(Transcriptions of 7 news paper articles dated March 1940)
Plans Complete for Parade Tomorrow
Identity of Local “Movie Queen” Will be disclosed
Mrs. Frank Marschat announced today that all arrangements have been made for the American Legion Auxiliary parade tomorrow afternoon in honor of the leading lady who plays the title role in the “Movie Queen” in the stage and movie production of that name to be given March 28th and 29th. The identity of the queen has been kept in secret so far. She has been chosen for beauty, popularity and acting ability and is a local girl. In the stage show “Miss Movie Queen” plays the part of a small town girl who wins a free trip to Hollywood for writing an essay on her petunia garden for a magazine. The three act stage show reveals her trials and tribulations as she skyrocketed to movie fame and glory by over-zealous producers and press agents. At the end of the stage show she decides to bring her new found friends back to her home town, Willimantic, for a vacation. The plot of the 50 minute movie reel, all of which will be shot locally, is wound around the various events which happen during the vacation. The first of the movie will be shots taken of the parade tomorrow.
Over 50 entries have already been received for the parade. All entries are to assemble at the railroad station at 2 p.m. The queen will arrive on the 2:21 bus and greeted by an official committee headed by Mayor P. J. Laramee. At the depot she will be presented with a large bouquet of flowers. The parade will then proceed to the steps of the town building where the mayor is to present her with the key to the city. Legion Post Commander, Levi G. Gross is to serve as marshal for the parade. The entries will consist of the American Legion bugle and drum corps, Boy Scouts, drill team, official cars, trucks and floats representing the various business firms in the city.
One of the most interesting units of the parade will be that of the auto dealers in which every make and style of new car is displayed. There will be three official cars in which the cast of the show will ride. Moving pictures are to be shot at the railroad station, the entire parade on Main Street will be photographed as well as the ceremonies at the town hall and crowds on the street. Any business firm or children wishing to ride bicycles in the parade or to bring their pets and dolls may enter merely by appearing at the depot at 2 o’clock tomorrow. Everyone there or on the street will be “shot” by the candid camera and have the opportunity to see themselves on the screen as a part of the fourth act of “Movie Queen”. During the following week the movie camera will be on the streets photographing places of interest in the city, shopping scenes, school children, etc. Many people will be photographed unknown to themselves.
An excellent cast has been chosen for the show and rehearsals are being held every afternoon at 4 o’clock for the chorus in the American Legion Home and at 7:30 in the evening for the cast.