THE EMPEROR JONES (‘33) launched Star of the Month Paul Robeson into stardom. He played the role originally on stage in its 1925 revival. The film version, co-starring Fredi Washington, was the first time a Black actor was billed above a white actor above the title. Robeson refused the role at first because he felt it portrayed the Black character of the title role in a negative way. He portrays a ruthless Pullman porter who bluffs his way into a position as emperor of an impoverished Caribbean