Robeson, Paul. (1898–1976). Signed Photograph in Show Boat, 1936.
Signed film still photograph of the actor and singer in his most celebrated film role, as "Joe" in Show Boat. Signed and inscribed to a ligh area of the image upper left and with the still number 744-3 in the negative, lower left. Very light wear to edges, overall fine. 9.5 x 7.5 inches; 24.2 x 19 cm.
Paul Robeson was most famous for his role in "Show Boat," in which he first played the role of "Joe" on Broadway in the 1920s, and later in the 1936 film version, in which he sings, "Ol' Man River." But Robeson was not cast as Joe in the 1951 film version of "Show Boat," because he was blacklisted by Hollywood and later investigated by the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) for his political beliefs and his outspoken advocacy of labor rights and Civil Rights.
Released by Universal Studios on May 14, 1936, the first musical motion picture adaptation of Show Boat was written by librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. The film featured Irene Dunne as Magnolia and Allan Jones as Gaylord Ravenal, and director James Whale insisted on casting certain members of the original Broadway cast, including Paul Robeson singing his signature song, “Ol’ Man River,” as Joe. The film also showcased Hattie McDaniel, who would later become the first African American woman to win an Academy Award, for her role in Gone with the Wind.
Robeson, Paul. (1898–1976). Signed Photograph in Show Boat, 1936.
Signed film still photograph of the actor and singer in his most celebrated film role, as "Joe" in Show Boat. Signed and inscribed to a ligh area of the image upper left and with the still number 744-3 in the negative, lower left. Very light wear to edges, overall fine. 9.5 x 7.5 inches; 24.2 x 19 cm.
Paul Robeson was most famous for his role in "Show Boat," in which he first played the role of "Joe" on Broadway in the 1920s, and later in the 1936 film version, in which he sings, "Ol' Man River." But Robeson was not cast as Joe in the 1951 film version of "Show Boat," because he was blacklisted by Hollywood and later investigated by the House Committee on Un-American Activities (HUAC) for his political beliefs and his outspoken advocacy of labor rights and Civil Rights.
Released by Universal Studios on May 14, 1936, the first musical motion picture adaptation of Show Boat was written by librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. The film featured Irene Dunne as Magnolia and Allan Jones as Gaylord Ravenal, and director James Whale insisted on casting certain members of the original Broadway cast, including Paul Robeson singing his signature song, “Ol’ Man River,” as Joe. The film also showcased Hattie McDaniel, who would later become the first African American woman to win an Academy Award, for her role in Gone with the Wind.