MovieChat Forums > The Petrified Forest (1936) Discussion > Slim Thompson's role

Slim Thompson's role

posted 16 years ago by robertmaxhutchings
13 replies | jump to latest

Anybody take notice of Slim Thompson's role as one of Bogie's men? A black man, in a 1936 movie, playing a smart, talented (albeit in a criminal way), and independent character? His role was in very stark contrast to Hollywood's standard role of black actors as caricatures: the men were all "yes boss" chauffeurs and cooks, and the women were all maids. Those stereotypical roles reflected not only Hollywood's inherent racism, but also the racism of the country as Americans did not want to see blacks rising above their station. Yet, Slim Thompson not only did not play that role, he made fun of the black chauffeur who WAS playing that role. Amazing stuff. I'd be very interested in knowing how the movie was received, or if this role had any effect on Slim Thompson's brief acting career.

[–] omari322 15 years ago

Slim's role was very good because you could see his character figuratively thumbing his role at the conventional role for a Black man in movies and larger society of the 1930's. I especially liked how he was treated like and equal member of Duke's gang and not the do boy.

His facial expressions and needling of the chaffeur were priceless.

'Cause I'm Black you think I did it?

[–] balthazargetty 15 years ago

The first thing I did was look up the name of the actor playing the black gang member because I thought he was outstanding in his natural portrayal. I'd love to know more about him than the very brief list of his movies.

[–] misspaddylee 15 years ago

Both Slim Thompson (Slim) and John Alexander (Joseph) were recreating the roles they played in the Broadway production starring Leslie Howard and Humphrey Bogart.

"Fortunately, I keep my feathers numbered for just such an emergency."

[–] lubin-freddy 15 years ago

Yes, I just watched the film for the first time in maybe 20 years, and that really struck me as well.

"Sometimes you have to take the bull by the tail, and face the truth" - G. Marx

[–] NBurdette 12 years ago

I have seen this movie countless times and I have always enjoyed the dialog when Thompson belittles the boot licking chauffeur.There is one thing that I had never noticed about Thompsons character until my recent viewing of the movie. There is a point near the point the Mantee's gang first enters the cafe. After a few minutes of the gang and prisoners drinking, Thompson returns from the kitchen and Leslie Howard TELLS,not asks, Thompson to fix he and Gabrielle a drink. It is almost as if Howard is treating Thompson like a servant or waiter. Thompson briefly scowls at Howard, giving him a "go to hell" look, and then grabs the bottle and brings it over to serve both Howard and Bette Davis a drink. I found it rather out of character and strange for Thompson to actually "serve" these prisoners a drink. He eventually makes it over to the Chauffer for his famous scene.

Did anyone notice this brief interaction? I had never noticed before. Any thoughts on the meaning?

[–] trinity-destler 12 years ago

Because that bit is just after Alan has been chastised for getting up (again) and told to stay in his seat, I think it may well be nothing. It did occur to me, but I think the scene would have played the same with either of the other gang members; Alan is totally casual with and unafraid of all of them, while they mostly grumble wonderment and tolerate him. Especially since it's right before Slim mocks the chauffeur for being subservient, it seems like he would have said more than he did if he thought he was being treated like a servant.

"It's that kind of idiocy that I empathize with." ~David Bowie

[–] bradford-1 12 years ago

I have a copy of the 1955 TV version of FOREST. A very odd change is that the role of the black gangster is reduced to virtually zero. He spends most of the show out of sight, supposedly watching for the cops outside. Also, the chaufeur character is deleted altogether. Mr. Chisholm is driving himself and his wife. I spoze the network didn't want two offbeat "Negro" characters to be seen.

"May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?"

[–] dark_frances 12 years ago

Oh that was indeed a lovely role! I actually burst out laughing when he tried to spark a conversation with the black driver, and the "coloured brother" answered with a shiny "Good Evening!", at which Slim jolted backwards in surprise
But I had noticed even earlier that his role was far from a typical black role. And yes, given the stark contrast between his casual free manner, and the driver's "white man's servant" mannerisms, I am sure that the departure from the typical black role was deliberate.

there's a highway that is curling up like smoke above her shoulder

[–] orangysky 11 years ago

I really liked his character; he was a great actor. This movie was ahead of its time.

[–] marktayloruk (2374) 3 years ago

I think Slim naturally a cheerful and friendly guy, chauffeur more formal

[–] Jonny_B_Lately 10 years ago

Please forgive this very late response, but I just saw the movie last week.

Considering that the movie was made in 1936, I found Slim's role very interesting. He seemed to be the only gangster under Mantee's "command" that could freely speak his mind. He spoke to Duke as an equal, not a minion like the other two bandits. Slim also had the highly technical (for the time) task of not only driving, but of maintaining the car as mechanic.

Also, the other black player, John Alexander (as Joseph), is not only the Chisholm's driver (and obvious mechanic) he is a body-guard of sorts. Mr. Chisholm clearly trusts Joseph's judgement.

Watta ya lookn here for?

[–] bradford-1 9 years ago

John Alexander was also in the original Broadway cast. I guess Howard insisted that he, along with Bogart, be retained for the movie.

May I bone your kipper, Mademoiselle?

[–] liambean 8 years ago

If you notice, he is the only member of Mantee's gang that Duke seems to trust. He's also the only one who can tell Duke what to do. Mantee doesn't seem to trust the rest of his gang.