Way Down South
US (1939): Musical
Bernard Vorhaus directs Bobby Breen in this RKO release. A young orphan in antebellum Louisiana (Breen) tries to regain his family's plantation from treacherous trustees in this song-laced drama that was scripted by co-star Clarence Muse -- who plays a loyal slave -- and poet Langston Hughes. (Movies Unlimited)
This picture marked one of the first times a black performer -- Muse -- received star billing in a film. According to some reports, he also shared directing chores on the movie with Vorhaus. Muse (1889-1979), was born in Baltimore, MD, and played some 150 roles in feature films in addition to his work as a theatrical entrepreneur, director, songwriter, playwright and television actor.
1 nomination
· Music Scoring Awards (Best Score) 1939: Victor Young