1939
Generously sponsored by Union Pacific.
Film Streams is pleased to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of Omaha-based Union Pacific. Experience Cecil B. DeMille’s 1939 epic about the dramatic expansion of the Union Pacific Railroad across the American West. Barbara Stanwyck and Joel McCrea in the film that had its world premiere in Omaha on April 28, 1939, opening simultaneously at the Orpheum, Omaha, and Paramount theatres downtown and drawing a reported 55,000 people. Read more about the film’s premiere and Omaha premiere history here.
“In recognition of the film's epic scale, Paramount gave UNION PACIFIC what was advertised as ‘the biggest premiere in movie history.’ One of the period locomotives was attached to a modern train, which carried DeMille and the film's stars to Omaha, Nebraska, (with publicity stops along the way) for three days of parties and parades, including a mammoth costume ball. The premiere screening was launched by President Franklin Roosevelt pushing a special button in the White House. After that, DeMille and cast members continued the train ride for 15 days until they reached the East Coast.” (Frank Miller, for Turner Classic Movies)
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Film Information
Directed By
Cecil B. DeMille
Starring
Barbara Stanwyck
Joel McCrea
Running Time
135 minutes
Country of Origin
USA
Language
English
Release Year
1939 |