The Wizard of Oz 1925. Spencer Bell. Curtis McHenry. Who was G Howe Black?

When L. Frank Baum wrote The Wonderful Wizard of Oz published in 1900, he probably never imagined how successful his book would be. It became a Broadway musical and had a number of film adaptations. The 1939 film starring Judy Garland has been seen by virtually anyone who owns a television set. 

Some years ago I found a 1925 black and white silent version on DVD. Oliver Hardy, later to become famous as Laurel and Hardy, is the Tin Man however, what interested me most about this version was that a black actor was playing the Lion.

Online the part is credited to Spencer Bell but also Curtis McHenry depending on where you look. Both had been known by the stage name G. Howe Black. Unfortunately neither Bell or McHenry are listed at the beginning of the film. I have tried to find out how and why they were both G. Howe Black but could find no indisputable explanation, therefore I name them both in this piece with their attributed pictures.

                                                          Spencer Bell



                                                          Curtis McHenry
                                                           


As the title of my blog suggests I actively look at old films for black actors in non stereotypical roles. McHenry/Bell were cast in a number of films directed by Larry Semon who as well as directing, played the Scarecrow in the film. 

                                            
                                                                  

                                              Oliver Hardy, Dorothy Dwan and Larry Semon.
 
In this version Dorothy is eventually rescued by the cowardly lion who pilots a biplane to fly her back to Kansas. Considering black characters in films during this era were usually portrayed as uneducated and slow, a black man flying a plane in a 1920s film was a surprise twist on the story I did not expect. I personally have only seen two films in which a black character flies a plane; Airplane in 1980 and 2012 Flight. 


Welcome to my first Black in White films blog, I am a lover of old films. I hope to publish a new post at least once a month to give black actors the credit they deserved. 

Thank you.

The Wizard of Oz. 1925. Elstree Hill Entertainment.

Balconygirl.



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