The cast of "No! No! A Thousand Times No!" posed for a variety of photographs on March 10, 1969. They were preparing for the opening of the two-act musical melodrama on March 19th. One actor, straddling a wooden chair above, gapes in astonishment at the exhortations of an aproned actress. All performances would be held at Steve's Gay '90s, 5238-40 South Tacoma Way, and include twelve big musical numbers. Members of the audience were invited to a community singalong prior to the 8:00 p.m. opening curtain. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-16-69, D-17)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma);

In case Jack Richardson's handlebar mustache, sinister black cape and dented black derby didn't give away the right clues, Rory Ogburn, a member of the Opera House Players, gently reminds the audience that they should reward the "villain" with appropriate greetings. Mr. Richardson portrayed the city slicker, Stafford Blackman, in the 1890's musical melodrama, "No! No! A Thousand Times No!," at Steve's Gay '90s during the spring of 1969. He had also appeared in another villainous role in a previous Opera House Players production of "The Drunkard" in 1967. Mr. Richardson was known as the "King of MCs" in his regular entertainment role at Steve's. Photograph ordered by Steve's Gay '90s. (TNT 3-16-69, D-17)

Theatrical productions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Melodramas; Richardson, Jack; Actors--Tacoma--1960-1970; Actresses; Ogburn, Rory; Steve's Gay '90s (Tacoma); Signs (Notices);

Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. The theater, with one of the nation's last mammoth screens, has since been demolished. Mr. Forsythe had made a special appearance at the Tukwila theater to promote his new film, "Topaz." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre April 1, 1970. His name was prominently displayed on the theater's marquee as the star of the Alfred Hitchcock film, "Topaz." Motion picture stars at that time still made personal appearances, when requested, at theater openings. Tippi Hedren and Troy Donahue were among many stars who were invited to the grand opening of the Tacoma Mall Theater in 1968. ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila); Motion picture theaters--Tukwila;

Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. His film, "Topaz," was the first film shown at the theater. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and also starred Philippe Noiret and Michel Piccoli. Based on the complex Leon Uris spy novel, Mr. Forsythe played a CIA agent who uncovers Soviet plans to place missiles in Cuba. Mr. Forsythe was perhaps better known in later years as a television star, appearing in "Bachelor Father," the unseen Charlie in "Charlie's Angels," and as oil tycoon Blake Carrington in "Dynasty." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe escorts a young woman during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. The young lady and the young man accompanying her are dressed in prom fashion; she has a large corsage, elbow-length gloves and evening gown. Mr. Forsythe was in town to greet his fans at the showing of "Topaz," where he appeared as a CIA agent. TPL-6527 ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila); Clothing & dress--Tukwila--1970-1980;

Actor John Forsythe on stage during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Hands in pocket, Mr. Forsythe addresses the crowd attending "Topaz," an Alfred Hitchcock-directed spy film which also starred Philippe Noiret and Michel Piccoli. He eventually became best known for his work in television on "Bachelor Father" and the unseen, uncredited Charlie on "Charlie's Angels." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe signs an autograph during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Moviegoers are dressed in their best for the theater premiere. Mr. Forsythe's film, "Topaz," was the first film shown at the new theater located in Tukwila. ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe shakes hands with a young woman during grand opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Mr. Forsythe was present to greet his fans and address the audience from the stage. His film, "Topaz," was the first film shown at the new theater. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and based on the Leon Uris spy novel. ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila); Shaking hands--Tukwila;

Actor John Forsythe in conversation with an unidentified man during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Mr. Forsythe's film, "Topaz," was being shown that evening and he was present to greet his fans. Mr. Forsythe has had a long career on Broadway, in motion pictures and on television. He has starred in television's "Bachelor Father," "World of Survival," and "Dynasty." ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor John Forsythe with two men during opening night at the Southcenter Theatre, April 1, 1970. Mr. Forysthe, on the far right, grasps the arm of an unidentified man as he stolls down the aisle of the new Southcenter Theatre. His film, "Topaz," would be the first movie shown in the new theater. It was directed by Alfred Hitchcock and was one of his two "cold-war" themed motion pictures. ALBUM 7.

