...is listed as "Preacher -- Alternate Version". I'm guessing they reshot the preacher scenes with a white actor because the film would otherwise have been unreleasable in parts of the south.
Anyhone have any facts on this?
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Yes, that's what Robert Osbourne just said on TCM. In the south they couldn't show films which featured African-Americans in prominent roles, so they had to have an alternate "white Minister" version to play in those theatres.
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According to Robert Osborne on TCM that is exactly what happened. Some theatres would not show any movie where a black actor played a predominate part. But what a wise decision MGM made to use Theresa Harris and George Reed in the version that was widely distributed. They add so much depth to the story and their no nonsense roles are so refreshingly portrayed. Their names should have been listed in the cast at the beginning, along with everyone else.
I so agree - Reed and Harris were excellent and their roles were critical to the plot. They most certainly should have been credited. Theresa Harris was an immediate stand-out in every movie she was in. I know she would have had a major career today - what a dish!
shareWell said. Harris and Reed added depth to the story. A beautiful piece in this pre-code gem. So unlike the usual stereotypes of this time.
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