. Press
apenting vim a column isn't ethi-
cal, you know. 49,. Pc + lvsn
Sharp (late of "The Green. Pa
.ures"0 he ca t minol With !
5oysAlma Hubbard stick 70 h m
=. BUDDY Words, of Roanoke,
a., knocks cut an in e4esting co
am. =. Blanche Suund rs, the
Phila nightingale, should b, CIV.
en- a commercial radio p t -.
Tn Colony club in Newark, N. j.
leaves it to Mae Barnes to cut dp,I
and she does -. Aside, Joe Pa
Iooka, of Roanoke, Va, you can
tell Sis, "Thanks!"
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31


strong, the worlds greatest
trumpeter, have wondered why
he left Europe rather abrupt
ly. While the famous cor
net player met remarkable
success on the continent of
Europe, his path was beset
with many obstacles. Another
thing that has been bothering
his American Admirers was
Were the men in Louis Arm
strong's European orchestra
co1ered2" eHe did not carry
hisfamoas set of musicians to
Europe with HIM" q ''3.A9a =
Louis Armstrong; Euro
pea1 orchestra was composed
Of American Negroes who
have been living in Paris for
several years. The celebrat-
ed cornetist left this country,
following a sensational run on
the coast, made several car
toon shorts for the motion pic
lures while in Los Angeles.
Return to Chicago, played sew
eral engagements and left for
New York. He left his men
in Chicago. l.t tsi
Louis Armstrong was then
under the management of
Johnny Collins, and he was
soon in London. Once across
the pond. Louie began organ
izing a new band. a He hop
ped over to the Latin quarter
srs of Paris and ashanghaied"
several colored musicians.
Breaks With Collins
Shortly after landing in
Europe. Louis Armstrong
broke with johnny Collins.
Collins, was fearful of his
meal ticket. Armstrong then
lined up with Jack Hylton, one
Of the famous London musi=
,ian9 Collins burned the
cable wires requesting that
Loyds Armstrong return to
the shores Of America. Arm
st1ong tore each one into a
thousand pieces.
Louis Armstrong is one of
he most good natured men in
The world. He ingratiates him
self into the good graces of
I'll who happen to meet him.
It is his personality, plus his
trumpet Playing that has caus-
ed him to become the idol of
wo continents-North Amer
Tea ana Europe. lie started
EVERYBODY in London, the
British Isles and Paris to
greeting one another with a
Hello Satchmo.' Or a Bon
jour, Satchmo.'
Buckingham Palace
One humorous story which
is told in musicians circles is,
Louis Armstrong played a
command performance for the
King and Queen of England.
Louis carried his men to Buck
lngham palace in pomp and
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

thisa and thata. 1t might be chat
hey figure I'd weaken lis the .rea-
sons for those calls morn, Noon
and night-Tm so sure that |
would weaken that Pm. not even
worried. Catch on??? -. Chez
Washington, of the Pittsbut eli
Courier; Al Monroe of the Chi
Defender and Ralph Matthews ST
The Afro-American, are, N. Y.
bound 1t will be nice to toke he
boys Harlem "hot-spotting" wArc
they're in N. ". only get III T.
pf aefew grand notes-Louis by :
knockout! ., ..'
Aside, Lena Kelly, Of Louisv;'
Ky,-I think it's nice of you
wait this long. But, it won't b
long nowl -. I'll bet Alvi
(Jack) Moses wishes thrt he yea'
a sports writer again. lack wotld
be diggin' up more inside dope .
this Louis chap, h ID have u
guessing, Jack would. :. MI
Sanders of Wa -hingt, n, D. c., j
writin' for that beauty mag. Hel
beauty SudI ld.NcS! e
Al-Mac syndicate is doin' right
swell in its second month, Congrat-
ulations are in order, boysl
Asid2, Ray Robinson, IF Phila-
Acknowledgement forgotten. Will
make that "h1t" spot with you
and "Chick" the next time Pm in
town. =. Rollo michigan Worldl
Vest topped" sew raj western
columnists with exclusive inf 4,
recently, and, I'm sure hat he'd
click in the East. T at chain
letter business has gotten into my
hair. Fancy someone writing t.
you to say; Brother, cen YOU
pare a dime?" &c. Malcum Fulch-
er's forecast of the success of The
Harlem Players looks very goo(
today. Particularly, when the
Harlem Opera House has g9n,
pics again. -. Dl Ike Ellington.
orchestra and Lucky Millinder's
band play a one-two engagement
in Newark, N. j., June l and 2,
respectively. =. l like E. Simms
Campbells stuff in the Amster-
dam News. But or Harrington
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