Forsythe, John; Actors; Motion picture theaters--Tukwila; Southcenter Theatre (Tukwila);

Actor Dale Robertson belted out a song with backing from the Doodletown Pipers during a September 24, 1970, afternoon Grandstand Show at the Western Washington Fair. The group performed six shows in three days from September 22 through the 24th. Mr. Robertson, best known for his television and motion picture acting roles as a cowboy, was also a country western singer. He was booked as a last minute replacement for singer Patti Page, of "Tennessee Waltz" fame, who cancelled because of illness. ALBUM 7.

Actors; Robertson, Dale, 1923- ; Singers; Doodletown Pipers; Singing; Fairs--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Concerts; Celebrities;

Dale Robertson, actor and singer, poses with two unidentified men at the Western Washington Fair on September 24, 1970. Mr. Robertson filled in admirably for Patti Page, who cancelled her appearance at the last minute due to illness. Mr. Robertson first made his mark in movies due to his reportedly physical and vocal resemblance to Clark Gable. He was cast mostly in Westerns; the trend also followed through in television as he appeared in "The Iron Horse," narrated "Death Valley Days," and later appeared in contemporary mode in "Dallas" and "Dynasty." ALBUM 7.

Actors; Robertson, Dale, 1923- ; Fairs--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup);

Actor Dale Robertson performs with the Doodletown Pipers at the Grandstand show of the Western Washington Fair in Puyallup, September 24, 1970. He holds a microphone in one hand and a pistol in the other. Mr. Robertson performed two shows a day for three days at the Fair, concluding the evening of the 24th. He stepped in as a replacement for singer Patti Page who cancelled because of illness. Better known as a motion picture and television actor, Mr. Robertson also sang country-western. He had hosted television's "Hollywood Palace" variety show three times before his appearance at the Fair and performed "I've Been Working on the Railroad" and "Turkey in the Straw." ALBUM 7.

Actors; Robertson, Dale, 1923- ; Singers; Doodletown Pipers; Singing; Fairs--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Concerts; Celebrities;

Actor Dale Robertson performs with the Doodletown Pipers at the Grandstand Show of the Western Washington Fair in Puyallup, September 24, 1970. Mr. Robertson was a well-known motion picture and television actor who had just concluded his narrative role in "Death Valley Days." He also possessed a fine singing voice which he had previously exhibited in hosting episodes of "Hollywood Palace," a hourlong variety program. He was accompanied in his three-day appearance by the Doodletown Pipers, a popular recording group which had already had six television specials. ALBUM 7.

Actors; Robertson, Dale, 1923- ; Singers; Doodletown Pipers; Singing; Fairs--Puyallup; Western Washington Fair (Puyallup); Concerts; Celebrities;

Comedian and actor Jack Benny shakes hand with an unidentified man at Tacoma's Union Station on April 18, 1944. Benny's wife, Mary Livingston, former Seattle showgirl, is to the right. Mr. Benny and his troupe were on their way to British Columbia to open a War Bond show and had stopped at Union Station for a mere two minutes. Mr. Benny was surprised to see reporters, fans, and photographers since it was supposed to be a "secret" stop but he and his wife gamely stood on the platform in the chilly weather and greeted the crowd. (T.Times, 4-19-44, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Benny, Jack, 1894-1974; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Comedians; Livingston, Mary; Shaking hands--Tacoma;

Comedian, radio star and actor Jack Benny signed an autograph for Eunice Sumblin (far right) at Tacoma's Union Station on April 18, 1944. Mr. Benny's wife, Mary Livingston, a former Seattle showgirl, stands next to him; Donna Mae Murphy is to the left. The Bennys, accompanied by comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson and bandleader Phil Harris, were on their way via train to British Columbia to open a War Bond show. Word had leaked out that their train would be passing through Tacoma. Although they paused in Tacoma for a mere two minutes, they were caught by both Miss Sumblin and the local press. (T.Times, 4-19-44, p. 1) ALBUM 7. TPL-143.

