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Way Down South (1939, B&W): With its exquisite period decor and musical numbers, Way Down South could be seen as RKO's answer to Gone With the Wind, released the same year, and boasting an original screenplay by esteemed poet and activist Langston Hughes and co-star Clarence Muse. The film also earned an Oscar nomination for Victor Young's score.
Following the tragic death of his wealthy father, Timothy Reid, Jr. is the sole heir of the Bayou Louvelle Plantation in Louisiana. When the greedy executor Mr. Dill makes known his plans to sell off its assets, including its slaves, Timothy is horrified. He and the slaves have always regarded each other as family and he's determined to do right by them.
Starring Bobby Breen, Clarence Muse, Alan Mowbray, Ralph Morgan, Matthew "Stymie" Beard. Original Story and Screenplay by Langston Hughes and Clarence Muse.
Hawaii Calls (1938, B&W): Backed by a stellar supporting cast including screen legends Ward Bond, Gloria Holden and Warren Hull, Breen plays orphaned shoeshine boy Billy Coulter, who along with his friend Pua stows away aboard a passenger liner bound for Hawaii from San Francisco. Upon reaching Hawaii, Billy and Pua attempt to stay one step ahead of the authorities but soon find themselves embroiled in a search for stolen government papers.
Bobby Breen