ting an English dignitary. AT
ter playing several of his selec
tions, the great trumpeter
then yelled to his orchestra:
Come on you cats. let's swing
out a little for old kingy aahh"
He pulled out his handker-
chief, made his famous step
that is a cross between a fall
and a stumble and began blow
ing for all he was worth.
Then he looked at the king
and said '1'll DE glad WHEN
you re dead. you rascal oh
you dogss$1 ~ fsseN,-
While in London, Louis
Armstrong renewed the ac-
quaintance of Reginald For
sythe, the sepia English com
poser of "Serenade to a
Wealthy Widow and other
symphonic composoti on S
which are featured in Ameri-
ca by Paul Whiten1an, who
tells each audience of his a.
bout Foi,sythe. u The young
colored English piano player
first met Louis Armstrong on
a visit to Chicago from Eng
land, He had&come to this
country on a brief visit with
Walter Richardson, well
known baritone, who had
toured the continent of Eu-
rope singing.
His Rise
Louis Armstrong was much
in demand while on those for
eign shores. His trumpet
recitals were the talk of the
land. The Europeans are very
fond Of the type Of jazz mu-
sic as played by Sopians of
this country and they turn
out in droves to hear Ameri-
can artists.
Louis Armstrong came to
Chicago following a sensation
ii tour with King Oliver. He
joined Erskine Tate's orches-
ira, then playing at the Ven
dome theater. He was gain
ing fame rapidly in this or
ganization. then some some
one composed the "Heebie Jee-
bies" blues. Louis began
cat singing the song. 1t
singing the song. 1t was a
was a natural. He tried the
same style Of singing on Il
Can't Give You Anything But
Love. lie then became the
great Louis Armstrong. He
played trumpet in the orches-
ira at the Sunset, which had
Earl Hines as an ivory picker.
1t was from this spot and the
playing of this orchestra
which gave birth to a great
many of the present day stars
such as Blanche Galloway Cab
Galloway, Katherine Perry,
Lucky Millinder, Chiffon and
Thomas and many others of
national and international re-
known.
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

Why Louis Armstrong Left Europe
And Returned To America

| Louis Armstrong is a ma
tive of New Orleans, comes
from the famous Rampa'tSt.
the "tin roof gard3As There
jazz was born.
"Voila yols Por:,''
After Louis BROKE wi b
Jack Hylton he signed with
the French Cannetti, a Euro
pean theatrical booking a.
gent. The celebrated cor
netist was to receive 1900
francs per concert. At
ter a time he agreed to play
for half thatssufn, 1000 francs
bout twenty cents) - With q
little multiplication we arrive
at the figure of $500. 90 per
concert for Louis Armstrong.
His first two concerts were
such tremendous successes
that the question of a third
arose. The third concert
never took Place. Because of
of the good nature of the ia
nous artist, many managers
seem to think that his intelli
genca is, inferior and they
may take advantage Of his tai
ents. But Louis Armstrong
knew he was being exploited
and refused. to work the third
concert. Cannetti shouted
"Voila vous pore which
means hog in good Ameri-
5aa lanrpage. But "hog"
wine Is considered a terrible
insult When called to a French
man. ga. y
era cked Lip
Louis and Cannetti finally
got together after this first
explosion. Louis was to. do
four concerts a week at 1000
francs each, which would run
his salary to. S3,200.00 :. in
good American dollars. Then
Louis Armstrong s / lip ii began
to crack on him. 1t panied
him TO blow his trumpet.
Cannetti then secured two
propositions and he wanted
Louis TO play for 1000 francs.
Cannetti wanted him to play
at Geneva, with a Swiss or
chestra. leaving his colored
orchestra behind. The sec
ond was to accept an engage
ment at the Cote d. Azur for
1000 francs, a night instead
of 1000 francs.
Cannetti insisted upon Louis
Armstrong taking this cut be-
cause he knew that he would
eventually lose his meal tick
ct il he forced Louis to play
too much with his cracked
lip. So he instructed the mu-
stefan to take 1000 francs for
the engagement and not play
his trumpet. He, wanted
him to Just lead the band.
Louis refused. q don't
want to mislead people. If
you advertise me as appearing
with the Swiss orchestra they
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31
Features