Benny, Jack, 1894-1974; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Comedians; Livingston, Mary; Autographing--Tacoma; Murphy, Donna Mae; Sumblin, Eunice;

Comedian and actor Jack Benny shakes hands with fan Donna Mae Murphy at Tacoma's Union Station on April 18, 1944. Benny's wife, Mary Livingston, former Seattle showgirl, is to his left, Eunice Sumblin is at front right. Even though Mr. Benny's train only stopped for two minutes in Tacoma and was not publicized, his fans, reporters and photographers somehow managed to arrive at the scene in time for greetings. The Benny troupe was on its way to British Columbia to open a War Bond show. Also aboard and playing pinochle when the train pulled into the depot were bandleader Phil Harris and comedian Eddie "Rochester" Anderson. (T.Times 4-19-44, p. 1) ALBUM 7.

Benny, Jack, 1894-1974; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Comedians; Livingston, Mary; Shaking hands--Tacoma; Murphy, Donna Mae; Sumblin, Eunice;

In April of 1944 Lenny Hagen and his Orchestra could be heard playing at the Fellowship Ballroom in the Temple Theatre at 49 Saint Helens Avenue. A life member of the Musicians Association of Tacoma, Local 117, Lenny Hagen (second from right, playing the violin) was one of the best known orchestra leaders in the Puget Sound region. He received his early training on the violin in Tacoma before going east to study at the Boston Conservatory of Music. In the 1920s he conducted orchestral groups that accompanied silent movies in Tacoma, Seattle and Portland. For a period he was concertmaster for the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and he was also the leader of the orchestra at the Tacoma Hotel. TPL-9896

Orchestras--Tacoma; Musicians--Tacoma; Hagen, Lenny;

Motion picture actress Janis Paige, left of center, signs autographs for awe-struck children at KMO Studios. Miss Paige appeared at the radio station while visiting her home town. After graduating from Stadium High School, Donna Mae Jaden left Tacoma for Hollywood where she became a popular and successful "movie star" as Janis Paige. She had begun a singing career at age 5 in local amateur shows. It was only natural that she became a vocalist with the Hollywood Canteen, a studio-sponsored club for servicemen. Coincidentally, her first feature film upon being signed by Warner Brothers was entitled "Hollywood Canteen." (1944). She also appeared on Broadway with her most successful hit, the Tony award winner, The Pajama Game. From the 1950's onward, Miss Paige appeared on many television programs, including It's Always Jan and more recently, Eight is Enough and All in the Family. ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Paige, Janis; Jaden, Donna Mae; Autographing--Tacoma; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Celebrity touring--Tacoma--1940-1950

Actress Arlene Dahl and announcer Arnold Benum at KMO Studios. Prior to her reporting to Hollywood, Miss Dahl spent several days visiting her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Dahl, of Tacoma. Dressed in street attire, Miss Dahl holds a packet of handwritten notes in her gloved hand. Known for her redheaded glamour, Miss Dahl modeled for several department stores after high school before being named New York's "Miss Rheingold" in 1946. She appeared in many magazine and newspaper advertisements. As an actress, she was perhaps best known for her performances in "Slightly Scarlet" (1956) and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1959). The actor Lorenzo Lamas is her son through her marriage to Fernando Lamas. TPL-7148 (T.Times 4-24-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Celebrity touring--Tacoma--1940-1950;

In April of 1946, while visiting her parents, Arlene Dahl stopped by the KMO Studios in the Keyes Building on Broadway. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. R.S. Dahl lived at 4815 No. 10th St. and had been residents of Tacoma for approximately two years. There are many Dahl cousins in Tacoma, Parkland and Seattle. The redheaded MGM actress was born in Minnesota. Her first film was entitled "The Bride Goes Wild". Known for her glamour roles, she appeared in several swashbucklers: "Caribbean", "Sangaree" and "Bengal Brigade". Her best known performances were in "Three Little Words" (1950), "Slightly Scarlet" (1956), and "Journey to the Center of the Earth" (1959). Divorced five times, her husbands included the actors Fernando Lamas and Lex Barker. TPL-7149 (T.Times, 4-24-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Actress/model Arlene Dahl and KMO announcer Arnold Benum exchange big smiles at KMO's Keyes Building studio at South 9th and Broadway in April of 1946. A seated group of young children and adults are waiting for the upcoming live broadcast. Although born and primarily raised in Minnesota, Miss Dahl had many relatives in Tacoma, Parkland and Seattle. Her parents moved to Tacoma about 1944 where her father was employed at Todd Shipyards. She lived for a short time in Tacoma with them at their 4815 North 10th residence before leaving for Hollywood as a result of signing a seven year contract with Warner Brothers. Miss Dahl was to go on to star in many Hollywood films, including "Three Little Words," "Slightly Scarlet" and "Journey to the Center of the Earth." Later her Arlene Dahl Enterprises company marketed lingerie and cosmetics. Her son, Lorenzo Lamas, is also an actor. TPL-7150 (T.Times, 4-24-46, p. 1-article) ALBUM 5.

