Rochester in a Disney film?

[Brad from Georgia]

According to this article, Eddie Anderson was considered for the role of Uncle Remus in Song of the South, but turned it down because he feared that his role as Rochester already made him the target of complaints that he was portraying a subservient role.

[helloagain]

I never heard about this, but I can envision him singing 'Zip a de do dah'. I really like the Rochester character and the relationship between him and Mr. Benny. Anyone who thinks it was an Uncle Tom role has never listened to many episodes. Rochester was very hip, intelligent, and street-wise and usually got the best of Mr. Benny. Playing a butler is definitely a subservient role, but then white men portrayed butlers too. There was a genuine respect and affection between the two men. Jack didn't bark orders at him, but usually asked him to do things, adding please and thank you. Of course, they had to work with the restrictions that existed at the time, but I think Rochester was treated as close to an equal as a black man could at that time. I remember a New Year's Eve show, both on radio and TV, where they rang in the new year together. I'm always very touched by that episode. They are no longer employer and employee, but two very close friends toasting eachother.