After the remark about the Ink Spots’ “Uncle Tom” clowning, it is odd to see two subsequent ads in the paper:

Stepin Fetchit appeared at the Princess Theater, 12 – 4th Street NE, March 4-7, 1941. Born Lincoln Perry, Fetchit was Hollywood’s first black movie star, “appearing in more motion pictures than any other colored artist.” His breakthrough film was “Hearts of Dixie” in 1929.  He became the “Screen’s Laziest Comedian,” famous for rolling his eyes and speaking and moving agonizingly slowly.  His film career had its ups and downs, and pretty much ended in 1937.  But he continued to tour around the country.

His live stage act was described in Mel Watkins’ biography of the actor:

..Perry skillfully contrasted his absentminded coon lethargy with the silken finesse of his dancing.  Onstage, he would come meandering out, scratching his head, looking utterly confused and lost.  Mouth agape, eyes half closed, shoulders slouched, arms dangling, he would slip into a practically incoherent monologue; delivered in a whining monotone to no one in particular, most often it has little meaning beyond the visual impression of confusion.

Then, suddenly, the gangling actor would spring into a spirited dance routine that, when first encountered, often astounded audiences.  His facial expression changed subtly, the half closed eyelids lifted, eyes momentarily widening to reveal a flash of energy, near-arrogance, that the simpleton mask had intentionally concealed.

An item in the Spokesman also noted his odd hobby of collecting cashmere suits made from the wool of the sacred goats of India, at $275 each (with two pairs of pants).  “The slow motion comic has about $4,125 worth of clothes hanging in his hotel closet.  Fetchit has one tailor in Hollywood, another in New York and they both know his weakness – clothes.”

Appearing with Step were:

• Abdul Sender, Egypt’s Greatest Pianist
• Patsy Mack
• Penny and Perry Tucker
• Claudette Colbert and Ray Milland in the film “Arise My Love”

Also odd was an ad for the Swing Town Minstrels, Ladies’ Cast of St. Thomas Guild, Auzie Dial, Guest Artist, illustrated with an image that would seem offensive even then.  The show was at Benton Hall, YWCA, March 6, 1941.