Today in Wheeling History: June 17--The world premiere of the movie "Fools' Parade," attended by its stars Jimmy Stewart, George Kennedy, and Kurt Russell, along with an estimated 12,000 people and then-Governor Arch Moore, was held at the Court Theatre in Wheeling, featuring an elaborate parade through the city (1971).
The 1971 movie "Fools' Parade," based on the novel by Moundsville native Davis Grubb, was filmed entirely in Marshall County, West Virginia, particularly in Moundsville. The film starred Hollywood legends such as Jimmy Stewart as Mattie Appleyard, George Kennedy as "Doc" Council, and a young Kurt Russell as Johnny Jesus, alongside other notable actors like Strother Martin, Anne Baxter, and William Windom. The movie premiered in Wheeling on June 17, 1971, at the Court Theatre, with a large-scale release following on August 18, 1971. The premiere was a grand affair, with an estimated 12,000 people attending, including the stars and then-Governor Arch Moore, and featured an elaborate parade through the city.
Set in 1935, the movie tells the story of three convicts - Mattie Appleyard, Lee Cottrill (played by Strother Martin), and Johnny Jesus - who are released from the West Virginia State Penitentiary after forty years. They plan to open a legitimate retail grocery store using the $25,452.32 they earned while incarcerated. However, a corrupt prison guard named "Doc" Council, in cahoots with the town banker, Homer Grindstaff, schemes to defraud them of their hard-earned money. The trio must navigate various challenges and confront their pursuers to secure their future.
During filming, the stars mingled with locals, and many residents have fond memories of watching the production and interacting with the actors. Moundsville resident Jim Cochran, an extra in the film, recalled having dinner with Jimmy Stewart, while others remembered receiving autographs from George Kennedy and Strother Martin. One particularly memorable scene involved the explosion of a houseboat on the Ohio River, which drew a large crowd of onlookers.
Despite mixed reviews, with some critics praising Stewart's performance while others found the comedic elements at odds with the more serious themes, the film remains a memorable event in the history of the Ohio Valley. "Fools' Parade" showcased the region to the world and brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to the area, leaving a lasting impact on the local community.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/0fkYl) (https://shorturl.at/aD6x9) (https://shorturl.at/EM8aM) (https://shorturl.at/Genic) (https://shorturl.at/ym0Ff)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
The 1971 movie "Fools' Parade," based on the novel by Moundsville native Davis Grubb, was filmed entirely in Marshall County, West Virginia, particularly in Moundsville. The film starred Hollywood legends such as Jimmy Stewart as Mattie Appleyard, George Kennedy as "Doc" Council, and a young Kurt Russell as Johnny Jesus, alongside other notable actors like Strother Martin, Anne Baxter, and William Windom. The movie premiered in Wheeling on June 17, 1971, at the Court Theatre, with a large-scale release following on August 18, 1971. The premiere was a grand affair, with an estimated 12,000 people attending, including the stars and then-Governor Arch Moore, and featured an elaborate parade through the city.
Set in 1935, the movie tells the story of three convicts - Mattie Appleyard, Lee Cottrill (played by Strother Martin), and Johnny Jesus - who are released from the West Virginia State Penitentiary after forty years. They plan to open a legitimate retail grocery store using the $25,452.32 they earned while incarcerated. However, a corrupt prison guard named "Doc" Council, in cahoots with the town banker, Homer Grindstaff, schemes to defraud them of their hard-earned money. The trio must navigate various challenges and confront their pursuers to secure their future.
During filming, the stars mingled with locals, and many residents have fond memories of watching the production and interacting with the actors. Moundsville resident Jim Cochran, an extra in the film, recalled having dinner with Jimmy Stewart, while others remembered receiving autographs from George Kennedy and Strother Martin. One particularly memorable scene involved the explosion of a houseboat on the Ohio River, which drew a large crowd of onlookers.
Despite mixed reviews, with some critics praising Stewart's performance while others found the comedic elements at odds with the more serious themes, the film remains a memorable event in the history of the Ohio Valley. "Fools' Parade" showcased the region to the world and brought a touch of Hollywood glamour to the area, leaving a lasting impact on the local community.
To learn more: (https://shorturl.at/0fkYl) (https://shorturl.at/aD6x9) (https://shorturl.at/EM8aM) (https://shorturl.at/Genic) (https://shorturl.at/ym0Ff)
Photo credits: Ohio County Public Library Archives, Wheeling WV
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