I'm getting a bit of writing done this morning and the television is playing the Joan Crawford film, Mildred Pierce. I've never seen it before, and honestly, i am working, but Lottie, the maid character has this voice that keeps pulling me in. Her voice sounds like a child. It sounds ridiculous. A grown woman playing a maid has the voice of a child.

So, I've written to the point where I need a break from the emotion. (I know what happens next in my story, but I don't know if I can write it without another cup of coffee.) I'm on a break, and I'm watching the movie. Really watching. Story is fine. The framing and direction are good. But then Lottie is on the screen again and I question the choice about using this odd voice.

So, I IMDB the film and look for the actress. First, Lottie is way far down on the list. Beneath the uncredited Woman, Waitress, and Police Detective. Lottie is in many scenes with a great deal of dialog. I click in deeper to learn about Butterfly McQueen.

She was born Thelma but the name Butterfly was adopted for stage referring to the way she moved while performing. She was sick of the stereotypes and open roles for actors of color and quit acting in 1947. In 1980 she was harassed and assaulted at a bus station, suing for a modest sum and then living frugally for the remainder of her life. She died from injuries sustained while setting her clothing on fire lighting a space heater for her one bedroom cottage.

But in reading about her, i discovered she was an atheist. She was thoughtful. Her body was donated to medical research.

A quote of hers I found was, "As my ancestors are free from slavery, I am free from the slavery of religion."

She received the Freethought Heroine Award: [ffrf.org]

I'm going to read more of this Freethought Heroine. I was definitely intrigued to find out more about her when I read it was more important for her to do what she believed was right for her, than pursue roles that would provide paychecks. I am going to find out more of this woman. And yes, by the way, her voice was naturally high and sounded like a child's.

[imdb.com]