Peoples Bank Theatre enjoys full house for ‘Battle Hymn’ screening
Antique cars parked in front of the Peoples Bank Theatre as part of the event for the “Battle Hymn” film screening Sunday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Nearly 500 in attendance at the Peoples Bank Theatre to watch “Battle Hymn” on Sunday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Newspaper pages on display at the Peoples Bank Theatre from The Marietta Daily Times in 1957 highlighting the historic “Battle Hymn” film screening and movie star Rock Hudson in Marietta. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
A movie posted from 1957 with Dean Hess’ signature at the Peoples Bank Theatre. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Antique cars parked in front of the Peoples Bank Theatre as part of the event for the “Battle Hymn” film screening Sunday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Nearly 500 in attendance at the Peoples Bank Theatre to watch “Battle Hymn” on Sunday. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
Newspaper pages on display at the Peoples Bank Theatre from The Marietta Daily Times in 1957 highlighting the historic “Battle Hymn” film screening and movie star Rock Hudson in Marietta. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
A movie posted from 1957 with Dean Hess’ signature at the Peoples Bank Theatre. (Photo by Amber Phipps)
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MARIETTA - In 1957, the film "Battle Hymn" premiered at Peoples Bank Theatre with over 25,000 people flooding Putnam Street to witness movie star Rock Hudson tour through Marietta. Nearly 70 years later, the film returned to the screen for a historic event Sunday.
Antique cars from the '50s lined Putnam along with food and refreshment trucks for guests to enjoy before the film.
According to Peoples Bank Theatre Executive Director Wendy Brewer, admission was free and there were about 500 attendees.
"We wanted to recreate the world premiere of 'Battle Hymn'," said Brewer. "There were bands, dinners, and galas-it was one of Marietta's biggest events in history."
As part of the statewide initiative, Ohio Goes to the Movies, the event encouraged the public to watch movies and celebrate the nation's rich history through filmmaking.
"Marietta has a really deep and rich history and there are a lot of people here that really value that history and like to celebrate the history," she said.
After attendees enjoyed food and refreshments, they found their seats and prepared for the show to commence at 2 p.m. Prior to the film, there was a brief clip from Gov. Mike DeWine as well as an interview from one of Dean Hess' sons, Larry.
Hess, a native of Marietta, wrote "Battle Hymn" after his time as a World War II fighter pilot. The proceeds from the book and the movie would later go towards funds for an orphanage near Seoul, Korea.
Theatre manager Chuck Swaney said he was able to get in touch with Larry who said he was happy to do an interview. Larry was the oldest of three boys.
Swaney said Larry couldn't make it to the event but Ron and Ed Hess were able to attend to watch the film written by their father.
Marketing Director Jordan Melott said there were a handful of people in attendance who had been there for the premiere in 1957.
To set the scene for the event, Peoples Bank invited the Pioneer Antique Auto Club to display cars that would've been around on the day of the premiere.
Antique club member Dana Fouss said the club was here to support and celebrate the historic event.
"These are the cars people would've seen in 1957," he said. "I've seen bits and pieces of the movie ... it's a great story and I'm excited to watch."
Fouss said the weather was perfect to display the nearly 20 cars lined along Putnam Street's sidewalks.
Fouss said the club obtains the cars through attending different car shows and auctions. There were antique Cadillacs, Fords, and Jaguars buffed to pristine perfection outside of the theatre to welcome guests for the event.
Fouss said it takes a lot of work to restore antique cars and get them ready for different shows and events.
"I've just always liked restoring things, and that's what it's all about," said Fouss.
As attendees entered the ticket booth for their admission, they could browse through The Marietta Daily Times newspaper clippings from the day of the event in 1957.
There was a film poster with Dean Hess' signature along the bottom.
"This is just one of many events that happen in Marietta to celebrate our rich history," said Brewer.
Ohio Goes to the Movies is part of the nation's America 250 celebrations with movie events in the state scheduled from February to October.
Visit for more information about the initiative.
Amber Phipps can be reached at aphipps@newsandsentinel.com