University of Chicago Research Projects

Spencer Williams

Professor Jacqueline Stewart is currently conducting research on the life and work of actor/director/writer Spencer Williams.

Probably best known for his role as Andrew “Hogg” Brown on the television series Amos ‘n’ Andy, Williams is less known for his extensive work in film, particularly as a director. Williams’ cinematic career spans from the early days of sound film (late 1920s) to the demise of the race film industry after World War II. He began his film career as a bit player and sound technician. He then wrote for and starred in numerous Black-cast films before going on to direct nine features during the 1940s. One of these films, The Blood of Jesus (1941) was selected by the Library of Congress for inclusion on its National Film Registry, a listing of films deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” and therefore worthy of preservation.

Unfortunately, Williams is typically overshadowed by the flamboyant figure of fellow Black film pioneer Oscar Micheaux in accounts of the race film era, despite the fact that Williams was quite prolific, and made films that raise unique questions about Black cinematic aesthetics and the contours of Black modernism and modernity.

Prof. Stewart is seeking information about Williams’ biography and work history. She is especially interested in locating individuals who worked with Williams in front of and/or behind the camera. If you have information or leads, please contact:

Jacqueline Stewart
Associate Professor
Committee on Cinema and Media Studies
University of Chicago
5845 South Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
773-702-7999
jacqueline@uchicago.edu

Spencer Williams Selected Filmography (as actor and/or writer and/or director)

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