Josh Binney

Josh Binney, born Harold Joshua Binney, was the second eldest of five sons, and his childhood was marked by a strong sense of sibling camaraderie. As he entered young adulthood, his interests began to shift towards the world of vaudeville, and he became a member of the esteemed Keystone Kops, a group of talented performers known for their comedic skills. On October 14, 1908, Binney tied the knot with Claribel Maude Sprung, and the couple went on to have three children: Robert, Isobel, and Barbara. His great-granddaughter, actress Audrey Moore, is a testament to the enduring legacy of Binney's family. Throughout his illustrious career, Binney made significant contributions to the world of film, serving as a director for numerous "race movies" – films geared towards African-American audiences with all-black casts – featuring prominent actors such as Cab Calloway and Stepin Fetchit. In addition to his work in film, Binney was also active in summer stock productions and, following World War II, he directed training films for the Army. His son, Robert Binney, who later adopted the stage name Conrad Noles, followed in his father's footsteps in show business and went on to achieve great success, starring as Huey Long in the Broadway production of "The Great Dictator" prior to the war.