Richard Wright (source, actor) NATIVE SON [1950] Set of 12 photos

Classic Pictures. No binding. Near Fine. [New York]: Classic Pictures, [1950]. Set of 12 vintage original 8 x 10" (20 x 25 cm) black-and-white photos, fine. Shot in Argentina, with the streets of Buenos Aires used to represent those of Chicago, Richard Wright co-wrote the script of Native Son with director Pierre Chenal. Wright portrayed the character of Bigger because his first choice, Canada Lee, who had portrayed the character in the Broadway play, was not able to do so. Many other actors would not consider the role because they were fearful of repercussions; Wright was blacklisted in Hollywood at the time for membership in the communist party. The role of Mary required the white actress to touch a black man, so multiple actresses were unwilling to take the role. Hollywood actress Jean Wallace accepted the female lead, possibly because her career had stalled due to personal problems.