The 2010 Republic Pictures 75th Anniversary Celebration
This website has been restored and archived as supplemental reading material for Jenna Stone's History of Film course. Ms. Stone has over 10 years experience in the commercial film & video industry as a director and producer. She managed her own agency promoting products and services for various clients and was responsible for the hugely successful campaign for Good Night Dog's innovative practical dog bed styles, the fashion oriented designer dog bed manufacturer and retailer. Her work has been featured in Scope, Millimeter, and Ad Week - she has an interview in the March 2014 issue of Paradox where she discusses the unusual development process of the dog bed promotions that lead to the viral success of the campaign. The complete reading list for her course is available from her university web page and from the Film Dept. This course is usually over-subscribed, so students are encouraged to enroll as early as possible.
This was the official website for the 2010 Republic Pictures 75th Anniversary Celebration.
Content is from the site's 2010 archived pages.
Republic Pictures 75th Anniversary Celebration
On September 25, 2010, the Cultural Affairs Committee of the Studio City Neighborhood Council and the Museum of the San Fernando Valley saluted the legendary Republic Pictures on its 75th Anniversary with a Free Celebration at the former Republic Studios lot, CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City, CA 91604. Republic Picture's stars Theodore Bikel, Adrian Booth, Michael Chapin, Ben Cooper, Robert Easton, Coleen Gray, Eilene Janssen, Anne Jeffreys, Dick Jones, Jane Kean, Joan Leslie, Marjorie Lord, Jimmy Lydon, Hugh O'Brian, Peggy Stewart, Jane Withers and others attended this very special event.
Festivities included screenings of Republic films, serials and trailers, live performances of swing and western music, entertainment by gun spinners, rope twirlers, trick horses, cowboy poets, and a diverse collection of memorabilia. In addition, a speakers forum with prominent industry experts and Republic celebrities discussed a range of topics from creating sci-fi special effects to tales of working at Republic Pictures. A special Republic Pictures stamp cancellation ceremony of the U.S. Postal Service's Cowboys of the Silver Screen postage stamps took place.
Founded in 1935 by Herbert J. Yates, Republic Pictures was an independent film production-distribution corporation with studio facilities. Republic exploded into national prominence with its focus in westerns, movie serials and B-films emphasizing mystery and action, the staples of Saturday afternoon matinees. The studio launched the careers of John Wayne, Gene Autry, Rex Allen, Roy Rogers, and rocketed serials like The Adventures of Captain Marvel and Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe into the public imagination. Notable Republic Pictures include Under Western Stars (1938), Flying Tigers (1942), Macbeth (1948), Sands of Iwo Jima (1949), The Red Pony (1949), The Quiet Man (1952) and Johnny Guitar (1954).
Thank you to everone who attended this memorable Celebration of 75 Years of Republic Pictures.
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED…AGAIN
REPUBLIC PICTURES’ EAGLE LOGO TO BE A NEW SIGN
DISPLAYED AT CBS STUDIO CENTER IN STUDIO CITY, CA
Republic Pictures Eagle Sign Unveiling Wednesday, August 18, 2010
at 10:00 A.M. at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA
LOS ANGELES, CA – Republic Pictures’ stars Eileen Janssen, Anne Jeffreys, Jane Kean, Joan Leslie, Donna Martel, Hugh O’Brian, Ann Rutherford, Peggy Stewart, and Jane Withers unveil the new Republic Pictures eagle sign Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 10 A.M. at CBS Studio Center (4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, CA 91604) by the Western Walk of Fame. This commemoration event is the kick-off to a month long Republic Pictures 75th Anniversary Celebration. The Republic Pictures eagle sign will later be displayed on the CBS building facing Carpenter Ave. and Ventura Blvd.
The Cultural Affairs Committee of the Studio City Neighborhood Council has partnered with the Museum of the San Fernando Valley (a 503 (c) 3) to present several local events that recognize Republic Pictures contribution to Studio City and the film industry.
On Wednesday, September 15, 2010 the Egyptian Theatre presents a double feature of Republic Pictures films with live “vaudeville” entertainment. 7:30 P.M. at 6712 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90028.
On Tuesday, September 21, 2010, the Studio City Branch Library welcomes acclaimed historian Marc Wanamaker as he speaks to guests on the history of Studio City and Republic Pictures. 7 P.M. at 12511 Moorpark St., Studio City, CA 91604. Free admission.
