In 1929, Williams was hired by producer Al Christie to create the dialogue for a series of two-reel comedy films featuring all-black casts. In 1927, Williams was working for the First National Studio, going on location to Topaz, Arizona to shoot footage for a film called The River. Though he had found steady work since arriving in California, Williams had a short period in 1926 where there were no roles for him he then went to work as an immigration officer. Williams began to snag bit roles in motion pictures, including a part in the 1928 Buster Keaton film Steamboat Bill, Jr. He arrived in Hollywood in 1923 and his involvement with films began by assisting with work on Octavus Roy Cohen material. After World War I, Williams continued his military career he was part of a unit whose job was to create war plans for the Southwestern United States, in case they might ever be needed. In 1917, Williams was sent to France to do intelligence work there. During the course of his time in service, Williams traveled the world, serving as General Pershing's bugler while in Mexico before he was promoted to camp sergeant major. Army during and after World War I, where he rose to the rank of sergeant major. Williams began his studies at the University of Minnesota, taking some time out to serve his country. During this period, he received mentoring as a comedian from the African American vaudeville star Bert Williams. He moved to New York City when he was a teenager and secured work as call boy for the theatrical impresario Oscar Hammerstein. As a youngster, he attended Wards Academy in Natchez, Mississippi. ![]() Williams (who was sometimes billed as Spencer Williams Jr.) was born in Vidalia, Louisiana, where the family lived on Magnolia Street.
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