Today in Wheeling History: August 16—The film "Roseanna McCoy," dramatizing the Hatfield-McCoy feud, holds its world premiere at the Capitol Theatre in Wheeling (1949).
On August 16, 1949, Wheeling's Capitol Theatre hosted the world premiere of "Roseanna McCoy," a Samuel Goldwyn production starring Farley Granger and Joan Evans. The film, directed by Irving Reis with uncredited assistance from Nicholas Ray, was based on Alberta Pierson Hannum's 1947 novel of the same title. Hannum, who lived in nearby Moundsville, West Virginia, had written a romanticized account of the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud that captured national attention.
The premiere was a star-studded affair that brought together Hollywood glamour and West Virginia pride. Farley Granger, the film's male lead, attended alongside local dignitaries including members of Wheeling's city council, Mayor Carl G. Bachmann, and city officials. The event featured live entertainment on stage by square dancers from the Oglebay Institute, emphasizing the film's Appalachian theme. Part of the proceeds supported the free milk program at local playgrounds sponsored by the Wheeling Intelligencer and News Register.
The Capitol Theatre, which had been home to WWVA's Jamboree USA country music show since 1933, provided the perfect venue for this regional premiere. WWVA radio personalities were present, including announcer Jim Whitaker who conducted interviews at the event. Author Alberta Hannum was escorted by Austin V. Wood, executive vice president of the News Publishing company, highlighting the local literary connection to this Hollywood production.
To learn more: Wikipedia: Roseanna McCoy (film) (https://tinyurl.com/3esx78x9), Turner Classic Movies: Roseanna McCoy (https://tinyurl.com/3ktcw8nt), TIME Magazine review, August 1949 (https://tinyurl.com/2p9mrabv), Wheeling Intelligencer - Colorful Crowd on Hand to Attend World Premier of 'Roseanna Mcoy' Here Yesterday (https://tinyurl.com/5c4h9d85), New York Times: At the Capitol (https://tinyurl.com/yc8996fu)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer, Wikimedia Commons, Turner Classic Movies, Goodreads
On August 16, 1949, Wheeling's Capitol Theatre hosted the world premiere of "Roseanna McCoy," a Samuel Goldwyn production starring Farley Granger and Joan Evans. The film, directed by Irving Reis with uncredited assistance from Nicholas Ray, was based on Alberta Pierson Hannum's 1947 novel of the same title. Hannum, who lived in nearby Moundsville, West Virginia, had written a romanticized account of the famous Hatfield-McCoy feud that captured national attention.
The premiere was a star-studded affair that brought together Hollywood glamour and West Virginia pride. Farley Granger, the film's male lead, attended alongside local dignitaries including members of Wheeling's city council, Mayor Carl G. Bachmann, and city officials. The event featured live entertainment on stage by square dancers from the Oglebay Institute, emphasizing the film's Appalachian theme. Part of the proceeds supported the free milk program at local playgrounds sponsored by the Wheeling Intelligencer and News Register.
The Capitol Theatre, which had been home to WWVA's Jamboree USA country music show since 1933, provided the perfect venue for this regional premiere. WWVA radio personalities were present, including announcer Jim Whitaker who conducted interviews at the event. Author Alberta Hannum was escorted by Austin V. Wood, executive vice president of the News Publishing company, highlighting the local literary connection to this Hollywood production.
To learn more: Wikipedia: Roseanna McCoy (film) (https://tinyurl.com/3esx78x9), Turner Classic Movies: Roseanna McCoy (https://tinyurl.com/3ktcw8nt), TIME Magazine review, August 1949 (https://tinyurl.com/2p9mrabv), Wheeling Intelligencer - Colorful Crowd on Hand to Attend World Premier of 'Roseanna Mcoy' Here Yesterday (https://tinyurl.com/5c4h9d85), New York Times: At the Capitol (https://tinyurl.com/yc8996fu)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library, Wheeling WV; Wheeling Intelligencer, Wikimedia Commons, Turner Classic Movies, Goodreads
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