Jul 17, 2007 10:48 pm US/Eastern
New Hairspray Film Reminds Some Of Racism
by Kai Jackson
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
With the newest version of the movie "Hairspray" set to make its Baltimore premiere Wednesday night, the hoopla surrounding the new film has conjured up some memories of racism and segregation.
As
Kai Jackson reports, some long-time Charm City residents say "Hairspray's" depiction of race relations in 1950s Baltimore does not paint the total picture.
The original "Hairspray" released by director John Waters in 1988, was derived in large part from "The Buddy Deane Show," which aired on WJZ in the 1950s.
Although the original "Hairspray" showed signs of segregation, many African-Americans have said their experiences were often taken in from the sidelines.
At the time "The Buddy Deane Show" was taking off, African-American couples were not allowed to dance on the program.
There was a night called 'Special Guest Night' at WJZ's studios, which allowed African-Americans to dance. But some young minorities chose to stay away from the studio altogether.
"I did not feel it was fair and I felt that we needed to make a statement," said Millie Battle.
"In the black community it was called 'Black Monday,' said historian Tom Saunders.
According to Saunders, some producers tried to make the bold move of integrating black and white dancers on "The Buddy Deane Show."
But the lights at WJZ went out and the program was discontinued for reasons never revealed.
"Even though WJZ promoted de-segregation of theaters and other places in terms of public accommodation, they never integrated "The Buddy Deane Show." And unlike in "Hairspray" you know in the end it's a happy ending and everybody is integrated and everything, that never happened here in Baltimore," Saunders said.
(© MMVII, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
