James Edwards

Pioneering actor who was among Hollywood's first - years ahead of 'Sidney Poitier' (qv) - to crush the 'Stepin Fetchit' (qv) stereotype of black males as shiftless illiterates. Although in some pictures Edwards would portray subservient characters (e.g. "General" George C. Scott's valet in _Patton (1970)_ (qv)), he delivered true dignity in his performances. He is especially remembered for his leading role in _Home of the Brave (1949)_ (qv).::Bill Takacs <kinephile@aol.com>