And, finally, on Saturday, September 25, 2010, free of charge to the public, a grand 75th Anniversary Celebration of Republic Pictures takes place from 11:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. at the former Republic Studios lot, CBS Studio Center, 4024 Radford Avenue, Studio City CA 91604. Over fifteen celebrities including Theodore Bikel, Adrian Booth, Diana Canova, Michael Chapin, Ben Cooper, Coleen Gray, Anne Jeffreys, Herb Jeffries, Dick Jones, Marjorie Lord, Jimmy Lydon, Hugh O’Brian, Andrew Prine, and Peggy Stewart are slated to attend. Leonard Maltin, famed film critic and film historian, will moderate one of the movie star speaker panels.
Festivities include screenings of Republic films, serials and trailers, live performances of swing and western music, entertainment by gun spinners, rope twirlers, trick horses, and cowboy poets, and a diverse collection of memorabilia and merchant offerings. In addition, a speakers forum with prominent industry experts and Republic celebrities will discuss a range of topics from creating sci-fi special effects to tales of working at Republic Pictures. A special Republic Pictures stamp cancellation ceremony of the U.S. Postal Service’s Cowboys of the Silver Screen postage stamps will take place and be available for sale.
Founded in 1935 by Herbert J. Yates, Republic Pictures was an independent film production-distribution corporation with studio facilities. Republic exploded into national prominence with its focus in westerns, movie serials and B-films emphasizing mystery and action, the staples of Saturday afternoon matinees. The studio launched the careers of future cowboy icons John Wayne, Gene Autry, Rex Allen, and Roy Rogers, and rocketed serials like The Adventures of Captain Marvel and Commando Cody: Sky Marshal of the Universe into the public imagination throughout its fabled 24-year history. Notable Republic Pictures include Under Western Stars (1938), Flying Tigers (1942), Macbeth (1948), Sands of Iwo Jima (1949), The Red Pony (1949), The Quiet Man (1952), and Johnny Guitar (1954).
PRESS RELEASE
THE EAGLE HAS LANDED…AGAIN REPUBLIC PICTURES’ EAGLE LOGO TO BE A NEW SIGN DISPLAYED AT CBS STUDIO CENTER IN STUDIO CITY, CA
* * *
Republic Pictures Eagle Sign Unveiling Scheduled for Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 10 A.M. at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA
Los Angeles, CA, August 16 – Republic Pictures’ stars such as Eileen Janssen, Anne Jeffreys, Jane Kean, Joan Leslie, Donna Martel, Hugh O’Brian, Ann Rutherford, Peggy Stewart, and Jane Withers unveil the new Republic Pictures eagle sign Wednesday, August 18, 2010 at 10 A.M. at CBS Studio Center (4024 Radford Ave., Studio City, CA 91604) by the Western Walk of Fame.
This commemoration event is the kick-off to a month long Republic Pictures 75th anniversary celebration. The Republic eagle sign will later be displayed on the CBS building facing Carpenter Ave. and Ventura Blvd. The Cultural Affairs Committee of the Studio City Neighborhood Council has partnered with the Museum of the San Fernando Valley (a 501 (c) 3) to present several local events that recognize Republic Pictures contribution to Studio City and the film industry.
CONTACT: Fred Godlash, FGC PR at (818) 505-8366
Press Release: 75th Anniversary Event
Press Release: Eagle Sign Unveiling
Axcess News Article
New York Gossip Gal Article
My Daily Find Article
50 Westerns of the 50's Article
Studio City Neighborhood Council The Museum of the San Fernando Valley CBS Studio Center Studio City Residents Association Batjac Productions, Inc. Gretchen Wayne, President Batjac Productions, Inc. Lisa Cahan-Davis & Lee Davis TRC Entertainment • Rita J. Runyon Elizabeth Gulick Fred Godlash, FGC PR Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Spa Studio City Improvement Association Studio City Chamber of Commerce Save LA River Open Space Sedona Monthly Little Brown Church Lone Pine Film Festival |
First United Methodist Church of N Hollywood Christine From Susan Blau & Ben Di Benedetto Studio City Lifestyle Magazine Sherman Oaks • Studio City • Encino News Rotary Club of Studio City/Sherman Oaks Sportsmen’s Lodge Hotel The A List Limousine Service Hollywood Forever Patch.com Wayne Kartin Family Les Perkins Ron Taylor Lisa Sarkin John Walker Doug Wright |
More Background on RepublicPictures75th.com
RepublicPictures75th.com was a website dedicated to commemorating the 75th anniversary of Republic Pictures, a significant Hollywood studio that played a crucial role in shaping the American film industry during the mid-20th century. While the original website is no longer active, its impact and the events it promoted left a lasting impression on film enthusiasts and historians alike.
The Legacy of Republic Pictures
Republic Pictures, founded in 1935 by Herbert J. Yates, was an independent film production and distribution company that became renowned for its westerns, serials, and B-movies. The studio was instrumental in launching the careers of iconic actors such as John Wayne, Gene Autry, and Roy Rogers. Republic Pictures produced over 1,000 feature films and numerous serials during its 24-year run, contributing significantly to the golden age of Hollywood.