When the little Christ child born in the Manager
sepa one of the Three Wise Men Of the East was there
Before that and since that time CUed people have always
played n important part every major event that has o2
CURED in the history of mankind We were there In the
beginning of the film industry epans were there with oeS
on We had representation practically every shape of the
Golden industry We were there &
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

will expect me to play. 1aen
they want to hear my ow |
band too. | don't wish 20 bill
myself to earn this noaey
and never enjoy the fave Of
the European people -
Louis was in a tough spot.
He would have to choose be-
tween becoming one Of the
most unpopular musicians in
Europe because of the deeep-
ton OF not playing his trum-
pet, and not having his owa
orchestra, Then the huge
salary cut of 5000 francs in
stead of receiving the usual
10000 francs.
This caused the break.
Louis Armstrong was ready
o sail for America. Cannetti
did not want this to happen.
He became furious. He tried
in every manner he could de
wise to prevent the American
artist from laeving Europe.
When all attempts failed Can
netti seized a trunkful of NIL
sic. He knew it would keep
Louie in the old country.
But even this did not cause
Louis Armstrong to remain.
He had made his mind up to
leave = :. and leave he did.
Louis gathered his wife,
Alpha. his trumpet, a few
photos. his clothes, his pet
dog Peter Armstrong and
embarked for New York, leav-
mig his, trunk of music behind.
Harlem. Harlem
Those Of US who did not
know he was coming or was
in the United, States until the
evening of the day he arrived
he went back stage Of the APP
polio theater.
While in New York , Har-.
lem . - Itt 5tit11ee--of clllea9bs
pet eNllllen. But it wasn't
until he came home y.to Chi
cage that. he got his
kicks. The Chicago must
clans gave a party for him and
$4,000 people tried to squeeze
into a hall that would accomo-
date only 2,599 people. Nina
tress who was his house guest
at the time, also appeared at
the time! she also appeared at
he fete in his honor
Louis at the present is re-
hearsing quietly a new or
ehestra at the Sunset cafe
epery Afternoon, He is still
I'pndhr he care of a physician,
/. his lin has not healed and he
cannot play his instrument.
In the meantime, Louis is get
ting plenty r9st, doing consid-
,rable readilir and has, for the
| finn Shftth1 hir,asolf 70 beior
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

