1933's "Hollywood Premiere" at the Ritz in Chariton

The bright lights of Hollywood shined forth on the south side of Chariton's square the evening of June 30, 1933, when the Ritz Theatre management and a Paramount productions promotional crew brought an amateur-hour version of glitter and glitz to Lucas County.

The big event was promoted on Page 1 of June 22's Herald-Patriot, reinforced by an advertisement inside The Herald-Patriot of June 29. Here's the text of the June 22 story:

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Hollywood's movie premiere stunt will be staged in Chariton Friday night, June 30, by the Ritz theatre, according to an announcement by Manager Oky Goodman.

Frank Barnes and C. J. Topping, special directors of all Hollywood premieres, were in Chariton Wednesday making preliminary arrangements.

They will uncover all of Chariton's available screen talent. Mr. Barnes said that entries are open for any local person to impersonate movie stars. They will be presented to the public upon their arrival at 6:45 at the lobby of the Ritz theatre, and on the stage Friday night when the judges will select the winners.

Prizes will be awarded and photos of the winners will be forwarded to the Paramount Picture studio for screen tests. Anyone can enter to impersonate any star desired, or to become a new star, Mr. Barnes said.

Floodlights will illuminate the street in front of the Ritz for the arrival of the stars in the finest automobiles obtainable. Band music and fireworks will be the attraction as the fans await the coming of new movie greats.

All hidden picture stars in Chariton should call at the Ritz at once to make entries for the big show, Mr. Barnes said. There will be no advance in admission cost for the performance.

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The Chariton Leader of July 4 reported upon the big night as follows:

All the color and glamour of a Hollywood movie dedication marked the first Ritz theatre premiere in Chariton Friday night. Hundreds of persons lined the streets in front of the theatre as cars bearing the impersonators disgorged actors of every variety.

Preceded by a concert by the American Legion Junior Band and opened with fireworks from the roof of the theatre, the parade of stars into the lobby was featured by short speeches over a public address system.

On the stage of the Ritz where Director Frank Barnes acted as master of ceremonies, a program of dancing, singing and impersonation was skillfully planned and presented.

To Paul Whitman's Rhythm Boys, a harmonizing trio, went first place honors. Members of the team are Harold Ordway, David McNeish and Richard Stroud.

Little Bobbie Perrin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Max Perrin, was placed second in his impersonation of Joe, pudgy juvenile star of "Our Gang" comedies.

Platinum tresses and the flashing personality of Jean Harlow won third place honors for Miss Glendene Sutton of Derby. Miss Sutton's impersonation was so complete that the introduction of impersonation was scarcely needed by the capacity audience.

Honorable mention awards went to the Duncan Sisters, represented by the Williby Sisters; the Boswell Sisters, represented by the Dillman Sisters; and vacuous Gracie Allen, as impersonated by Edith Margaret Robb.

Pictures of winners were taken by Bates Studio and will be forwarded to Paramount movie studios in Hollywood for consideration.

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So far as I know, no screen tests resulted for the Chariton event. And the Ritz is still with us, although movies now are shown at Vision II on North Main and The Connecticut Yankee Pedaller bike shop occupies the vintage theater building.