Tyrone Power Centennial: May 1, 2014 at the Pickwick Theatre

This May marks the 100^th anniversary of actor Tyrone Power’s birth. Launching a series of commemorative events around the U.S., the Pickwick Theatre in Park Ridge will host a Tyrone Power double feature on May 1, 2014 as part of its year-long classic film series, “The Films of 1939.”

The double feature will include a special guest appearance by Power’s youngest daughter, Taryn Power-Greendeer, who personally chose In Old Chicago (1938) for the first half. Taryn will appear with her daughter, Valentina Sales. Also, theatrical producer Michael Butler, godson of Tyrone Power, will join Taryn on stage during the intermission. Afterward, the theatre will screen Jesse James (1939), the second top-grossing film of 1939 and considered one of the best productions to come out in Hollywood’s legendary “golden year.” “Kicking off the film series by celebrating the films of 1939 seemed like a natural choice,” says film historian and series host Matthew C. Hoffman. “And we knew we wanted Tyrone Power’s centennial to be a big part of that.”         

The double feature is the first of many events commemorating the actor that will be taking place nationwide. A native Midwesterner, Power came from a stage background but went on to become one of the most popular film actors of the ‘30s, ‘40s and ‘50s. He excelled in many genres, including dramas, comedies, and musicals, but is perhaps best known for his roles in swashbucklers like The Mark of Zorro. In 1939, he was one of the biggest box office draws in the country.

Although Tyrone Power is remembered primarily as a movie idol—crowned the king of 20^th Century Fox—he was also highly regarded during his lifetime for his stage work. Nevertheless, at the height of his career, he voluntarily joined the Marines during WWII. He rose to Captain by the time he left active duty and continued to serve in the reserves. He also journeyed around the world on goodwill tours, being greeted by heads of state as well as massive crowds of fans. President Eisenhower acknowledged Tyrone Power’s contributions to the positive image of American values overseas through his film work and travels.

Only 44 when he passed away in 1958, Tyrone Power left three young children, including Power-Greendeer, who pursued an acting career in Hollywood but is now involved with local stage productions. (She is perhaps best known for her role in the Ray Harryhausen film, Sinbad and the Eye of the Tiger and the TV movie, The Count of Monte Cristo with Richard Chamberlain.) In recent years she has, along with her sister Romina and her half-brother Tyrone Power IV, been dedicated to promoting her father’s legacy. She will join Hoffman and the audience in a discussion from the stage prior to the screenings.

In addition to Power-Greendeer’s appearance, the Pickwick Theatre will debut Searching For My Father, Tyrone Power, the intimate and candid biography about Tyrone Power written by his daughter Romina Power. The limited Centennial First Edition copies of the book, published this spring in the United States, will be available only at centennial events.

Organist Jay Warren of the Silent Film Society of Chicago will be performing prelude music between 6:30-7:00 PM in the main theatre.

Tickets are $7 ($5 for seniors 60+). The film presentation begins at 7:00 PM.