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Picture Stars Arrive for World Premiere

Excerpts from The Arizona Republic

Sunday, December 3, 1939 Local Movie Featured By All Outdoor Scenes Phoenix' own motion picture "The Gentleman from Arizona", will have its world premiere in the Orpheum Theater. In addition to other distinctions, it has that of being the only full length screen feature of recent years without a single interior scene or "shot." The novel achievement of writing, directing and producing this picture wholly in the outdoors, was the task of Earl Haley, native Arizonan, under whose direct supervision every detail of the production was handled. He has achieved his results in such a subtle fashion that the absence of interior setting is never realized until it is brought to the attention of the reviewer. The achievement Haley ascribes in part to the beauty of Phoenix and its environs, pointing out that there is such a panorama of background here that one need have no thought of interiors in making a picture of outdoor there. Haley filmed the picture entirely in natural color, incorporating as background the Arizona Biltmore Hotel and its adjacent grounds and areas, valley highways, ranch property and the state fairgrounds where he completed the thrilling race sequence of the picture.

December 7, 1939

Stars Fly Here Today for World Premiere

Immediately on their arrival by TWA plane, the Hollywood visitors will begin a busy program which will include a sightseeing tour of the valley, an informal luncheon at Camelback Inn, and a banquet in Hotel Westward Ho Fiesta Room, sponsored by the Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, prior to their parade to the Orpheum where they will make stage appearances.

The parade will start at 7:30 o'clock this evening from Hotel Westward Ho, proceeding south on Central avenue to Adams street, thence west on Adams to the Orpheum, where it will disband as the stars enter the theater for their stage appearance.

"The Gentleman from Arizona" is the initial picture of Golden West Pictures, Inc., of which Charles Goetz, widely known local businessman, is president. Written and produced by Earl Haley, himself a native Arizonian, the picture has been highly acclaimed, not only for its undisputed entertainment, but because of its unusual value in acquainting America with this section of ARizona as a vacation and resort land.

Featured players in Phoenix' own motion picture, "The Gentleman from Arizona," which was presented in its world premier at the Orpheum Theater, were greeted at Phoenix Sky Harbor upon their arrival from Hollywood for the event. Above are seen Joan Barclay and John King facing the microphone, which is held by Arthur C. Anderson, of radio station KTAR. At the extreme right is Marcia Mae Jones. Right center, behind King, is Roy R. Hislop, city manager, one of the greeters.