Years later, when I was teaching a class on popular westerns at the Film Center of the Art Institute of Chicago, I showed Sgt. Rutledge. Art Institute students are unique talented, creative, and sharp. They also have a reputation for being cutting edge, hip, and even a bit jaded. But, this sentimental movie really reached them — and when the shot came on the screen of Woody Strode in a low angle standing tall as the “Buffalo Soldier” song is heard in the background, you could hear sniffs of students who were crying. I was surprised at their enthusiasm for the movie and pleased, too.

You did a great job of bringing out the strengths of this movie and honoring Woody Strode.

Once I stop blushing and figure this award idea out I’ll be sure to pass it along. For readers here who may not be familiar with Jacqueline’s Another Old Movie Blog, her stylish and thoughtful prose and passion for film, history and all things theatrical (especially in our mutual old stamping grounds in New England), is a one of the brightest spots on the internet.

Medusa, I agree that Woody Strode‘s sculpted, sensitive face helped to make him a compelling presence in many movies as much as his size and grace. He is very moving in this role more than any other I’ve seen. Oddly, Ford scholar Joseph McBride pointed out in one of his books on the director’s career that he saw a similarity between the bald, round-eyed face of Stepin’ Fetchit and Woody Strode–though Mr. Strode imbued every role with his uniquely magisterial presence, (…and he seems to have eaten his Wheaties regularly).

In his autobiography, Strode mentioned that growing up in the Central Avenue area of Los Angeles between the world wars, he saw Stepin’ Fetchit several times, admiring him and what he recalled was a pink Rolls Royce! He also thought that the older actor was unfairly blamed for the kind of caricatured parts he played, since few actors, especially African-Americans, had little to choose from at the time and were glad of the work.

Doesn’t Strode have the greatest face? And what an interesting story of their working relationship and then friendship.

I have to watch this soon!

“The Dardos Award is given for recognition of cultural, ethical, literary, and personal values transmitted in the form of creative and original writing. These stamps were created with the intention of promoting fraternization between bloggers, a way of showing affection and gratitude for work that adds value to the Web.”

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“1) Accept the award by posting it on your blog along with the name of the person that has granted the award and a link to his/her blog.
2) Pass the award to another five blogs that are worthy of this acknowledgement, remembering to contact each of them to let them know they have been selected for this award.”

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