The 75th Anniversary Celebration
In 2010, to mark the 75th anniversary of Republic Pictures' founding, a series of events and commemorations were organized. These celebrations aimed to honor the studio's contributions to cinema and its impact on popular culture. The RepublicPictures75th.com website served as a central hub for information about these events, providing details on screenings, exhibitions, and special appearances by Hollywood veterans associated with the studio.
Key Events and Activities
The anniversary celebration included several noteworthy events:
- Film Screenings: Classic Republic Pictures productions were shown at various venues, allowing new generations to experience these films on the big screen.
- Celebrity Appearances: Stars who had worked with Republic Pictures, including some who were in their twilight years, made special appearances at events, sharing their memories and experiences.
- Memorabilia Exhibitions: Displays of props, costumes, and promotional materials from Republic Pictures' heyday were organized, offering fans a tangible connection to Hollywood history.
- Panel Discussions: Film historians and industry experts participated in talks about Republic Pictures' impact on the film industry and its enduring legacy.
- Special Postal Service Event: A unique stamp cancellation ceremony featuring the U.S. Postal Service's "Cowboys of the Silver Screen" stamps was held, tying in with Republic's famous western productions.
Cultural and Historical Significance
The RepublicPictures75th.com website and the events it promoted held significant cultural and historical value:
- Preserving Film History: By highlighting Republic Pictures' contributions, the celebration helped preserve an important chapter in American cinema history.
- Educational Value: The website and events served as educational resources for film students and enthusiasts, offering insights into the studio system of Hollywood's golden age.
- Nostalgia Factor: For many older Americans, the celebration evoked fond memories of Saturday matinees and the escapism provided by Republic's films during challenging times like the Great Depression and World War II.
- Recognizing Unsung Heroes: The events shed light on lesser-known actors, directors, and technicians who contributed to Republic's success but may have been overlooked in broader film histories.
Media Coverage and Public Reception
The Republic Pictures 75th anniversary celebration garnered attention from various media outlets:
- Film Industry Publications: Magazines like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter covered the events, recognizing the studio's historical importance.
- Local News Coverage: Given that many of the events took place in Southern California, local news stations and newspapers provided extensive coverage, highlighting the studio's connection to the region.
- Film Buff Blogs and Websites: Numerous film enthusiast blogs and websites discussed the celebration, often providing in-depth analyses of Republic Pictures' filmography and impact.
- Social Media Buzz: The events generated significant discussion on social media platforms, with film fans sharing memories and discussing their favorite Republic Pictures productions.
The Website's Design and Functionality
The original RepublicPictures75th.com's design featured:
- Event Calendar: A comprehensive listing of all anniversary-related events, including dates, times, and locations.
- Historical Information: Background on Republic Pictures, its founders, and key productions.
- Photo Galleries: Images from classic Republic films, as well as photos from the anniversary events.
- Video Content: Possibly including trailers from Republic Pictures films or interviews with industry veterans.
- Resource Section: Links to further reading about Republic Pictures and classic Hollywood.
Long-term Impact and Legacy
The RepublicPictures75th.com website and the associated celebrations had several lasting effects:
- Renewed Interest in Classic Films: The events sparked a resurgence of interest in Republic Pictures' catalog, leading to new DVD and Blu-ray releases of classic titles.
- Academic Attention: Film scholars were prompted to revisit Republic Pictures' contributions, resulting in new academic papers and books on the subject.
- Preservation Efforts: The celebration highlighted the need for film preservation, particularly for B-movies and serials that might otherwise be neglected.
- Community Building: The events brought together a community of classic film enthusiasts, fostering ongoing discussions and appreciation for this era of cinema.
Challenges and Criticisms
Despite its success, the RepublicPictures75th.com website and the associated celebrations faced some challenges:
- Limited Audience: Some critics argued that the events primarily appealed to an older demographic, potentially limiting their broader cultural impact.
- Romanticizing the Past: There were concerns that the celebration might gloss over some of the less savory aspects of Hollywood's studio system era.
- Copyright Issues: The use of Republic Pictures' intellectual property for the celebration may have required careful navigation of complex copyright laws.
RepublicPictures75th.com served as a digital monument to a bygone era of Hollywood history. By celebrating Republic Pictures' 75th anniversary, the website and its associated events not only honored the studio's contributions to cinema but also reignited interest in classic Hollywood among new generations of film enthusiasts. While the website itself may no longer be active, its impact continues to resonate through the renewed appreciation for Republic Pictures and the broader legacy of independent studios in shaping American cinema.