20th Century-Fox Dynamo (June 3, 1939)

“Young Mr. Lincoln Special” NEW DYNAMO 3A COAST, TOO, ACCLAIMS “LINCOLN" AS DOWN-TO-EARTH SUREFIRE R. 0. SMASH Other Studio Heads, Stars And 2000 Theatregoers Who Pay $5 To See It Agree At Press-Preview That It Is Destined To Enjoy SRO Business—Fonda’s Performance Labelled Best Of Year! By HARRY BRAND By Long Distance Telephone to New Dynamo LOS ANGELES.—Some 400 newspaper and magazine correspondents, studio executives, producers, directors, writers, stars and technicians and exhibitors believe that Zanuck has the most stirring American drama Hollywood has produced in “Young Mr. Lincoln.” This was indicated by the ovation accorded this Cosmopolitan production at a brilliant press preview tonight at the Wilshire Theatre, The audience had expected something unusual, but treatment and dramatization of a little known chapter in the early life of Lincoln took them all by surprise. It was a reception that must go down among Hollywood’s most historic. But, it was not because John Ford and everybody who had any hand in the creation of “Young Mr. Lincoln” had made a truly remarkable screen triumph, but because of the box office value this down-to-earth story carries that brought the cheers that this audience sent forth to- night. Such major studio heads as Louis B. Mayer, Pandro Berman, Samuel Goldwyn, Mervyn Leroy, Jack Warner and others hailed “Young Mr. Lincoln” as a triumphant 50,000 Turn Out at Springfield, III., For World Premiere This picture will give the reader a good idea of the enormous and record-breaking crowds that choked the main streets of Spring- field on Memorial Day. Police officials estimated a turnout of 50,000. In past years, Springfieldians deserted their city on Memo- rial Day. But not this year. In fact, thousands of others came by automobiles, busses, trains and on foot to attend the festivities that made the world premiere of “Young Mr. Lincoln” one of the greatest and most eventful days in the history of that city. Not since the signing of the Armistice had so many people paraded through Springfield’s downtown streets. But “Young Mr. Lin- coln” drew more than twice the number of people that celebrated the Armistice signing, according to veteran police officials who were on duty on that memorable day. And beside, the thousands that poured into Springfield Tuesday came from four states. Tour- ists camps were crowded to capacity. Private homes, at the re- quest of police, took overnight boarders, for the two big hotels, the Leland and Abraham Lincoln, were crowded to capacity. Note the orderly manner in which the thousands that packed the above street permitted the motorcade to pass. For miles the scene was the same as above. State troopers and deputy sheriffs aided the efficient Springfield police in handling the unprecedented crowds in town. Railroads ran special trains to Springfield and the de- mand for transportation was so great that these excursion trains moved in two and three sections, according to the lines’ officials. Springfield Chamber of Commerce, on Thursday, informed the two newspapers, that “Young Mr. Lincoln” brought so many people to town that record business for a day was the result. Remarkable feature was that the above crowds were presented from 11:50 in the morning, when the stars arrived, until around 11:30 in the evening when the world premiere showing of the picture was com- pleted at the Lincoln theatre. It was a Memorial Day that Spring- field will never forget, according to none other than Mayor John W. Kapp. as human drama that will not only bring the industry added glory, but that will prove a smash hit at the box offices of the world. Local trade papers—Daily Variety and Hollywood Re- porter—hail it a sure-fire drama whose greatest ap- peal is not only the never- to-be-forgotten portrayal of young Lincoln by Henry Fonda, but the fact that it mingles laughs with pathos, romance with drama, ex- citement with suspense. Charles Skouras and other leading and representative ex- hibitors raved as they have rarely been known to enthuse over any motion picture. But, most significant was the en- thusiastic reaction and applause of everyday theatregoers. Sel- dom has a motion picture brought the unanimity in opin- ion that “Young Mr. Lincoln” has earned as to its greatest and ability to entertain all types of spectators. The tributes came from people representative of all walks of life. And the press-preview was in accordance with the greatness and importance of “Young Mr. Lincoln.” Thunderous applause punctu- ated the completion of the showing. Fresh from her appearance at the world premiere in Spring- field, 111., came Marian Ander- son, famous Negro contralto, to repeat the repertoire of songs she sang in the former city. It took the combined efforts and co-operation of police from Los Angeles, Beverly Hills and the studio to handle the crowd that turned out for the pre- view. Originally it was planned to hold the press preview at the Cathay Circle, but the demand for tickets from studios and public, which paid $5 per ticket, made it necessary to seek a larger theatre. Hence, the Wil- shire theatre, with its seating capacity of 2,400, was selected for the occasion. Even so, the house had been sold days before the preview, with scalpers offer- ing as high as $50 per ticket to take care of last-minute cus- tomers. Police estimated that 10,000 people turned out to see the no- tables arrive and leave the pre- view. The crowds poured into the Wilshire district hours be- (Continued on page 8)