Indians to Color Benefit Premiere
Salt Lake Tribune, 10 April 1963, page 11
Chanting Indians, a beef barbecue and wrangler music will spark the public premiere of "How the West Was Won," Thursday evening at the Villa Theatre.
To Sing, Dance
In addition to klieg lights and other premiere trappings, a group of Indians from the Uintah-Ouray reservation will present ceremonial songs and dances in full custume and first nighters will be able to sample a slice of whole barbecued beef, according to Nina Cutrubus, Cinerama representative, and Sid Page, Villa Theatre manager.
Jay Gardner and his Wranglers, will give the film a sendoff with a musical program tailored to the occasion.
Barbecue Area
The barbecue will be set up in the parking area north of the theatre between 5 and 8:30 p.m., weather permitting, Mr. Page said. The pre-film program will start on the theatre stage at 8 p.m. with the Wranglers playing the opening theme from "How the West Was Won," followed by other melodies from the show - "The Meadow," "Leaving on the Wagon Train," "Sweet Betsy" and "Shoot the Buffalo."
After short introductions and recognition of the premiere purpose, to benefit crippled children and adults, the Indian band will stage ceremonial dances.
'Raise A Ruckus'
The Wranglers will then play "Tumbling Tumble Weeds" and "Raise A Ruckus" before the curtains part at 8:30 p.m. and the rousing strains of the main theme from "How the West Was Won" starts the show.
The premiere is co-sponsored by the Governor's Committee for Employment of the Physically Handicapped and the Utah Society for Crippled Children and Adults.
Tickets Available
Some tickets were still available Tuesday, according to the Easter Seal Society, and may be obtained by contacting the Society at 560 S. West Temple, telephone EL 9-3733.
"How the West Was Won," released in Europe several months ago to wide acclaim, tells the story of America's western migration. With a huge cast, headed by 24 major stars, the Cinerama movie was filmed on location in Southern Utah as well as other areas of the West.