September 10, 1922: It was on this day 100 years ago that the world saw the first "Our Gang" comedy---(original posting: 09/10 2022) "One Terrible Day", was the fourth film Hal Roach produced for his new series but it was the first one to be shown theatricality. Seen here are Ernie "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison & Jackie Condon.
I have been blessed to have met many intersting people in my life. Ernest Fredric Morrison (December 20, 1912 – July 24, 1989) was a child actor, comedian, vaudevillian & dancer who also performed under the stage name "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison. He was the first African American actor to be signed to a long-term film contract, signing with studio executive & comedy film producer Hal Roach in 1919. He appeared in silent comedy shorts opposite both Harold Lloyd & Snub Pollard. By 1922, he ultimately became an original performer in the "Our Gang" film franchise. Later he became known to film-goers as "Scruno" the only black member of "The East Side Kids". Morrison later worked as a quality control inspector for an aerospace company in Compton, California.
Ernie "Sunshine Sammy" Morrison in 1988. His smile would light up the room.
