Way Down South 1939

Way Down South


Sol Lesser's Principal Productions / RKO, 1939, B/W, 60 minutes, ***

Released July, 1939



When Tim Reid's (Bobby Breen) father dies unexpectedly, his executor Martin Dill (Edwin Maxwell) moves in and immediately begins plans for "reducing expenses" of the plantation by selling off all assets he deems unneccessary for operation, in spite of Tim and Uncle Caton's objections. Mr. Reid had always made a point of not selling the slaves, and Mr. Dill wishes to sell half of them. What Tim and Caton don't know is that Dill plans to pocket the profits from the sale and leave the country. But what can a minor and a slave do to save the plantation and stop the sale of the slaves?



This film provides an interesting glimpse into the antebellum South and the plight of the slaves. Co-written by Clarence Muse, the story includes emotionally laden scenes of slaves working in the fields, a prayer meeting prior to the sale and a scene where the slaves are being separated for sale - family members, children, married couples - all for the sake of a greedy man's profit. The Hall Johnson Choir provides background vocals for the slave scenes. The music is wonderful, and the story is sometimes heart-wrenching, sometimes humorous. Definitely worth watching!!



Produced by: Sol Lesser

Directed by: Bernard Vorhaus

Assistant Director: John Sherwood

Original Story and Screenplay by: Clarence Muse and Langston Hughes

Musical Direction: Victor Young

Vocal Arrangements: Hall Johnson

Songs: "Louisiana," "Good Ground" by Clarence Muse and Langston Hughes

Art Director: Lewis J. Rachmil

Wardrobe: Albert Deanno

Sound Technician: Richard Van Hessen

Photography: Charles Schoenbaum

Film Editor: Arthur Hilton



Cast: Bobby Breen [Tim Reid], Alan Mowbray [Jacques Bouton], Ralph Morgan [Timothy Reid], Steffi Duna [Pauline], Clarence Muse [Uncle Caton], Sally Blane [Claire], Edwin Maxwell [Martin Dill], Charles Middleton [Cass], Robert Greig [Judge Ravenal], Lillian Yarbo [Janie], Matthew "Stymie" Beard [Gumbo], Willie Best [Chimney Sweep], Hall Johnson Choir [Themselves]



Musical Program: [0:00] Peter, Go Ring Dem Bells (sung by Hall Johnson Choir behind titles); [0:09] Oh Dem Golden Slippers (excerpt sung by Clarence Muse, Bobby Breen and Ralph Morgan); [0:11] Good Ground (sung by the Hall Johnson Choir for Slaves singing and dancing onscreen); [0:35] Louisiana (sung by Bobby Breen onscreen with the Hall Johnson Choir offscreen); [0:37] Some Folks (Bobby Breen and party guests at Bouton's); [0:42] Nobody Pray (sung by the Hall Johnson Choir for Slaves at prayer meeting onscreen); [0:45] Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (sung by Bobby Breen with the Hall Johnson Choir); [1:00] Good Ground (reprised by the Hall Johnson Choir for Slaves onscreen)