Story of GI Joe (United Artists) (1945)

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR Your mayor will want to give special attention to the film. Get him to issue a proclamation the week of your run—or a special statement to the citizens of your com¬ munity through the press calling on them to see the picture. A --^- NOTICE & A CAMPAIGN FOR HIT THE EDITORIAL PAGES Nothing surpasses this film in public interest. Get your local editor to give editorial attention to Ernie Pyle's "Story Of G. I. Joe" with particular stress on the "Tribute". Here is a sample editorial—perhaps you can plant this one —if not, get your editor to write ope. To Ernie Pyl Never before has there been a Holly¬ wood film so timely, so close to the hearts of the American people as Ernie cploitation Ernie Pyle’s “Story of G. I. Joe” This newspaper is proud to partici¬ pate in our town’s tribute to Ernie Pyle’s “Story of G. I. Joe.” While it is not our custom to discuss motion pictures on the editorial page, we feel it our civic duty to call to your attention the film which opened last night at the .Theatre. It is a picture which every person in our com¬ munity should see. It is a picture always to be remembered. It is a picture of our “G. I. Joes” as seen through the eyes of the beloved Ernie Pyle . . . a man America will never forget. For the beloved war correspondent was an integral part of our coun¬ try and the imprint of his writings will always be with us. It seems a little strange that up until now the foot-slogging infantryman has remained unsung. However, this motion picture more than compen¬ sates for this neglect. The late Lt. General McNair’s request that the ordinary “G. I.” be given his ‘just bit of glory’ is fully answered in this powerful tribute to the plain soldier without whom neither battles nor wars can be won. The picture has a ring of authenticity — and through Burgess Meredith’s portrayal of Ernie Pyle which is a masterpiece of characterization and make-up — we have the feeling that Ernie is still with us. Events and people, war and the peculiar humor of war are presented faithfully, stripped of the heroics and melodrama that usually plague such pictures. In our opinion, Ernie Pyle’s “Story of G. I. Joe” is easily head and shoulders above any other film thus far made in Hollywood, which presumes to tell a story of World War II with any degree of authority. We think, too, that a visit to the. Theatre during the run of this picture would be in a sense, an American pilgrimage. TIE-UP WITH LOCAL MERCHANTS Here is a picture that is a natural for a cooperative ad taken the day after your opening. The ad reproduced here is along the lines suggested for your purposes. Get the individual business man to sign his own name as well as his business name, for added importance. He won't refuse! M ** ************ ** ** * *************** ******* I A TRIBUTE ! I TO ERNIE PYLE'S "STORY OF G. I. JOE" | ^ ^ * : We, the undersigned, take this way to pub- * £ licly express our thanks to the . * l Theatre for granting the people of our * <- town a rare privilege—the opportunity to * l see the epic film of this war—Ernie Pyle's t “Story Of G. I. Joe." J AS AMERICANS we are proud that an -* l American motion picture has been pro- £ duced which captures all the power of the * American fighting man's war potential .... * AS CITIZENS OF THIS TOWN we are * <• possessed of a deep sense of gratification * X that other citizens of our town— soldier- * J citizens —have finally won their due in this * human film from a Hollywood studio. * l AS MOTHERS, FATHERS, brothers, sis- J * ters, and sweethearts, we are grateful that * * to our G.I. recognition has come in so bril- * liant a manner. * * And finally as men and women anxious to * X do all in our power to speed the day of X final victory — we thank producer Lester * #- Cowan for showing us in a way that is as £ full of laughter as of tears, THE PRICE * * OF VICTORY. $ J We urge everyone—every soul who reads * X this, not to miss this triumphant experience * —this story of our G.I.'s—taken from col- * £ umns and books of that greatest story-teller * X of this war—Ernie Pyle. * ERNIE PYLE’S “STORY OF G. I. JOE” * Starring Burgess Meredith * * Now Playing . Theatre * * Signed * y 1 ***************************************** # CAPTURE WINDOW SPACE Many of the scenes from the film (see Publicity Section) are perfect for use as the basis of eye-catching win¬ dow displays. Get your local department stores, mer¬ chants, etc., to display these scenes along with G. I. equipment, and souvenirs of batte. FIND YOUR TOWN S TYPICAL "G. L JOE” This search can be conducted through your local can¬ teen, veterans group, etc. Qualifications for the con¬ test should include length of overseas service, age, branch of service (preferably infantry) and length of time he has lived in town, etc. Give war bond, press interview and introduction on opening night to the "typical G. I." Page Tiuelve