Madame Sul-Te-Wan
The former Nellie Conley was first employed by director D.W. Griffith at his Reliance-Majestic studio to help keep the dressing rooms clean. Although all of the major acting roles in his 1915 film "The Birth of a Nation," were played by white actors in blackface, Griffith cast Nellie in several small parts when he needed actors to play minor black characters, including that of a rich, colored woman. It is reported that Griffith put Madame on the studio payroll at five dollars per day, work or play. "The Birth of a Nation", called Hollywood's first true blockbuster, was denounced as racist and sparked protests throughout the country almost immediately after its February 8, 1915 premiere. The professional relationship between actress and director endured despite the controversy, as Griffith cast Madame Sul-Te-Wan in his film "Intolerance" (1916).
The former Nellie Conley was first employed by director D.W. Griffith at his Reliance-Majestic studio to help keep the dressing rooms clean. Although all of the major acting roles in his 1915 film "The Birth of a Nation," were played by white actors in blackface, Griffith cast Nellie in several small parts when he needed actors to play minor black characters, including that of a rich, colored woman. It is reported that Griffith put Madame on the studio payroll at five dollars per day, work or play. "The Birth of a Nation", called Hollywood's first true blockbuster, was denounced as racist and sparked protests throughout the country almost immediately after its February 8, 1915 premiere. The professional relationship between actress and director endured despite the controversy, as Griffith cast Madame Sul-Te-Wan in his film "Intolerance" (1916).
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