Actresses; Dahl, Arlene; KMO Radio Station (Tacoma)--1940-1950; Radio broadcasting--Tacoma--1940-1950; Benum, Arnold; Celebrity touring--Tacoma--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the Fortune Teller.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Students--Tacoma--1940-1950; Costumes; Benches--Tacoma; Universities & colleges--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the character, Maggie Anthrobus with pet dinosaur and woolly mammoth.

Actresses; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; Masks--Tacoma; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the characters, Maggie and George Anthrobus.

Actors--Tacoma; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

College of Puget Sound's Campus Playcrafters performed Thorton Wilder's "Skin of Our Teeth" as their spring production. The play depicts man's survival through the ice age, deluge and war. The play starred: Irene Fearn, Troy Strong, Helen Strong, Shirley Milstead and William O'Connell. View of the cast of characters with Atlantic City Boardwalk scenery.

Actors--Tacoma; Stage props; Theatrical productions--Tacoma; Costumes; College of Puget Sound (Tacoma)--1940-1950;

Bob Hope Show at Stadium Bowl. Mr. Hope is at the microphone. Back row, L to R: unidentified, Ronnie Severson, Laura Corbay, Virginia Doffy, Valmere Barman, Bea Allen, Mavis Murray, Ella and Eileen Nelson, others unidentified. The troupe put on a 2 1/2 hour show under thankfully dry skies on behalf of the Young Men's Business Club. The Y.M.B.C. was raising funds for a Greater Tacoma Jubilee to be held later in June. The 40 entertainers included Skinnay Ennis and his 16-piece orchestra. Many of the performers had gone with Mr. Hope when he entertained GIs during WWII. (TNT 5-28-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950;

Bob Hope Show benefiting the Young Men's Business Club at Stadium Bowl. Mr. Hope is at the microphone. Back row, left to right: unidentified, Ronnie Severson, Laura Corbay, Virginia Doffy, Valmere Barman, Bea Allen, Mavis Murray, Ella and Eileen Nelson, others unidentified. Mr. Hope and troupe join in a song and dance, just one of the many numbers performed during the 2 1/2 hour show. One of the favorites appeared to be Ronnie Severson, the "human dictaphone," who first became known for his echo act while stationed at Fort Lewis during part of the war. The 7,500 in attendance was lower than expected disappointing promoters who had hoped to have a larger crowd; profits would be used to help put on a Greater Tacoma Jubilee the latter part of June. Mr. Hope did not let the smaller crowd influence his troupe's performance; musical and comedy bits entertained the audience immensely. (TNT 5-28-46, p. 1, TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5.

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950;

On Friday June 7, 1946 an estimated crowd of 7,500 in the Stadium Bowl cheered and "chortled" as Bob Hope mugged, pranced and wisecracked his way through a special 2 1/2 hour performance sponsored by the Tacoma Young Men's Business Club. When two unidentified performers began playing harmonicas, Hope picked up a small stand and began playing along. Skinnay Ennis' 16-piece orchestra can be seen in the background. The show was brought to Tacoma to raise money for the Greater Tacoma Jubilee to be held later that month. The 40-member ensemble had flown into Boeing Field earlier that day from Spokane. (TNT 5-28-46, p. 1, TNT 6-7-46, p. 1, TNT 6-8-46, p. 1) ALBUM 5 TPL-1400

Hope, Bob; Actors--Tacoma--1940-1950; Entertainers--Tacoma--1940-1950; Mouth organs;