on. We had representation l
golden industry. We were tn
Chicago in the earlier days
was the movie capitol, despite
the fact that studios could be
found in New York and Phila-
delphia. It wasn't until a
bout 1915 that the industry
moved Westward toCalifornia
This action was taken because
Of the Innate of that state.
Exterior scenes could not be
shot in the studios in the win
ter season, when the script
called fer q sunny exterior.
Gloria Swanson and other
big names in motion pictures
in the earlier days used to
make daily trips out to Argyle
avenue to go through the ted
ious job of making pictures at
the Old Essanes, The Triangle
Keyston Edison and Bijou
film companies.
Earlier Methods
From he year 1907 to 1909
Edison and Lubin film com
pany were making single reel
pictures with sepias. There
were no stars then. Even If
the old shooting gallericsnear
State and Harrison streets,
one for a penny or a nickel
could glue his head and eyes
in a che, turn d crank and
post cards photos would re-
volVe fast enough to give the
impression of motion pictures.
Sepians were actors in those
days. Another company US
ed Colored people as subjects
on little books, which had a
series of small photos. When
you flipped the pages of the
book, the leaves were releaB-
ed with such rapidity that you
actually saw motion pictures
They even had talking pic
lures in those days. 1t was
a crude arrangement Of pho
nograph records behind the
screen, 1t was played when
ever a person was singing on
the silver sheet. Il was ope-
rated in the same manner in
which the business of a radio
studio is handed today. By
business we mean, you can
hear a door slanming, foot
steps, the honking of an auto
mobile in your radio dramas.
Birth OF Slapstick
In 1912 Bill Foster, former
newspaper man and owner of
a music store here, entered in
to motion pictures. Foster
made several pictures. He
was one of the first sepias to
get into the business during
it's infancy. THE Railroad
Porter proved to be a hit. 1t
had an all-Colored cast. 1t
was a simple thing done in one
reel. But the idea set forth
in that particular picture was
destined to revolutionizc mo
ton pictures in America.
Prior to the producing of this
one reel comedy, Negro pic
lures we're frowned upon by
the public. The new tangled
thing was dangerous, the
film was highly inflanmable.
"The Railroad Porter was
the first slap stick comedy ev-
er produced. Foster was in
Florida meeting with success
showing his hit comedy. Mack
Sennett caught the idea, set
up studios under the name
Keystone Comedies in Jack
sonVille, Florida and Chicago.
Foster at the present is in
California, connected in a way
with motion pictures.
Sepia Magnates
Between 1912 and 1914,
Louis B. Anderson, the for
mer alderman, and Charley
Jackson, the mortician, pro-
duced a couple of motion pic
lures. They met with small
success with a film entitled
"Tuskegee. Politics and
pressing business caused
these two pioneers in the in
ilstry to forego their plans,
the company went out of
Siness.
IN 1914 Howard Moss, a
mite director, starting pro-
4ucing the Black and White
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

"Swingiest-thing in town. enter
tainment at the Hot-Cha! restau-
rant. :. Nice goings, The Harlem
Players. Whoever sent out that
notice on Front Page" (aping
your Signature in addressing the
postaD forgot one important Tea
ture. You never signed your la t
name, the last letter as IS" The
name is signed Yate. Anything IL
hcckle a yokel, huh? =. At the
showing of Whiting for Lefty
under the direction Of Rose Nc
Clendon, there was that smart
something which always puts
production in the olIay c'ass
Smart Snowman hin. Rper~ rcd.
| am for the friends of Harlem.
:. News for the gander. lei
them, Ted, that it isn't true. |
mean, your refusal to send dime
in a letter that was forwarded 10
you. =. You got a chain lett +.
minus the dimel -. Louie Ga cia,
the press agent at the Lincoln
.heatre, in Philly, is in for some
good notices. He is doing swell at
that post in Quakcrtown. e. Jos.
Brooks, of the ST, Louis ARGUS
pape, which carries your tripe,
moves south with the Len Bowden
musical aggregation as p. a. for
ten weeks. -. Sara Turner, the
cute young Miss who crowned
Duke Ellington king of Jazz" in
80, is back in Monongahela, Pa.
-. I'm SO sure that is copy will
please you, Boss, that I'm not
bothered
miss H."
HARLEM HERALD
The sports scribes are tellin'
the fans that there will be no race
rioting. at the Joe Louis-Primo
Camera fisticuffing, and they're
mighty right l think it's the height
of sumpin' or other when one tries
to those yokels who ring co tin
four. :. My line is always busy
to those yokels who ring contin-
uously to ask where do | get my
info. A good reporter never tells
from what source he unearthed
Metropolitan news. (Chicago, Ill.) 1935-19??, 1935-05-31

The SOthaOa, M lar radio ' singer who gre" up with ao o
before the world the en who without would be