Issue of "The Missourian" Newsletter

VOLUME 2 MARCH 3. 1945 NUMBER 6 NAVY'S MOVIE CHAIN COVERS WORLD When the bugler sounds movie call over the Missouri's loud speaker and bluejackets gather to see Lana Turner, Ginger Rogers or Bette Davis in some new or slightly aged Hollywood production they are witnessing the operation of the world's most far-flung picture chain. Every hour of the day, from San Diego to the China Sea and from Casco Bay to the Adriatic, a Navy audi- ence somewhere is witnessing a movie. The Missouri rates tops in the Navy theater chain, like Radio City Music Hall stateside, and gets the latest allotment of sea films, four at a time, and the latest "overnight" films, recent issues available for 24 hours only when at anchor. Especially in the Pacific War the Navy has learned there is nothing that lifts sailors' spirits like a movie. Aboard the Mo the Captain himself is the No. 1 fan, and at his personal direction Lt. (jg) R. C. Springer, USN, in charge of movies, doesn't spare the horses in getting the best cinema fare. Dramatic movies are most popular aboard the Mo, according to Mr. Springer. An occasional horse opry, The Mo takes 'em over the bow. A striking musical or comedy, even a "Who Dun It" once in a recent photo of the Missouri in heavy Pacific awhile, goes over well, but the most successful have weather. By Photographer Striker Ferrigno. been "Going My Way," "Laura," "Dragon Seed" and "The Seventh Cross." Preferences in male stars run somewhat toward YANK TEAM COVERS MO OPERATIONS hairy chests. Humphrey Bogart, Spencer Tracy, Forthcoming numbers of YANK Magazine will William Bendix and Gary Cooper are tops, with Bing probably be of special interest to Missouri sailors, since Crosby, Jack Oakie and Cary Grant well up. Judy Gar- a correspondent-photographer team from the service land, Deanna Durbin and Bette Davis rate well among publication has been riding the Mo. The pair are the Hollywood gals, but for S.A., Alice Faye and Lana Justin Gray, just back from Italy after nearly three Turner are the ones to set the audience whistling. years abroad, and Dillard Ferris. Both are Army pri- Folks at home wouldn't think much of able-bodied vates on detached duty. men going to the movies at 9 a.m. When you tell 'em Gray has submitted several stories on battleship that's the best time to have movies in enemy waters life and Ferris has turned in a fine collection of photos, they won't be critical. They probably know that movies including one slated for a Yank cover. rank next to mail in morale building, and that the first Also aboard the Mo recently were Correspondents thing we do in contacting another ship out here is ask Vern Haughland of the Associated Press and Ed Thomas whether they have any good movies to exchange for of the United Press, and the Mutual Broadcasting our sea films. correspondent-engineer team of Leslie Nichols and Even the worst movie has a good audience out Ed Franke. (Continued on Page Two)