Three Power-Driven Days For Springfield

A Star Says Thanks For The Bookings

Here is evidence of how closely aligned Classic Era stars were with their heartland audience. Tyrone Power was approaching a career high in 1938. He'd be named "King of Movies" by exhibitor polling the next year, and here was three day run of oldies featuring the 20th Fox headliner. What impresses most is Power wiring the Landers Theatre in Springfield, Missouri to convey thanks for the half week's fest. I'm guessing this stunt was cooked up by Landers management in concert with Fox's nearby exchange, word sent to Hollywood or N.Y. for telegraphic follow-up. The Landers was, or would be, operated by the Fox Midwest Amusement, Corp., so a close relationship was already in place. Note receipt by Ethel Moran of two passes "With Mr. Power's Complements." Did the star actually participate in any of this, or even apprised of the stunt? It wasn't unusual to see actor names signed to letters in trade magazines. Some of them kept keen eye on selling outcome of film work, a wise policy to sustain long term careers. The Landers had quite a history. It was built in 1890 for vaude and live drama. Numerous hauntings have been reported over a hundred plus years the place has thrived (Springfield Little Theatre its current name). A janitor consumed by fire in 1920 is said to walk corridors, and there are frequent cries from a baby that fell from the balcony generations ago, these in addition to myriad green orbs and black voids sighted. No doubt a fun place even without Cafe Metropole, Thin Ice, or Love Is News on deck.